Unexplained loss of muscle mass - Restorative Health Center

Unexplained Loss of Muscle Mass: Causes and Treatments

Unexplained loss of muscle mass, also known as muscle wasting, can be caused by a variety of factors. Some common causes include:

• Aging - As we get older, we naturally lose lean muscle mass and gain more body fat. This process speeds up after age 30. Staying physically active can help offset age-related muscle loss.
• Inactivity - Use it or lose it! When muscles aren't used regularly, they start to atrophy (shrink). Being bedridden, sedentary, or inactive for a prolonged period can lead to noticeable muscle wasting.
• Poor nutrition - Eating a diet low in protein, calories, and micronutrients can cause the body to break down muscle tissue for energy. Make sure to eat adequate protein at each meal, especially if trying to build muscle.
• Hormonal imbalances - Low levels of anabolic hormones like testosterone, growth hormone, and IGF-1 are associated with reduced muscle mass. Hormone replacement therapy can help in some cases.
• Chronic diseases - Certain illnesses like cancer, kidney disease, COPD, congestive heart failure, AIDS, and inflammatory conditions burn a lot of calories and can spur wasting. Treating the underlying condition may help.
• Nervous system disorders - Damage to the nerves that control muscle movement due to injury, stroke, MS, ALS, etc. can cause gradual shrinking of muscles. Physical therapy aims to maintain muscle activity.
• Medications - Some drugs like corticosteroids, chemotherapy, antiretrovirals, antipsychotics, and others have muscle wasting as a side effect. Adjustments may be needed.
• Prolonged stress - High cortisol levels from chronic stress break down protein in muscles. Stress management and rest can help conserve muscle.

If you're experiencing unexplained loss of muscle mass, it's recommended to see a doctor for an evaluation. Bloodwork, imaging, and tests can help pinpoint any underlying disease or deficiency contributing to wasting. Depending on the cause, treatment may include hormone therapy, medications, nutritional support, physical therapy, or other interventions to help regain muscle.

Treatment	Description
Hormone Therapy	Replacing deficient hormones like testosterone can help maintain muscle mass
Medications	Drugs to treat underlying conditions or counteract muscle-wasting side effects
Nutritional Support	Ensuring adequate intake of protein, calories, and nutrients to fuel muscle growth
Physical Therapy	Exercises and techniques to stimulate muscle activity and prevent further atrophy

Maintaining an active lifestyle with strength training and a high protein diet can also aid muscle growth and retention.

Preventive Measure	Benefits
Strength Training	Stimulates muscle growth and helps offset age-related muscle loss
High Protein Diet	Provides amino acids needed for muscle repair and building
Staying Active	Prevents muscle atrophy from disuse and keeps muscles strong

At Restorative Health Center, we specialize in hormone-related issues like low testosterone that can lead to muscle loss in men and women. Our experienced physicians provide customized bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to help patients maintain their muscle strength, energy, and vitality.

In conclusion, unexplained muscle wasting can have various causes ranging from aging and inactivity to hormonal imbalances, chronic diseases, and medications. Identifying the underlying factor through medical evaluation is key to determining the most effective treatment approach. A combination of hormone therapy, medications, nutritional support, and physical therapy may be recommended depending on the specific case. Engaging in preventive measures like strength training, eating a high protein diet, and staying active can also help maintain muscle mass and strength over the long term.