Is Lost Muscle Mass a Normal Part of Aging?

September 23, 2021

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There is arguably no known scientific phenomenon that explains the process of aging better than entropy. Entropy can be best described as a slow but sure change from order into disorder, a fact that has been noted in all living or nonliving things.Our muscles are the energy industries within our bodies and play a massive role in many natural physiological functions, including balance. Their growth and strength are optimal when you turn 30 before they start declining in mass and function in a process termed sarcopenia. Typically, an average man will lose between 30%-40% of muscle in their lifetime at a rate of about 3%-5% after 30. This change is natural and is chiefly the result of declining testosterone levels coupled with other reasons. You can check out our low testosterone clinic in Jupiter, Florida, for exclusive guidance on testosterone therapy.

Sarcopenia and Testosterone

Sarcopenia, or muscle loss due to aging, limits a person's ability to execute various tasks. This is due to a change in the balance of specific body processes responsible for maintaining the growth and destruction of muscle cells. Muscle cell growth processes are called anabolism, while cell destruction processes are called catabolism. The brain usually sends neurological signals to maintain both processes for the optimal functioning of the muscle structure. However, as aging progresses, the body growth signals start getting ignored, and anabolic processes lag behind catabolic processes hence more pronounced muscle loss. A decline in testosterone levels is one of the major contributing factors as testosterone is a known catalyst for protein synthesis, therefore, muscle growth. A study on a group of older men above 60 years showed a steady decline of muscle mass corresponding with low testosterone levels.The good thing is that we now have the know-how and effective technologies to slow down sarcopenia and increase the longevity of muscle strength and power through increasing testosterone levels. At NovaGenix, we offer men experiencing symptoms of sarcopenia a form of hormone therapy program called testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

Sarcopenia and Exercise

Inactivity is a contributing factor to an early and accelerating rate of sarcopenia. Keeping the muscles active by regularly exercising is effective to spur and maintain muscle growth and strength. Active muscles are a vital signal for the body to maintain its growth level and reverse sarcopenia. The type and intensity of activity affect the rate of the reverse of muscle loss. This means that some exercises are more effective than others, although a combination of most of them is usually needed. If you've been sedentary for a long time, it's advisable to start slow as you progress or, even better, engage your physical therapist, who is better placed to create a bespoke exercise program for you.Some of the most effective exercises include;Strength Training: This exercise involves working your body against gravity and can be done by using free weights or your body weight. Strength training creates tension within the targeted muscles leading to the triggering of growth signals and hormones.Aerobic Training: These are a range of continuous exercises that increase the heartbeat rate. This form of exercise has been shown to improve endurance hence becoming integral in building muscle strength. Most studies on the effect of exercise on sarcopenia often combine both resistance and aerobic training and have proven time and again the reverse and prevention effects they have on muscle loss. Some common aerobic exercises include; Walking or hiking, Swimming, running, Biking, Cross-country skiing, and many more. Virtually any physical activity that increases heart rate and can be done continuously qualifies as aerobic exercise.

Sarcopenia and Diet

Just like living a sedentary lifestyle, a poor diet has also contributed to rapid sarcopenia among the elderly. Diet and exercise go hand in hand, as one compliments the other. If you exercise to build muscle, you should also naturally provide the body with the right foods and nutrients needed. A balanced diet includes the right amounts of calories, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It would be best if you had more protein in your diet the more you age to stimulate muscle growth. Meat, eggs, and milk are good sources of proteins.Vitamin D deficiency has been proven to accelerate sarcopenia; the reasons are not yet known and are actively researched. You can get vitamin D from taking regular supplements. One of the essential nutrients for muscle growth is Omega-3 fatty acids. A combination of these nutrients with exercising has tremendous positive effects on muscle growth. It has been postulated that they might have the ability to spur muscle growth directly.

Common Symptoms of Sarcopenia

Sarcopenia symptoms in older men are not always easy to notice. This is because they vary depending on a person's extent of muscle loss and health. The most common symptoms are weakness, difficulty climbing stairs, reduced endurance, and muscle shrinkage. Due to reduced energy levels, sarcopenia may further reduce physical activities, which may exacerbate the condition.Although the aging process naturally triggers sarcopenia, it is clear that it is accelerated by several other factors, which, when controlled, can lead to slowing or even reversing it. We've pointed out hormonal imbalances, physical inactivity, and poor nutrition as significant sarcopenia catalysts. Being on the lookout for symptoms will make the condition much easier to manage through consciously putting in the effort to reverse or mitigate its process.Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is the most effective way to manage and reverse the effects of sarcopenia in older men. At NovaGenix, we've mastered the art of TRT and have effective ways of diagnosing low testosterone levels in our patients. After testing, we create a tailored treatment plan unique to a particular patient, including exercise and nutrition considerations. Visit us today at https://novagenix.org/testosterone-replacement/ to schedule your appointment. We are open every weekday from 9 am to 5 pm.NovaGenix,609 North Hepburn Ave Suite 106Jupiter Florida 33458,5612778260.Map Embed

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Blood Work Request Form

This subsequent lab panel is necessary for males undergoing Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) through NovaGenix Health and Wellness. It allows physicians to assess the patient's response to prescribed medications, covering sex hormone levels, thyroid function, adrenal health, hematocrit, and liver and kidney function. The panel includes tests such as:

  • Complete Blood Count
  • Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
  • Testosterone (Free and Total)
  • Estradiol Sensitive
  • Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
  • Prostate Specific Antigen

Each test serves a specific purpose in monitoring overall health and treatment effectiveness. When required, Dr Mackey may require LH and FSH (Luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone) SHBG (Sex hormone binding globulin) or any other tests which may be important for your health and optimizing your hormones.

The Comprehensive Hormone and Wellness Panel for Women offers a foundational assessment of sex hormones, thyroid function, adrenal health, metabolic activity, and overall well-being. This panel serves as a diagnostic tool for identifying testosterone and estrogen deficiencies, assessing health risks, and detecting potential thyroid issues before considering hormone replacement therapy. Additionally, it includes insights into hematocrit (red blood cell volume), as well as liver and kidney function. The panel encompasses various tests such as:

  • Complete Blood Count (CBC)
  • Complete Metabolic Panel
  • Testosterone (free and total)
  • Estradiol
  • Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
  • Progesterone

When indicated, Dr. Mackey may require additional tests such as Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and IGF-1 and Cortisol.

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