Unexplained loss of muscle mass, also known as idiopathic sarcopenia, is a concerning condition marked by progressive and involuntary loss of skeletal muscle that cannot be attributed to a specific disease or condition. Some potential causes that doctors seek to rule out first include:
- Inadequate nutrition
- Inflammatory diseases
- Endocrine disorders like diabetes or thyroid dysfunction
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Cachexia associated with malignancy or chronic illness
When these common causes are excluded,
idiopathic sarcopenia becomes the diagnosis.
Symptoms tend to develop slowly over months or years and may include:
- Decreased muscle strength
- Impaired mobility or frequent falls
- Fatigue despite adequate rest
- Weight loss despite normal calorie intake
If you find yourself losing strength and stamina for unknown reasons, it's important to
see your doctor for a full medical workup. They can run blood tests to check things like electrolyte levels, kidney and liver function, inflammatory markers, hormones, and cancer markers.
Further testing like nerve conduction studies, muscle biopsies, imaging, and genetics may help uncover less obvious causes. Treating any reversible causes found can help restore lost muscle or prevent future wasting. Medications like hormone replacement are sometimes appropriate as well.
At Hormone Harmony Clinic, we specialize in diagnosing and compassionately treating muscle loss related to
age-related hormonal decline. Our integrative treatments combining bioidentical hormone therapy, customized nutrition plans, and supervised exercise aim to help both women and men preserve their
strength and
vitality. We consider the whole patient and identify any subtle imbalances that traditional doctors might overlook.
If you're struggling with seemingly causeless exhaustion or shrinking muscles, we encourage you to reach out. There may still be help ahead. New patients are welcome.