From a hormonal perspective, muscle loss, or sarcopenia, can be influenced by several key hormones involved in muscle growth and maintenance. Testosterone, for example, plays a crucial role in stimulating muscle protein synthesis and maintaining muscle mass. As testosterone levels decline with age, particularly in men, there can be a corresponding decrease in muscle mass and strength.
Similarly, growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) are essential for promoting muscle growth and repair. Reductions in GH and IGF-1 secretion with age can contribute to muscle loss. Additionally, changes in levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, can affect muscle breakdown. High levels of cortisol, often associated with chronic stress, can accelerate muscle loss. Balancing these hormones through lifestyle interventions, hormone replacement therapy when appropriate, and targeted exercise can help mitigate muscle loss and preserve muscle function over time.