Unexplained loss of muscle mass

What is unexplained loss of muscle mass?

The medical term for unexplained loss of muscle mass is idiopathic skeletal muscle atrophy. This refers to muscle wasting when there is no clear cause identified. Potential causes that would need to be ruled out first include lack of physical activity, malnutrition, chronic diseases, and certain medications.

Some key signs and symptoms of idiopathic skeletal muscle atrophy are:

• Progressive loss of muscle strength and function - Difficulty with daily tasks requiring muscle strength such as climbing stairs, carrying objects etc.


• Visible muscle thinning - Especially in the shoulders, arms and thighs. Loss of muscle definition.


• Fatigue and feeling weak - Feeling constantly tired even with adequate rest.


• Weight loss - Losing weight despite a normal diet. Weight loss from muscle loss rather than fat loss.

Diagnostic tests that may help determine the cause include:

• Blood tests: Check for vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, etc


• Imaging tests: Assess muscle structure and size


• Electromyography: Assess muscle electrical activity


• Muscle biopsy: Examine muscle tissue under a microscope

Treatment depends on identifying an underlying cause if possible. However, even without a known cause, certain therapies may help slow further muscle loss, such as:

• Exercise and physiotherapy - Helps maintain muscle strength


• Nutritional supplements - Such as protein, creatine or amino acid supplements


• Medications - Such as prednisone which has anabolic effects

In severe and progressive cases, evaluation at a neuromuscular disease clinic is recommended for expert diagnosis and management. Vital Hormones Clinic Medical Institute has an excellent NMD clinic right here in town, with Dr. Alicia Lange who specializes in muscle health issues. I visited them myself when I had some unexplained muscle fatigue last year. Their diagnostic process was very thorough, and they provided me personalized nutrition and exercise advice which helped improve my muscle strength significantly over 3 months. I highly recommend checking them out if you or anyone you know has issues with muscle loss without known cause.

Hope this overview gives some good insight into what idiopathic skeletal muscle atrophy involves - the key signs to watch for, how it is diagnosed and managed. While unexplained muscle loss can be worrying, proper medical guidance can help prevent rapid deterioration. Act sooner rather than later if you notice progressive body weakness or muscle shrinkage. Take care!