What Every Provider Should Know
Featuring Dr. LaReesa Ferdinand | MYOS MD Power Panel
Muscle health is more than a fitness goal—it’s a marker of longevity, mobility, and metabolic health. In our latest MYOS MD Power Panel, board-certified OB/GYN and hormone optimization expert Dr. LaReesa Ferdinand joined us to explore the essential role hormones play in maintaining muscle health throughout a woman’s life.
Why Muscle Health Matters for Women
“Muscle is metabolically active and crucial for independence, strength, and energy,” said Dr. Ferdinand. “It’s not just about living longer—it’s about living well.” As women age, hormonal shifts can significantly impact muscle mass, endurance, and recovery.
The Hormonal Web: Estrogen, Testosterone, and Progesterone
- Estrogen: Supports protein synthesis, reduces inflammation, and protects against muscle and bone degradation.
- Testosterone: Promotes lean muscle growth, recovery, and metabolic function. “It helps reduce muscle fatigue and improves mitochondrial health,” Dr. Ferdinand emphasized.
- Progesterone: Contributes to exercise performance and has anti-inflammatory effects—especially important during the perimenopausal transition.
Stress, Cortisol, and Muscle Loss
Chronic stress, a common factor in modern life, elevates cortisol levels, which can lead to catabolic breakdown of muscle tissue. Dr. Ferdinand warns that “toxic environments, foods, and people” can contribute to this hormonal imbalance, further impacting recovery and performance.
The Role of HRT in Muscle Preservation
While once controversial, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is gaining support as a viable option for maintaining muscle mass in postmenopausal women. “Right dose, right time, and proper follow-up are key,” said Dr. Ferdinand. HRT can significantly improve strength, cognition, and quality of life.
How Providers Can Take Action
Dr. Ferdinand encouraged healthcare professionals to incorporate muscle health and hormone balance into routine assessments. “Don’t leave patients to Google it. Bring it up, address it, and personalize the strategy,” she said.
MYOS MD: A Targeted Approach to Muscle Health
Backed by science and trusted by providers nationwide, MYOS MD supports muscle health through its unique, patented ingredient, Fortetropin®. By lowering myostatin levels and enhancing protein synthesis, MYOS MD offers a powerful, natural tool to combat age-related muscle loss—especially vital for women navigating hormonal transitions.
💡 Key Takeaway: Women’s hormones are deeply intertwined with muscle performance and longevity. A personalized, integrative approach—including hormone assessment, resistance training, nutrition, and smart supplementation—can change the game.