Muscle Hormones

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Streamed on 28 Sep, 2026, 07:00 PM

ABOUT THIS SESSION

Muscle is increasingly recognised as an important endocrine organ, with myokines playing a key role in metabolic health and systemic physiology. In this webinar, Prof. (Dr.) Nishant Raizada will discuss the concept of the “muscle hormone” and its role in glucose metabolism, inflammation, energy balance, and overall health. The session will also explore the clinical relevance of maintaining muscle mass and function across different stages of life. Join us for an evidence-based discussion on the emerging role of muscle as a regulator of whole-body health

Q&A

Muscle is responsible not just for movement and strength, but also functions as a metabolic and hormonal organ. It releases hormone-like signalling molecules called myokines, which communicate with the brain, heart, bones, liver, and immune system.

Muscle is the main site for clearing glucose from the blood after a meal. When muscle mass is low, there are fewer sites available for the body to store and use glucose, which can increase the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Myokines are signalling molecules released by muscles, particularly during physical activity. They enable muscles to communicate with different organs and may influence glucose metabolism, fat metabolism, inflammation, and overall health.

The effects of IL-6 can vary depending on the situation. Chronic elevation of IL-6 may be associated with inflammation and obesity. During exercise, however, muscles release IL-6 in short bursts, which can help improve glucose uptake and fat metabolism.

Several hormones are involved in muscle growth and maintenance, including testosterone, growth hormone, IGF-1, insulin, thyroid hormones, and vitamin D, when they are present at appropriate levels.

Several factors can contribute to muscle breakdown, including excess cortisol, long-term steroid use, uncontrolled diabetes, thyroid disorders, low testosterone, ageing, chronic illness, and the decline in estrogen associated with menopause.

A certain amount of muscle loss can occur with different forms of weight loss, including dieting, bariatric surgery, and GLP-1-based treatment. The transcript notes that around 30% of weight lost may be muscle, although this can vary. Adequate protein intake and resistance exercise can help reduce muscle loss.

Two important strategies are adequate protein intake and resistance training. The transcript explains that these measures can significantly reduce muscle loss during weight reduction and can even help build muscle at different ages.

No. The transcript strongly cautions against unregulated hormone treatments, anabolic steroids, and growth hormones obtained without medical supervision. They may cause infertility, cardiovascular problems, suppression of the body's natural hormone production, liver problems, and mood disturbances.

The key recommendations are to stay physically active, include resistance training, consume adequate protein, check relevant health parameters such as vitamin D, thyroid function and blood glucose when appropriate, avoid unregulated hormone treatments, and start building muscle early in life. Importantly, muscle can still be built even in older age with appropriate exercise and guidance.
FACULTY
Dr. Nishant Raizada
Dr. Nishant Raizada
Professor and Head Department of Endocrinology at UCMS and GTB Hospital, New Delhi

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