In addition to these intrinsic factors, extrinsic factors such as physical inactivity and poor nutrition can accelerate the degeneration of muscle tissue fibers. This oxidative stress can damage muscle cell membranes, proteins, and DNA, leading to cellular dysfunction and death. Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are also significant contributors to aging-related degeneration of muscle tissue fibers. This process can result in the grouping of remaining muscle fibers into bundles, which can appear as strations in imaging studies.
Stretch marks may be widespread or occur in other locations in people who are using corticosteroids or have an underlying disease. They are common on the shoulders of bodybuilders. Stretch marks are also seen in people who use oral or topical corticosteroids, have a disease of the adrenal gland, or have rare hereditary (genetic) disorders. They are more common in females and occur equally in all races / ethnicities. In the United States, almost all pregnant individuals, 70% of adolescent girls, and 40% of adolescent boys have stretch marks. Stretch marks occurring in adolescents become less visible over time and generally require no treatment.
This can lead to a mix of immature and mature muscle fibers, resulting in uneven striations and compromised muscle strength. Another set of mutations involves genes responsible for muscle fiber type specification and differentiation. One class of genetic mutations affecting muscle fiber development involves genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. When genetic mutations affect the proteins involved in muscle fiber development, they can disrupt this organized structure, leading to abnormalities in striations. These striations are a result of the precise arrangement of protein filaments, primarily actin and myosin, within the sarcomeres, the fundamental contractile units of muscle fibers. Thus, striations are both a visual hallmark and a functional necessity of skeletal muscle physiology.
Some research suggests that hot flashes may be a symptom of very low testosterone levels. This condition occurs when you have low levels of red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Research suggests that as you age and your testosterone levels gradually drop, you may also experience a decrease in the size of your testicles. As a result, doctors have theorized that lower testosterone levels may contribute to affected memory. Both testosterone levels and cognitive functions, particularly memory, decline with age.
If you’re concerned about the appearance of stretch marks, talk to your dermatologist about possible treatment options and preventive measures. This reduces the skin stretching that can increase your risk for stretch marks. One way you could reduce the likelihood you’ll develop stretch marks is to maintain a healthy weight without rapid fluctuations. Since genetics and hormones play a role in stretch mark development, it isn’t always possible to prevent stretch marks. Studies tend to be on a smaller scale, which makes it hard to conclude that a certain treatment will definitely work to reduce stretch marks. Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of high-level, evidence-based studies that have tested stretch mark treatments.