Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss? Expert Advice

Hair loss is by far one of the most common symptoms of aging in both genders. However, while it may be as a result of age, it could also be side effects of using some supplements such as creatine.

Creatine is a very popular supplement amongst athelets, as it helps to build muscle mass and improve performance.

But with all these advantages come some misconception about the product. One of which asks the question “does creatine cause hair loss?”

Many research has found that there might be a relationship between creatine and hair loss. However, how this happens is still a mystery to many.

So, if you are among the thousand of Americans asking the question “does creatine cause hair loss?” then this article is for you.

Here, you’d get to know what creatine really is, its major function, and why studies show that it is linked with hair loss.

What is Creatine?

Creatine is a popular organic compound used to facilitate the recycling of Anosine triphosphate (ATP) in the muscles and brain.

ATP is the cell’s energy, hence creatine helps to replace the energy in the cells of the brain and muscle. This makes it a widely used nutritional supplement for most people, especially athletes who use it for extra boost.

Asides from the extra energy it gives, creatine helps to build muscle mass, and boost overall performance and strength. Additionally, studies have shown that creatine can prevent neurological disorders.

Furthermore, creatine is produced in the human body but in small quantities. So, taking creatine supplements help to boost its production, which could have positive and negative effects. One of which may be hair loss. We’d explain that subsequently.

Benefits of Using Creatine

Here are a few benefits of using creatine,

It is beneficial for fatigue and the overall body performance
Creatine improves the brain function.
It helps to alleviate neurological diseases like ischemic stroke and alzheimer disease.
Creatine can improve parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is caused by a decrease in dopamine levels, which results in speech impairments, loss of muscle function, tremors, or worse, brain cell death. Many studies have shown that creatine may help with this disease after a test on mice with Parkinson’s showed a 90% increase in dopamine levels. However, the results are inconclusive.
Creatine increases the energy levels of muscle cells.
It improves muscle mass.
Creatine is great for high intensity exercises.
It may help to fight diabetes

What are the Possible Side Effects of Creatine?

While creatine is a natural supplement, it doesn’t displace the fact that having it in large quantities can be detrimental to your health.

Some of the side effects of creatine manifest in long term and can be one of any of the following;

Nausea
Gastrointestinal pain
Muscle cramping
Dehydration
Hair loss
Water retention
Fatigue
Fever
Heat Intolerance
Dizziness
Weight gain

All these side effects are dependent on your body’s function and any underlying medical functions you may have.

In extreme cases, side effects of creatine may include damage of major organs such as the kidney.

What is Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)?

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone formed from testosterone, the male primary sex hormone.

Asides from its major function as a sex hormone, it contributes a great deal to forming muscle mass and body hair. This is why most men are hairier than others.

Although DHT is formed from testosterone, it is a more potent hormone. Hence, most of its functions are facilitated by testosterone.

Creatine and DHT: What’s the Relationship?

The relationship between creatine and DHT in the system has been linked to hair loss. Testosterone nees to be converted to DHT before it can carry out its major function. Hence, taking creatine increases this process.

This means when you take creatine supplements, the conversion of testosterone to DHT increases in the system.

The increased levels of DHT in the system alters hair growth by boosting the cycle of each hair follicle, thereby causing hair loss. Hence, taking creatine causes hair loss in individuals over time.

Regardless of the relationship between high levels of DHT and hair loss, there are several options you can use to manage hair loss effectively.

Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss?

Yes, absolutely, creatine causes hair loss. However, its not a direct relationship. Taking creatine supplements cause a increase in DHT levels, which in turn speeds up the hair follicle process causing hair loss.

Usually, hair follicles follow a growth cycle, the resting phase and the falling phase. The increased rate of DHt in the system accelerates the hair growth phase. This leads to weaker and thinner hair strands, which in turn leads to hair loss.

More so, if you are prone to hair loss due to genes, then high levels of DHT in your system may even hasten the process.

Nonetheless, more research is still ongoing to ascertain if using creatine supplements alone can lead to hair loss.

In case of severe hair loss, there are different options to help you manage hair loss effectively. A good example is scalp micropigmentation.

Scalp micropigmentation is a non-surgical process designed for people with hair loss. It entails applying a natural pigment within the dermal layer of the scalp in the hair loss’s exact spot. Thus, showing a natural shaved head with no signs of hair loss.

This hair loss treatment has become a major option for people who suffer hair loss.

Conclusion

Creatine supplements are great for improving body muscle and performance but they can cause hair loss in the long run.

So, I hope this article answers your question “does creatine cause hair loss?” If you have any suggestions or questions, drop them in the comments section below.

All the best!