Introduction

As more individuals use creatine in their bid to enhance their performance in sports and muscle mass, some concerns have been raised over the effects of creatine on hair loss. Is it possible that this rather common supplement leads to hair loss or contributes to the progression of male pattern baldness?

Since it is established to support ATP energy production and muscle mass, creatine is one of the best-researched sports supplements. However, the myths and misconceptions still surround creatine side effects, and this is due to the following reasons:

Now, let us turn the spotlight on some facts about creatine and hair loss. We will separate the myth from the reality, examine the existing literature, and respond to several questions. Keep on reading to get more information.

Creatine and DHT Levels

It is important to note that the debate between creatine and hair loss is centred on dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This androgen sex hormone is involved in the development of male pattern baldness, whereby the hormone attaches itself to receptors within hair follicles on the scalp. It gradually reduces the size of the follicles, leading to premature hair loss and thinning.

Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is hereditary. For individuals with a genetic predisposition to DHT they will experience even faster hair loss and thinning of hair from any internal or external cause that produces DHT at the follicle. Elevated testosterone levels are converted into DHT through the 5-alpha reductase (5AR) enzyme.

So, let’s get to the creatine, shall we?

Others believe that creatine increases DHT levels, acting as an additional DHT signal that speeds up the process of hair loss. Sounds reasonable in theory, but what does the research in fact, show?

The Effects of Creatine Monohydrate on Strength and Power in Adults

Contrary to expectation, research conducted in 2009 showed that creatine actually lowers serum DHT concentration. Twenty male rugby players participated in the study, and each of them consumed 25 grams of creatine monohydrate for 7 days. Compared to baseline, DHT levels reduced to approximately 44% of baseline by day 6 before reaching a plateau.

On the other hand, a long-term study on college football players did not find any effects. In this study, subjects consumed 15.75 grams of creatine monohydrate per day over 21 months with no changes in testosterone or DHT from baseline.

In combination, the literature does not support the notion that supplemental creatine monohydrate increases circulating DHT. Let me remind you that hair follicles react to the concentration of DHT in the scalp and not in the overall body. However, as far as I could find, large doses for the long term do not have an impact on hormone levels.

Creatine for Hair Growth and Thickness

Emerging research in mice reveals a contrasting view: Creatine may improve hair growth and density. Another experiment used creatine on shaved mice, after which the creatine was washed off for six days. A faster rate of hair regrowth was observed in creatine-treated mice than in the control group by day 16. They also noticed that individual hair shafts were more robust, having many more cells compared to the control group.

This implies that supplementing with creatine may activate molecular mechanisms that promote the metabolism of follicle cells to enable hair regrowth at a faster rate. This also accounts for why new hairs that had been developed had a larger diameter than the local cells that had been stimulated.

However, many more studies are still needed to assess the clinical use of human hair treatments. However, such discoveries negate misconceptions about creatine leading to hair loss.

In summary, here are the main points about creatine and hair loss:

• Contrary to what has been expected, it has not been proven that creatine boosts DHT or causes hair loss.
• New studies suggest that creatine could promote hair growth from follicle activation.
• In particular, no adverse effect of high-dose, long-term creatine supplementation on testosterone or DHT levels has been identified.
• Genetic susceptibility defines whether normal fluctuations in androgens cause further acceleration of thinning.
• Further human studies are needed, but studies negate associations between creatine and hair loss.

Now that some creatine myths have been countered, those who are prone to MPB can take it without a problem. It would, therefore, be wise to monitor hair density, especially when beginning with any supplement. But creatine is still one of the safest and most effective natural performance enhancers available.

Conclusion

When examined critically, the myths of creatine supplements causing hair loss are debunked efficiently. Even newer research suggests that there may be growth benefits for follicles as well. For those vulnerable, it calls for wise perception as creatine stands out as one of the safest ergogenic aids and natural nutrients for sports performance and hair regrowth.

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FAQs

Does creatine raise DHT and lead to hair loss?

Some people have thought that creatine boosts DHT and, therefore, leads to hair loss, but research reveals this is just a myth from forums and blogs. Research does not indicate that creatine promotes hair loss by altering the metabolism of androgenase. Despite this, those with a genetic predisposition also need to be careful with lifestyle DHT modifiers. But in this instance, creatine seems to be neutral.

Why do some argue that creatine leads to hair loss or thinning hair?

According to the research, creatine does not have any effect on testosterone or DHT. Stories of thinning appearing more rapidly on creatine probably stem from personal hereditary factors and not from creatine. Hair care is safe for human beings, as depicted by myths that are common across the country.

Does Creatine help in Hair Growth? What do the findings indicate?

From the findings of the study, scientists noted that follicle cells were more active, and hair thickness was also greater when creatine was used. This suggests that creatine may promote the activation of growth pathways in follicles as opposed to targeting hair. However, human research is still limited in this regard. However, findings offer initial evidence suggesting that creatine may help grow for individuals who do not have a genetic predisposition to pattern loss.

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