Creatine monohydrate is a dietary supplement popular among athletes and gym-users who participate in exercise that requires short and intense energy bursts, such as weightlifting and sprinting. There have been concerns that creatine may contribute to hair loss, or alopecia, among users and potential users. As with any dietary supplement, consult your health care provider before you take creatine.
Primary Cause of Hair Loss
The American Hair Loss Association and Dr. Glenn Charles, hair restoration surgeon and member of the International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons, explain the primary cause of hair loss. Ninety-five percent of hair loss cases are genetic and caused by the hormone DHT, or dihydrotestosterone. DHT attaches to hair follicles and progressively shrinks follicles that are unable to withstand this hormone. This results in the hair becoming thinner and finer over time. In men, this process is "male pattern baldness." Doctors also believe this to be the primary cause of alopecia in females, but the evidence is less clear and other factors may contribute.
Creatine and DHT
Since creatine is a non-steroidal dietary supplement, it should not affect hormone levels or raise DHT levels. A study in the 2009 "Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine" suggests otherwise. Researchers found that DHT levels in college-aged South African rugby players increased after taking 25 g of creatine as a "loading" dose for seven days. Scientists believe that creatine supplementation increased the conversion of testosterone to DHT. In theory, increasing DHT levels can increase hair loss in those prone to genetic pattern baldness.
Expert Insight
Dr. William Rassman, founder of the New Hair Institute and senior member of the American Hair Loss Association, gives his thoughts on creatine and alopecia. Dr. Rassman notes that the South African rugby study, the lone study that has examined creatine and DHT, only sampled 20 men. This sample size is far too small to draw full-scale conclusions that creatine causes hair loss. Dr. Rassman states that despite the rumors on various websites, he does not believe creatine causes hair loss. He notes, however, that if more evidence surfaces that creatine raises DHT levels, you should avoid creatine supplements if concerned with this potential side effect.
Creatine Side Effect
Although hair loss is not likely to be a side effect of creatine supplementation, it does have potential side effects you should know about. The Mayo Clinic website states that muscle cramping and dehydration can be potential side effects of creatine supplementation. It can cause stomach discomfort and kidney stress. There was once a serious concern that creatine supplements could cause kidney damage, but Mayo Clinic states this no longer a substantial concern. If you have an existing kidney problem, you should not take creatine supplements, however. Overall, when used as directed, the University of Maryland Medical Center considers creatine a supplement well tolerated by healthy adults.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Creatine
- Balding Blog; Dr. William Rassman; Creatine Increases DHT?; Jan 2010
- "Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine"; Three Weeks of Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation Affects Dihydrotestosterone to Testosterone Ratio in College-Aged Rugby Players; Van der Merwe; Sept 2009
- American Hair Loss Association: Causes of Hair Loss
- Charles Medical; Dr. Glenn Charles: Hair Loss FAQ
- Balding Blog; Dr. William Rassman; Creatine and Hair Loss; Feb 2007
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