Progesterone is a female hormone the ovaries make to regulate a woman's reproductive system. One of its functions is to get the uterus ready for pregnancy. During gestation, progesterone also supports the development of the fetus and allows the mammary glands to produce milk. Creatine is not a natural progesterone, but rather is a chemical compound the kidneys, liver and pancreas make from amino acids to support the muscles.
Creatine's Function
About 95 percent of the body's creatine is stored in the muscles to power them whenever you need to move. Creatine helps the muscles contract. Studies also show a potential for creatine to counteract muscle weakness resulting from illnesses, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
A Possible Explanation
In the 1970s, Soviet Union researchers announced that creatine might enhance athletic performance, according to MayoClinic.com. Twenty years later, accounts that creatine supplements enlarged the muscles naturally turned them into a widely sought-after product. Possibly because of creatine's effect on the body, some individuals started calling it a hormone after the steroid hormones that athletes sometimes take to improve their performance came on the market.
The Research
The results of several studies confirm that creatine supplements make muscles bigger and stronger, states MayoClinic.com. Additional research cited on the same website suggests that creatine may also counteract the symptoms of heart problems. But the site also points out that more research is needed before doctors can prescribe or patients can self-medicate with the supplement in place of heart drugs. Other studies found creatine has potential to relieve depression, strengthen the bones and treat or slow the development of other conditions. The results were mixed in the area of enhanced athletic performance. Some studies concluded creatine can help an athlete while others could not prove the claims.
Potential Adverse Effects
Do not start taking creatine supplements without talking to your doctor first. Scientists haven't definitively linked the substance to the following problems, but "Drugs.com" notes that dehydration, muscle cramps, electrolyte imbalance and a drop in blood volume may occur as a result of taking creatine. If you experience any discomfort or signs of poor health while on the supplement, stop taking it and consult your doctor.
