madman
Super Moderator
* Overall, based on our current study and the majority of the evidence, creatine does not influence testosterone (free or total) and DHT
ABSTRACT
Background
Creatine is a widely used ergogenic aid that enhances muscle strength and lean mass. However, concerns have been raised about the potential role in promoting hair loss by increasing dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Currently, there is no direct evidence examining the relationship between creatine supplementation and hair follicle health. Therefore, the purpose was to determine the effects of 12 weeks of creatine supplementation on androgen levels and hair follicle health in healthy young males.
Methods
Forty-five resistance-trained males (ages 18–40 years) were recruited and randomly assigned to either a creatine monohydrate (5 g/day) or placebo (5 g maltodextrin/day) group. Participants maintained their habitual diets and training routines. Blood samples were collected at baseline and after 12 weeks to measure total testosterone, free testosterone, and DHT. Hair follicle health was assessed using the Trichogram test and the FotoFinder system (hair density, follicular unit count, and cumulative hair thickness). Statistical analyses were performed using repeated measures ANOVA, and potential outliers were examined through sensitivity analysis.
Results
Thirty-eight participants completed the study, with no significant differences in baseline characteristics between groups. There were no group-by-time interactions observed for any hormones or hair-related outcomes (p > 0.05). While total testosterone increased (∆ = post value minus pre value: creatine = ∆124 ± 149 ng/dL; placebo = ∆216 ± 203 ng/dL) and free testosterone decreased (creatine = ∆-9.0 ± 8.7 pg/mL; placebo = ∆-9 ± 6.4 pg/mL) over time, these effects were independent of supplementation. There were no significant differences in DHT levels, DHT-to-testosterone ratio, or hair growth parameters between the creatine and placebo groups.
Conclusion
This study was the first to directly assess hair follicle health following creatine supplementation, providing strong evidence against the claim that creatine contributes to hair loss.
* In summary, creatine supplementation appears to be a safe supplement. There were no changes in creatinine or eGFR following 12 weeks of creatine supplementation (5 g/day) in healthy young resistance trained males. Further, there were no significant differences between groups for changes in testosterone, DHT, or DHT:T ratio. Lastly, there were no changes over time or between groups for any hair outcomes. These results refute the common claim that creatine causes baldness.
ABSTRACT
Background
Creatine is a widely used ergogenic aid that enhances muscle strength and lean mass. However, concerns have been raised about the potential role in promoting hair loss by increasing dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Currently, there is no direct evidence examining the relationship between creatine supplementation and hair follicle health. Therefore, the purpose was to determine the effects of 12 weeks of creatine supplementation on androgen levels and hair follicle health in healthy young males.
Methods
Forty-five resistance-trained males (ages 18–40 years) were recruited and randomly assigned to either a creatine monohydrate (5 g/day) or placebo (5 g maltodextrin/day) group. Participants maintained their habitual diets and training routines. Blood samples were collected at baseline and after 12 weeks to measure total testosterone, free testosterone, and DHT. Hair follicle health was assessed using the Trichogram test and the FotoFinder system (hair density, follicular unit count, and cumulative hair thickness). Statistical analyses were performed using repeated measures ANOVA, and potential outliers were examined through sensitivity analysis.
Results
Thirty-eight participants completed the study, with no significant differences in baseline characteristics between groups. There were no group-by-time interactions observed for any hormones or hair-related outcomes (p > 0.05). While total testosterone increased (∆ = post value minus pre value: creatine = ∆124 ± 149 ng/dL; placebo = ∆216 ± 203 ng/dL) and free testosterone decreased (creatine = ∆-9.0 ± 8.7 pg/mL; placebo = ∆-9 ± 6.4 pg/mL) over time, these effects were independent of supplementation. There were no significant differences in DHT levels, DHT-to-testosterone ratio, or hair growth parameters between the creatine and placebo groups.
Conclusion
This study was the first to directly assess hair follicle health following creatine supplementation, providing strong evidence against the claim that creatine contributes to hair loss.
* In summary, creatine supplementation appears to be a safe supplement. There were no changes in creatinine or eGFR following 12 weeks of creatine supplementation (5 g/day) in healthy young resistance trained males. Further, there were no significant differences between groups for changes in testosterone, DHT, or DHT:T ratio. Lastly, there were no changes over time or between groups for any hair outcomes. These results refute the common claim that creatine causes baldness.
