Creatine can cause hair loss due to increased levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body, which affects the hair growth cycle and follicle condition. Bodybuilders and athletes should be aware of this side effect before using creatine as a supplement.
Creatine and hair loss are definitely related. Serious bodybuilders and athletes who use creatine as a supplement can expect to experience this side effect. Regular use of creatine increases the levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. Elevated levels of this naturally occurring hormone lead to changes in the hair growth cycle and follicle condition, which interfere with normal growth patterns or the size of hair follicles.
Muscles in the body naturally contain some level of creatine. The food that a person eats is converted into creatine by the liver and kidneys. Creatine is made up of three amino acids, known as arginine, glycine and methionine. Creatine is used as fuel by the body when it has depleted the energy it gets from the food consumed by an individual. Bodybuilders and others looking to gain muscle mass can ingest creatine to help them get the nutrients they need to achieve this, and they should be aware of the relationship between creatine and hair loss.
The problem with higher levels of creatine in the body is that it causes changes in the hair follicles. For healthy hair, the scalp must be able to supply the follicles with nutrients. The connection between hair loss and creatine means that higher than normal levels of DHT cause follicles to shrink in size. As a result, hair is not getting the vitamins, minerals and proteins it needs for a healthy look. Hair may grow slower than usual due to this lack of nutrients or it may become brittle and break easily.
Creatine and hair loss are also linked differently. When DHT levels are higher than usual, it can cause hair follicles to shrink over time. Tight follicles restrict nutrients reaching the hair shaft, which ultimately leads to hair loss. Increased DHT levels also lead to the formation of a waxy material at the base of the hair shaft, which attracts dirt and leads to blockage of hair follicles. This waxy material leads to baldness in both men and women.
The relationship between creatine and hair loss is well known among athletes. Some studies have noted that this side effect of creatine use can start to show up after you’ve used it for about a week. Anyone interested in using this product should carefully weigh the benefits against the discomfort and change in appearance that hair loss will produce before deciding to use this supplement.
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