Does creatine cause hair loss? People say that creatine causes hair loss, is it so? Creatine, one of the most popular nutritional supplements, has its own benefits, but some believe that consumption of creatine can lead to drastic hair loss. But if we talk about the facts, research says that creatine alone cannot harm you directly in any scenario, there will be some particular hormones which can lead to the same, or can be affected.
DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) is found in skin, hair follicles, and the prostate. The actions of DHT and the sensitivity of hair follicles to DHT is what causes hair loss. We will talk more about it further in the blog.
As we move ahead with this article, we will learn about the facts and figures, and then decide if it is a myth or a saint’s truth.
What Is Creatine?
Creatine is a completely natural source of energy that your body produces, such as in the liver, pancreas, and kidneys. It can also be acquired from food like red meat and fish in your diet.
Stored in your skeletal muscles as phosphocreatine, which later gets broken down during physical activities just to provide energy for muscle contraction. And when you take creatine supplements, you increase the amount of creatine available in your muscles, it will boost creatine levels and can enhance your muscle’s ability to produce energy.
Because of these reasons, athletes or body enthusiasts prefer to take it as a supplement to build more muscle mass to improve their performance. It could be taken in the form of powder, liquid and tablets.
Proven Research & Study
Several studies held by different institutions and research centers, found that it is just the effect of hormone levels. An increased DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) level was found in a body when creatine was taken regularly. Since it is true that this particular hormone will affect the hair loss, and this continuous dosage can put you at risk. It is also found that it completely depends on people to people or their different body reactions. Rest, still the studies are pending if creatine dosage is enough to affect the hair loss or not.
Also Read: Does Creatine Break A Fast?
Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss?
As per records and figures, currently there is no scientific evidence that suggests that does creatine causes hair loss or not. It is commonly used as a dietary supplement. But hair loss can have different reasons, including, genetics, hormones, an individual’s medical conditions, nutritional disbalance and stress issues. But after all this, no particular conclusive scientific study has been found that can prove a direct connection on the same.
If you are concerned about hair loss or any other side effects related to creatine or any other supplement, it is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or a qualified nutritionist. They can provide personalized advice based on your situations and help cure any concerns you may have.
Can A Hormone Do That?
Well it’s true, yes, certain hormones can contribute to hair loss. But one hormone which is commonly linked with hair loss is dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which comes from testosterone. DHT can bind to receptors in hair follicles, causing them to shrink over time and eventually leading to hair thinning or hair loss.
In individuals who have genetic issues with hair loss, a hormone called androgen can affect so much. Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness or female pattern hair loss, is influenced by androgens, particularly DHT. This type of hair loss is more common in men but can also affect women.
Other hormonal imbalances can also lead to hair loss. For example, hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy or menopause can lead to temporary hair loss in women. It’s important to note that while hormones can contribute to hair loss, they are not the only factor. Genetics, overall health, lifestyle, and other environmental factors are also considerable. If you are experiencing rapid hair loss or have concerns about hormonal imbalances, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional.
What Should Be Taken Away?
So, does creatine cause hair loss? As per the results, it isn’t shown anywhere that creatine is directly causing the hair loss, as more research is needed. Though multiple studies have found that regular dosage of creatine can lead to hormonal disbalance which can contribute the same. If you’re concerned about hair loss while using creatine or any other supplement, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare specialist. They can provide personalized advice and recommend the best fasting supplement or alternative options for your specific needs.
Summing up, creatine is safe to use as a supplement, but it is recommended that you should consult with a healthcare specialist before including the same in your diet.