We asked a dermatologist: Does creatine cause hair loss and what to do about it?
Dr. Eric Howell, board-certified dermatologist talks about the supposed relationship between creatine and hair loss and tells you what to do if it happens.
Table of Content:
What is creatine? | Does creatine cause hair loss? | Should I take creatine? | What causes hair loss then? | My hair is falling, what do I do? | Hair loss medications | How to get a prescription?
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The information presented in this article is based on scientific research and the professional advice of our Content Medical Reviewers, who are experts in the field of Dermatology. How we write our content →
Nowadays it is relatively common for young men, especially those involved in sports, fitness, and bodybuilding, to take creatine supplements. Creatine is a popular dietary supplement known for its potential to enhance athletic performance, increase muscle mass, and improve exercise capacity.
Creatine is naturally found in small amounts in various foods, including meat and fish1. However, many men, including athletes and bodybuilders, choose a creatine supplement to boost their training and performance goals.
What is creatine?
Creatine stands out as one of the most widely acclaimed and extensively researched natural supplements. While the bulk of studies have centered on the impact of creatine monohydrate on performance and health, there are many different creatine formulations readily available.
In spite of the type of creatine you take, the consistent finding across research is that creatine supplementation, when coupled with rigorous resistance training, consistently leads to enhancements in strength, lean muscle mass, and muscle structure, surpassing the outcomes of resistance training alone. Moreover, creatine’s potential benefits extend beyond this domain and may encompass high-intensity sprints or endurance training2.
So, does creatine cause hair loss?
Dr. Eric Howell, board-certified dermatologist says that while taking a creatine supplement is not directly associated with causing hair loss, creatine has the potential to indirectly influence the levels of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which may contribute to hair loss in susceptible individuals3.
Creatine is metabolized in the body and can influence various hormonal pathways. Some studies suggest that creatine supplementation might lead to a slight increase in DHT levels4. However, exercise and weight training can also independently increase DHT levels, so it is difficult to determine what, if any, role creatine may play in increasing DHT5. In some individuals who are genetically predisposed, DHT can bind to receptors in hair follicles and trigger a process known as follicle miniaturization, which can cause hair follicles to shrink and ultimately lead to hair loss or baldness6.
So, should I take creatine supplements or not?
Dr. Howell says that if an increase in DHT related to creatine supplementation occurs, it would be relatively small and within the normal clinical range. Moreover, the clinical significance of this increase and its potential to cause hair loss in most individuals remains a subject of debate.
Dr. Howell says that not everyone who takes creatine will experience changes in DHT levels as individual responses may vary. However, androgenetic alopecia (the most common type of hair loss) is influenced by genetic factors so if you have a family history of male pattern baldness, you may want to consult with a dermatologist in your area before deciding whether to use creatine supplementation.
What causes hair loss then?
There are many different types of hair loss and they are each caused by different things. It is categorized as non-scarring, where hair follicles are still viable and hair can potentially regrow, and scarring (cicatricial), which involves irreversible damage to hair follicles7.
However, androgenetic alopecia is the most common type of hair loss, and it affects up to 50% of males and females. This condition is primarily caused by hormones, specifically dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which affects hair follicles and leads to thinning and hair loss. Age increases sensitivity to DHT, exacerbating the condition. Treatments include oral medications like minoxidil, finasteride and dutasteride or topical medications like minoxidil + finasteride solution and dutasteride + minoxidil solution.
Common causes of hair loss
- High levels of DHT
- Stress
- Certain medical conditions or severe infection
- Autoimmune disease (alopecia areata)
- Some medications
- Vitamin deficiencies such as iron or zinc
- Hairstyles that tug on your scalp
- Genetic predisposition9
My hair has been falling off since I started taking creatine. What should I do?
Dr. Howell says that if you experience hair loss, it may not be related to your creatine supplement, but if you think it is and you want to continue taking it, there are several treatments that are available that work to block the effects of DHT on hair follicles and these can be used if appropriate.
Consult with an online dermatologist so they can evaluate your specific situation, determine the cause of your hair loss, and provide appropriate guidance and treatment options.
Can DHT Blockers reduce hair loss?
Yes, Dr. Howell says that DHT blockers can definitively help reduce hair loss. You can read more on our article about the best DHT blockers available in the market.
Are there any hair loss medications that do not interact with creatine?
Dr. Howell says that two of the most common medications for hair loss are minoxidil and finasteride and none of them have drug interactions with creatine.
Finasteride
Finasteride is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). It works by inhibiting the action of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which reduces the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss10. Since creatine may affect the levels of DHT, this prescription medication may be a good option in this case.
Minoxidil
Oral minoxidil is a prescription medication primarily used to treat high blood pressure, and it has a known side effect of promoting hair growth, which has led to its use off-label in the treatment of hair loss. Creatine and minoxidil have very different mechanisms of action and are generally not expected to interact with each other.
Dutasteride
While finasteride and dutasteride work similarly, dutasteride is slightly more potent since it blocks more of the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT)10. However, only finasteride is FDA- approved for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia while dutasteride is used as an off-label treatment.
How to get a prescription for hair loss?
Getting an online prescription for hair loss online is fairly simple, you just need to take some photos of your head and answer a short clinical questionnaire. The price of the consultation is $59 and you will get an answer in 1-2 days.
What else can you do?
Some studies show that using a derma roller and topical minoxidil can also stimulate hair growth, so you can also try that to see if it works for you.
Key points about article
- Creatine and performance: Creatine is a widely used supplement, especially among athletes and bodybuilders, for enhancing performance, increasing muscle mass, and improving exercise capacity.
- Creatine and hair loss: While creatine is not directly linked to hair loss, it may slightly increase DHT levels, a hormone that can contribute to hair loss in genetically predisposed individuals.
- Consultation advice: If you’re concerned about hair loss while taking creatine, consult a dermatologist for personalized advice and potential treatments that block DHT’s effects.
- Hair loss medications: Finasteride and minoxidil are common hair loss treatments that do not interact with creatine, making them safe options for those taking the supplement.
- Getting treatment: Obtaining a prescription for hair loss online is easy, involving a photo consultation and a short questionnaire, with results typically available within 1-2 days.
Is your hair falling off? Early intervention and treatment gives you a better chance of preventing its spread.
Article References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2048496/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3407788/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7871530/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7871530/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24704257/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538178/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430924/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513329/
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