Can Creatine Monohydrate Cause Hair Loss?

There has been a lot of speculation regarding whether creatine monohydrate really triggers hair loss or is it just a myth. You will find several threads on the web discussing issues regarding creatine hair loss. Some consider it true, while others think otherwise. Let’s take a look at the facts to find out whether creatine monohydrate can cause hair loss.

According to Davidson University, creatine and other supplements that contain creatine are among the most widely used dietary supplements. A report published by Davidson mentions that nearly 37 percent of the college athletes (usually male) take creatine monohydrate to improve their performance.

Creatine is easily available in the drug stores as well as online. Although there are several men who use creatine to help them achieve their bodybuilding goals, there are some who are concerned about creatine causing hair loss.

Study about Creatine Hair Loss:

Several studies have been conducted to determine the connection between creatine monohydrate and hair loss. According to one such study, it has been proved that creatine increases the level of testosterone in the body. The Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine (2009 issue) revealed that after a week of creatine consumption, the subject reported a rise in DHT or dihydrotestosterone level. Thus, an increase of DHT levels due to creatine intake can block the nutrients supply to the hair follicles, thus hindering the normal growth of hair.

Furthermore, the accumulation of DHT inhibits the supply of other essential vitamins and minerals. This causes the hair follicles to become weak, undernourished and brittle. Dr. Edwin Epstein stated in a report that there several cases where men using creatine monohydrate experienced an acceleration in hair loss.

Conflicting Theory by Experts:

According to Dr. William Rassman, a renowned hair restoration physician, creatine does not contribute to hair loss. Dr. Rassman mentioned that though several websites and reports claim that creatine causes hair loss, there are no compelling evidences which associate creatine to hair loss or male pattern baldness. As per the American Hair Loss Association, androgenic alopecia is responsible for 95 percent of men’s hair loss.

Male hair loss is caused by the effect of dihydrotestosterone or DHT which attaches itself to the hair follicles and eventually shrinks them. When the levels of DHT rise, hair follicles inclined to androgenic alopecia might become thinner or fall out. According to the American Hair Loss Association, as creatine monohydrate is a non-hormonal dietary supplement, it should not be considered responsible for hair loss.

What’s The Final Verdict?

There’s no solid evidence to prove that creatine monohydrate causes hair loss. In most cases, hair loss is caused due to the effect of DHT on the hair follicles which are pre-disposed to genetic baldness issues. Hair loss experienced by an individual when taking creatine monohydrate can be attributed to rise in DHT levels.

In some men, hair follicles are more sensitive to DHT levels, and if creatine increases the level even slightly, it might cause hair loss. Thus, if it is found that taking creatine raises DHT levels in your body, immediately stop taking such products to prevent hair loss. If you still experience hair loss, consult your physician without any delay.