Does creatine cause hair loss? A 12-week randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Endocrinology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Creatine is a popular ergogenic aid for muscle enhancement.
• Concerns exist regarding creatine's potential to increase dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and cause hair loss.
• Direct evidence linking creatine supplementation to hair follicle health is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of 12-week creatine supplementation on androgen levels.
• To assess the impact of creatine on hair follicle health in healthy young males.

Main Methods:

• 45 resistance-trained males received creatine monohydrate (5g/day) or placebo for 12 weeks.
• Blood samples measured total testosterone, free testosterone, and DHT at baseline and 12 weeks.
• Hair follicle health assessed via Trichogram and FotoFinder (hair density, follicular units, thickness).

Main Results:

• No significant differences in DHT levels or hair growth parameters between creatine and placebo groups.
• Hormonal changes (testosterone fluctuations) observed were independent of creatine supplementation.
• No group-by-time interactions for hormones or hair outcomes.

Conclusions:

• This is the first study to directly evaluate hair follicle health in relation to creatine supplementation.
• Findings provide strong evidence refuting the claim that creatine supplementation contributes to hair loss.