Creatine and Your Hair: Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss?

 Hair loss is certainly one of the major conditions that have become famous in the lives of people of all genders, regardless of age. While some hair loss may be caused by an autoimmune disorder (alopecia) while others are inherited and show up when you get older. Losing hair can trigger numerous psychological problems such as anxiety, stress and lower self-esteem. This is why many people search for different treatments to treat and, sometimes, disguise the bald spots. For example, scalp micropigmentation for males is now the preferred treatment for covering loss of hair.

A variety of research and studies have revealed that there may be a connection between the hormone creatine and hair loss. However, the mechanism by which this is triggered may be a mystery to many. To find out more about the ways the hormone creatine causes hair loss, read this article.

What is Creatine?

Creatine is a well-known organic compound that aids in the recycling process of Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the muscles and brain. ATP is the body's energetic source; therefore, creatine assists in replenishing energy within cell walls of muscles and brain. It is a popular and powerful nutritional supplement, specifically for athletes who take it for additional support.

Many athletes like soccer, basketball and rugby players, etc. use creatine. In addition to helping with energy levels, creatine aids in building muscle mass, which improves general performance as well as strength. Additionally, numerous studies show that taking creatine can in preventing neurological problems.

The thing that is remarkable about creatine is that our body makes creatine however, at a low level. Supplementing with creatine increases the amount of the substance in the system which can have both positive and negative results. One example is the fact that creatine can cause hair loss. However, before we dive into this, let's look at some of the benefits of creatine

Creatine could also help with fatigue as well as overall performance.

Potentially Negative Side Effects Of Creatine

Although creatine can be a healthy substance but having excessive amounts within your system could result in specific adverse consequences. It is possible to take creatine orally in recommended dosage, but the long-term effects could be harmful.

Certain adverse effects typically manifest in five years’ time and may be any of the following:

• Water retention
• Hair loss
• Muscle cramps
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Weight loss
• Gastrointestinal pain
• Dehydration
• Hair loss
• Heat Intolerance

These adverse effects are dependent on your body's overall functioning and the underlying medical condition. Certain of the most severe negative effects can result in the destruction of important organs like the liver, kidneys, or the heart.

What is dihydrotestosterone (DHT)?

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is an hormone that is derived from testosterone, which is the male reproductive system's main sexual hormone. Apart from its role as a hormone for sex, testosterone is a major role in the development of the body's muscle mass and hair. This is why a substantial amount of men have hair than women.

While DHT is derived from testosterone however, it is a more powerful hormone. Therefore, the majority of functions that testosterone facilitates can only be achieved after it has been transformed into DHT. But how it is connected to various different phases of male pattern hair loss and other types of hair loss is not known to a lot of people.

Does Creatine cause hair loss?

Yes, creatine causes hair loss. But it is a process that occurs in indirect. Creatine supplements result in the increase of DHT levels and alter the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into DHT. Thus, causing hair loss.

The ideal hair follicle's growth occurs in a pattern of growth, a resting phase and the fall of hair follicles. The higher rate of DHT adhering to the hair follicles increases the hair growth phase. This results in less hair strands and fewer and subsequently, rapid loss of hair.

Based on a medically-reviewed study from 2009, an elite group of rugby players were placed on a higher level in creatine supplementation. The experiment lasted for seven days, and then an interval of maintenance with a lower level of concentration following. The results revealed a 50% increase in DHT levels over the first seven days. It was at 40% for the maintenance phase. While this study did not have anything related to hair loss however, the increase of DHT levels is quite striking. In addition, in the event that you're susceptible to loss of hair due to genetics and excessive levels of DHT in your body could make it happen even more quickly.

However, more research is required to determine the possibility that using creatine supplements by itself could cause hair loss.

Creatine and DHT:

The elevated levels of DHT alter the growth of hair through speeding the process of every hair follicle, which may lead to loss of hair. Thus, taking creatine causes hair loss in people over certain periods of time. It's not clear whether the rise in DHT when supplementing with creatine can impact the reproduction.

Whatever the connection between the high levels of DHT as well as hair loss there exist many ways to control hair loss efficiently. An excellent instance is micropigmentation of the scalp. Micropigmentation of the scalp is a procedure that is not surgical and specifically developed to assist those suffering from hair loss. This procedure involves the application of an organic pigment inside hair's dermal layers at the precise location where hair loss occurs. This creates a picture of a naturally hairless head, with no indications of loss of hair.

Micropigmentation of the scalp has become well-known among people suffering from loss of hair.

Conclusion

Creatine supplements can be beneficial to build muscles, increasing performance, as well as reducing various neurological conditions. However, it could result in hair loss since it boosts DHT concentrations in the body. While the connection between the effects of creatine on hair loss isn't clear however, it is important to have it thoroughly examined before taking any supplements that contain this ingredient. Be sure to be sure to adhere to the prescribed dosage, since a greater or less amount could cause adverse effects.

Be sure to talk to your doctor when you notice any hair loss or other negative side effects as you are using creatine. Your doctor will help you find the best solution to hair loss.