Creatine and hair loss are definitely related. Bodybuilders and serious athletes who use creatine as a supplement may experience this side effect. Using creatine regularly causes the levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body to increase. Elevated levels of this natural hormone lead to changes in the hair growth cycle and the condition of the follicles, interfering with normal growth patterns or the size of the hair follicles.
The muscles of the body naturally contain a certain level of creatine. The liver and kidneys convert the food a person eats into creatine. Creatine is made up of three amino acids, known as arginine, glycine, and methionine. The body uses creatine for fuel when it has depleted the energy it gets from the food an individual eats. Bodybuilders and others who want to increase their muscle mass can take creatine to help them get the nutrients they need to achieve this goal, and should be aware of the relationship between creatine and hair loss.
The problem with higher levels of creatine in the body is that it causes changes in the hair follicles. In order to have a healthy head of hair, the scalp must be able to provide nutrients to the follicles. The creatine and hair loss connection means that higher than normal levels of DHT cause the follicles to shrink. As a result, the hair does not receive the vitamins, minerals, and proteins it needs for a healthy appearance. Hair may grow more slowly than normal due to this lack of nutrients, or it may become brittle and break easily.
Creatine and hair loss are also connected in a different way. When DHT levels are higher than usual, they can cause hair follicles to become narrower over time. Narrow follicles restrict nutrients from reaching the hair shaft, eventually leading to hair loss. Increased levels of DHT also lead to the buildup of a waxy material at the base of the hair shaft, which attracts dirt and causes hair follicles to become blocked. This waxy material leads to baldness in men and women.
The relationship between creatine and hair loss is well known among athletes. Some studies have noted that this side effect of creatine use can start after about a week of use. Anyone interested in using this product should carefully weigh the benefits against the drawbacks and the change in appearance that hair loss will produce before deciding to use this supplement.