Creatine and Hair Loss

The relationship between creatine and hair loss is one of the most common questions asked by Dr. Espinosa Custodio’s younger patients. As creatine is a popular supplement among athletes, it is one of the main concerns for this group. But what happens in young people who take creatine and have androgenetic alopecia? We explain it in this article.

Creatine

Creatine is a natural substance produced by the body. It helps with the development of muscle mass, but it can also be taken as a sports supplement to enhance this function.

Its use has become increasingly popular in recent years, alongside the growing popularity of gyms and the desire to improve physical appearance. However, it has also raised concerns about its potential effects.

The Origin of Alopecia

Among other factors, the origin of androgenetic alopecia, the most common type of hair loss in Spain, is testosterone (which is why it is more common in men). When testosterone reaches the root of the hair follicle, it comes into contact with the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, leading to the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is DHT that causes the follicles to gradually atrophy.

In the long term, we could say that testosterone plays a role in the development of alopecia and, therefore, a higher presence of testosterone could accelerate an early stage of androgenetic alopecia. Does creatine increase testosterone production? Some studies suggest that it might, but there is still not enough evidence to confirm this with certainty. At present, we cannot state that this relationship is conclusive.

Creatine and Hair Loss

In conclusion, we could say that taking creatine may accelerate the progression of androgenetic alopecia. However, creatine is not the only way to increase testosterone levels. Nor is testosterone the only factor involved in hair loss. For this reason, it is very important to consult a specialist doctor if you notice that your hair is beginning to fall out at a young age.

Medication for Hair Loss

If you are in the early stages of androgenetic alopecia, you may wonder whether it is worth starting medication to treat hair loss. Minoxidil and Finasteride are the most commonly used medications for this purpose. Although they are suitable in most cases, it should always be a specialist doctor who determines whether they are appropriate.

At a specialised clinic such as Instituto Médico del Prado, you will find the solution you need to address the relationship between creatine and hair loss.

Dr. Espinosa Custodio works at Instituto Médico del Prado, his hair clinic in Madrid, and performs hair transplants in Mexico, twice a year. If you would like to make an appointment, you can contact us on +34 912 468 664, on WhatsApp +34 627 396 322 or on the contact page of our website. From Mexico you can contact us at +52 55 4590 9909.