Is Creatine the Culprit Behind Your Hair Loss?

A little shedding is vital to hair growth, with at least 50 - 100 hairs falling off daily. But for some men, there's more loss than growth. The CDA says that male pattern baldness (a type of alopecia) affects about 50% of men.

Sometimes, this hair loss can come along right as you focus more on your health, take care of your body, and add supplements to your daily routine. That has caused many men - especially those dedicated to weightlifting – to ask the question:

Could creatine be a factor?

Read on to explore the link between creatine and hair loss.

What is creatine?

It's first important to know what creatine is. Creatine is an organic acid naturally occurring in the body, which helps provide energy for muscle contractions and can be found in red meat, fish, and other animal sources.

Many athletes use creatine supplements to increase performance during physical activities. Creatine has been extensively studied and is generally considered safe when taken in appropriate doses. However, it has its fair share of side effects, including the following:

• Dehydration
• Muscle cramps
• Kidney damage
• Increased growth rate of tumour cells

There has also been speculation that creatine might cause hair loss. But is there any scientific evidence to back this up?

The link between creatine and hair loss

Only one study has looked into the link between creatine and hair loss – and it is this research that has caused so much speculation.

According to it, 20 male rugby players who took creatine supplements for three weeks experienced effects on their dihydrotestosterone (DHT) to testosterone ratio, which could be a factor in hair loss.

However, this doesn't necessarily mean that creatine will cause hair loss for everyone who takes it. With such a small sample size and limited scope, the results are somewhat inconclusive. The connection between creatine and hair loss needs much more substantial research before any conclusions can be made about causation.

So if you're concerned about potential side effects from taking creatine, it's important that you first check other proven reasons for hair loss.

Other reasons for hair loss

There are several medical conditions and lifestyle factors that can cause hair loss. These include:

• Thyroid problems
• Hormonal changes
• Stress
• Certain medications (such as blood thinners, beta-blockers, and chemotherapy drugs)
• Nutrient deficiencies (especially iron and protein)

Furthermore, genetics also plays a role in determining one's risk of developing male pattern baldness.

This is generally credited to the X chromosome, meaning the trait is passed on through your mother’s side. But more recent, broader studies have shown this may not be true. The Y chromosome from your father may also significantly impact your predisposition to hair loss.

Depending on the cause of your hair loss, it's possible that taking certain medications or making lifestyle changes (such as reducing stress) can help to stop it. It also pays to know the types of alopecia (hair loss) that can affect different genders and ages.

Types of alopecia

Being informed about the different types of alopecia may allow you to identify your symptoms and seek appropriate treatment.

• Androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness): This is the most common type of hair loss in men, caused by genetic factors. It typically starts with a receding hairline at the temples or crown of the head.
• Alopecia areata: This is an autoimmune disorder where patches of hair loss occur on different parts of the body (most commonly, the scalp).
• Telogen effluvium: This form of temporary hair loss is usually triggered by stress.
• Scarring alopecia: Bald patches caused by inflammation or scarring of the scalp are a sign of this type of hair loss. Permanent hair loss is common in scarring alopecia.
• Traction alopecia: This form of hair loss occurs when the scalp is pulled too tightly for extended periods (e.g., due to tight hairstyles). It can result in permanent bald patches.

Any form of hair loss may be permanent if not treated properly. Although information on treatments for hair loss is widely available, it is best to consult a hair specialist to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

Treatment options available

The good news is that clinically proven treatments are available for hair loss. Options are determined by the cause and severity of the hair loss and any other underlying medical condition that might contribute to it.

Talk with your doctor about finasteride, a medication authorised by Health Canada for treating male-patterned baldness. Available in pill form, ranging from 1mg to 5mg, it works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone linked to hair loss.

For those seeking a topical solution, minoxidil is another proven treatment to help regrow hair. Effective for both male pattern baldness, as well as alopecia areata, it's applied directly to the scalp.

Meanwhile, you can also opt for dutasteride, known for its potent efficacy in treating male-pattern baldness. Dutasteride is similar to finasteride but blocks more of the conversion from testosterone to DHT, making it more effective in treating hair loss for some individuals.

It is important to note that those under 18 years of age should not take finasteride, dutasteride, or minoxidil.

So does creatine cause hair loss?

In conclusion, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that creatine causes hair loss. While some studies suggest a potential link between creatine use and hair loss, the research is still limited and inconclusive. While numerous factors can contribute to hair loss, the main reason is often our genes, leading to male pattern baldness. Other factors, such as hormonal imbalances, poor nutrition, and stress levels, also play a role. By minimising or managing these factors, individuals can help reduce the risk of hair loss, regardless of their creatine intake.

When to seek professional treatment

To make the most out of any treatment for hair loss, it is important to seek professional advice from specialists, as they can provide the best possible diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.

It is also important to remember that while many treatments are available, not all will be effective for everyone – so seeking expert advice is essential in finding the right solution.

Ready to begin your journey to hair regrowth? Consult a hair specialist online to discuss the best treatment plan for you.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.