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Some researches prove that creatine supplementation elevates the levels of DHT in a human body. The researchers in this 2009 experiment observed that during the loading phase of creatine supplementation there is a significant elevation in DHT and the value was forwarded to the maintenance phase.
This increase raises a big question about whether creatine might have the potential to cause thinning or baldness of hair since it is a hormone responsible for hair loss.
Introduce DHT and Creatine
Define What Creatine Is?
Creatine is one of the most widely used nutritional supplements in the market, specifically among athletes, because it enhances performance. It is one organic compound synthesized inside human body muscle cells and used during high-intensity exercises.
The body can synthesize only up to 1-2 grams of creatine in a day that gets further stored into the skeletal muscles of the body. It has been reported that creatine supplementation increases the athlete’s muscle mass and strength and also promotes exercise performance.
However, many research studies implicate this in a relationship with DHT levels and supplementation with creatine.
What is DHT?
Another ultra-powerful androgen hormone, which is the derivative of testosterone, is dihydrotestosterone. It is manufactured by the interaction of testosterone with 5-alpha-reductase. Nevertheless, DHT seems to be a vital ingredient in the formation of virility traits and is the cause of alopecia or baldness.
In other words, excessive amounts of DHT are prone to bind with the hair follicles, which, in turn, fall off or shrink. This becomes very essential to any person who is suffering or is experiencing androgenetic alopecia.
The Relation of Creatine to DHT
Research Conducted on Creatine and DHT Levels
Studies have been conducted regarding whether creatine supplementation has any effect on DHT levels. One of the primary studies was done in 2009, where it was indicated that during the creatine loading phase, there is an increase of 50%, then furthermore continuing to rise to 40% in the maintenance phase.
Conclusively, even though none of those studies quantified hair loss specifically, there is an intriguing increase in DHT levels, thereby demonstrating more potential hair loss.
How Creatine Affects Hormones
Supplementation with creatine will increase testosterone and, with that, the amount of DHT produced in the body. Now, this change in hormones applies to anyone who has the genetic sensitivity for male pattern baldness.
In such an individual, this increase in DHT will act to accelerate the miniaturization of the hair follicles, increasing the rate of hair loss.
Possible Side Effects of Increased DHT
Hair thinning and loss
One of the main reasons as to why male and female pattern boldness is experienced is DHT. Once at high levels, it leads to thin and weak growth of hair, which in turn results in losing hair. This therefore becomes of concern to those people in families where baldness has occurred as they have a higher risk of being more DHT sensitive.
Other Health Impacts
Skin and Acne
At higher levels, DHT normally raises the amount of oil produced in the skin. A high DHT level has also, in some cases, been linked to BPH-induced enlarged prostate .
How to Minimize DHT While On Creatine
Other Supplements
One may, however, want to look into other supplements other than this, which could range from BCAAs to whey protein, that is, without experiencing the same rise in DHT.
Changes in Lifestyle/Diet
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Foods That Lower DHT
Include some foods in the diet like green tea, pumpkin seeds, and soy products that will help in balancing hormones to bring down DHT.
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Hydration and Nutrition
The well-balanced diet with enough hydration maintains overall balance of hormones and minimizes side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does Creatine Cause Permanent Hair Loss?
- It simply doesn’t seem to act in causing permanent hair loss by itself; creatine serves to unleash those predisposed to androgenic alopecia.
Can You Reverse Hair Loss by Reducing Creatine Intake?
- Given that its reduction or cessation of intake is sure to definitely slow down this loss, there could be a possibility for its reversal in people predisposed to androgenic alopecia.
How Fast Does DHT Slow Down Hair Growth?
- It can start to take its toll on the hair follicles within months of increased levels and thinning/balding of hair may also begin to become noticeable too.
Can You Take Safe Amounts of Creatine and Not Raise DHT?
- Do not take a loading dose and then stay on the lower dose. Sometimes this can be helpful not to drastically affect DHT levels.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of High DHT Levels?
- Symptoms are usually thinning of the hair, excessive loss of hair, acne, change in prostatic health.
Conclusion
Knowing the relation between creatine and DHT is very important before you decide to supplement. Clearly, on one hand, creatine does make a huge difference related to muscle gain and athletic performance.
On the other hand, the general effect it has on DHT levels might point back to possible hair loss in people with some kind of predisposition to losing hair. Always consult a healthcare professional before making any adjustment to your supplement protocol.