Does creatine cause hair loss?

Various case studies and research have discovered a possible link between creatine and hair loss. Whilst it may not cause hair loss directly, it may influence the levels of a hormone that does. Continue reading to learn more about creatine, its benefits and the connection to hair loss.

Creatine: what is it?

Creatine is an amino acid that is naturally found in muscle cells and is created by our liver, kidneys, and pancreas. It aids in the production of energy during heavy lifting or high-intensity activity (muscle contraction). It is obtained through a diet rich in fish, meat and other animal products such as dairy. Creatine helps improve strength, increase lean muscle mass, and helps the muscles recover quickly during exercise.

8 Benefits of taking creatine

Increases muscle size and strength
Helps prevent muscle in older adults
Improves brain function
Helps muscle cells produce more energy
May help with Parkinsons disease
Helps lower blood sugar levels
Reduces fatigue
Cheap and safe supplement.

8 Disadvantages of taking creatine

Requires a loading phase
Water retention
Causes cramping
Weight gain
Possible hair loss
Causes bloating
May cause liver damage
Dehydration

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), What is DHT’s role in hair loss?

The most common type of hair loss in men is male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia. Although the exact cause is unknown, genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors are all thought to play a role and DHT is thought to be a major factor. Hormonal factors, particularly a male sex hormone known as dihydrotestosterone, appear to play a role. DHT is an androgen hormone that contributes to male characteristics and is linked to hair production and is a sex steroid (produced in the gonads).

Androgens are responsible for male biological traits such as a deeper voice, body hair, and increased muscle mass. DHT is essential for the development of the penis and prostate gland during foetal development. The enzyme 5-alpha-reductase (5-AR) converts testosterone to DHT in men’s testicles and prostate. Normally, up to 10% of testosterone is converted into DHT. DHT has a higher potency than testosterone and it binds to the same sites as testosterone, but with greater ease. Once there, it is bound for a longer duration of time. The hair on the head grows in the absence of DHT, but armpit, pubic, and facial hair cannot grow in the absence of androgens. DHT is required for most hair growth and is believed to bind to androgen receptors on hair follicles, which triggers the receptors to shrink. Some researchers believe that some people have a genetic predisposition to otherwise normal levels of circulating androgens, particularly DHT. This combination of hormonal and genetics may explain why some people are more prone to hair loss than others.

As we age, the follicles themselves get increased pressure from the scalp. The younger we are the more hydrated the skin will be and as we get older the skin becomes dehydrated leading to shrinkage of the follicles. Testosterone also plays a part in decreased fat tissue, so higher levels of testosterone may further reduce the scalp’s ability to keep the hair follicles.

Testosterone and hair loss

One hair loss myth for men is that if they have male pattern baldness (MPB), they will have a higher level of testosterone- this is not always the case. Although testosterone levels in men with MPB may be low, the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT may be elevated. Or you could inherit hair follicles that are unusually responsive to testosterone or DHT.

Several variations of testosterone might be found in your system. You also have testosterone that isn’t chemically attached to any proteins in your body, and this is called “free” testosterone. This is the most bioavailable type of testosterone in the body.

Albumin, a protein found in the blood, can also bind testosterone. The majority of testosterone is inactive because it is attached to the protein sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). A high concentration of free testosterone in the blood is associated with low SHBG levels. In order to create DHT, an enzyme uses testosterone as its substrate. DHT has an effect strength five times that of testosterone. The prostate, the epidermis, and the hair follicles are the primary sites of DHT’s action in the body.

Testosterone is not responsible for balding. On the other hand, if your testosterone levels are elevated, so are those of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which damages hair follicles and hastens the onset of male pattern baldness.

Connection Between Creatine and DHT

Increasing the body’s creatine levels may lead to an increase in DHT, which in turn may lead to hair loss. To be effective, testosterone must first be turned to DHT, and creatine speeds up this process. Basically, using creatine supplements will boost the rate at which your body changes testosterone into DHT.

Having more DHT in the body speeds up the cycle of individual hair follicles, which can change hair development and lead to hair loss. Because of this, people who regularly consume creatine tend to experience hair thinning and eventually complete baldness. Increased levels of DHT from creatine supplements may or may not have an effect on fertility.

Creatine and the connection to hair loss

Creatine does indeed lead to baldness. The procedure is indirect, though. When creatine is taken orally, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to DHT is altered, leading to higher amounts of DHT. Hair thinning may follow.

There should be a steady rhythm to the life of hair follicles, including a growth phase, a resting phase, and a shedding phase. Rapid hair growth during this phase is due to DHT’s improved binding efficiency with hair follicles. Rapid hair loss occurs as a result of hair becoming increasingly fine and brittle.

There are a variety of effective treatments for hair loss, therefore it doesn’t matter if you have a high DHT level or not. Hair micropigmentation (What is SMP?) is a non-invasive procedure developed to aid balding individuals. In this method, a natural pigment is deposited directly into the dermal layer of the scalp, where hair loss occurs. The result is a look of a naturally shaven head with no thinning hair.

People who are experiencing hair loss have made scalp micropigmentation Cardiff services at Scalp Envy a popular treatment option.