Does Creatine Increase DHT Levels and Would That Accelerate My Hair Loss?
Hi doc. I read in a leading fitness magazine that the sports supplement creatine increases DHT levels by up to 56%! In fact they think this may be why it works so well! Does this mean it will seriously accelerate my hair loss? Pretty much every guy who hits the gym takes this stuff, so we need to know! Thanks.
Creatine is known to increase hair loss in some, possibly by driving up the DHT levels. The last research I recall reading about it noted that in 3 weeks of use among 20 athletes, DHT levels were raised. That study was obviously very tiny and further research should’ve been done. Bodybuilders may also add steroids with the creatine, which is just compounding the problem.
Is it worth taking? Only you know the answer to that question.
I want to know 3 more things about it:
1) Should creatine still work, if i’l use some DHT-decreasers, like Propecia ?
2) Should Propecia lower my testosterone level too, or only DHT?
3) How you think – is it possible to have very high testosterone level from AAC, and at the same time to have low level of DHT, using propecia or some other drugs ?
Answer please, it’s important to me – i whant to be big and with hairs.
The study has yet to have its results replicated and there were some serious design issues given the male athletes non control for other muscle building supplements and dietary habits or dietary sources of creatine (large quantities of meat) containing other substances.
Creatine works in men and women as a cell volumizer and hydrating compound which is independent of any hormonal interaction it may have – so yes creatine should still ‘work’ whether this possible testosterone relationship is real or not.
Propecia blocks conversion of testosterone to DHT, it does not block testosterone – some studies even suggest you will have higher levels of free testosterone with propecia as less is removed through the 5-AR enzyme conversion to DHT.
Many athletes maintain a good head of hair from propecia use without impacting their muscle building. I work with many of them daily. DHT as an androgen seems to be more closely linked to body fat reductions and is not as notably anabolic as testosterone. Most anabolic androgen if steroids based on DHT are used for aggression, power and to combat chest and belly fat. Of course I point out that AAS have a whole host of potential health impacts not just your hairline which is a relatively minor concern in the scheme of things.