What is Creatine and How Does It Cause Hair Loss?
Creatine is an organic compound found naturally in the body produced in the liver, and is essential for producing energy. It is also found in certain foods, like red meat, and is sometimes added to certain health supplements. Creatine is used by athletes to increase performance, but it can have some serious side effects, such as hair loss.
What Causes Hair Loss From Creatine?
Creatine can cause hair loss for several reasons. First, it can deplete the body of vital nutrients like zinc, iron, and magnesium. When these critical minerals are lacking, hair follicles may become weakened and unable to grow.
Second, creatine can cause an increase in testosterone levels in the body. This can lead to an increase in dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is known to cause hair loss.
Lastly, creatine can also cause stress on the body, leading to increased levels of cortisol, the “stress hormone.” An excess of cortisol can also contribute to hair loss.
Tips to Reduce Hair Loss From Creatine
If you’re taking creatine supplements and experiencing hair loss, there are several steps that you can take to reduce its effects:
- Take a multivitamin, as it can help replenish the vital minerals depleted by creatine.
- Make sure to take creatine supplements with meals, as this can help reduce stress on the body.
- Cut down on how much creatine you are taking, and increase regular consumption of protein.
- Take a break from taking creatine altogether, to allow the body time to recover.
- Consider a different form of exercise that doesn’t involve taking creatine.
It is important to take caution if you’re taking creatine and experiencing hair loss. Talk to your doctor if your hair loss is severe and persistent, as this could be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
Keywords: Creatine, Hair Loss, Multivitamin, DHT, Cortisol, Protein.
