Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss? What Research Shows
Medically reviewed by Medical Advisory Board Last reviewed 2026-09-29
Cleveland Clinic notes no conclusive evidence shows creatine causes hair loss or increases testosterone.
Cleveland Clinic states that no conclusive evidence suggests that creatine increases testosterone or causes hair loss. The concern originates from a small 2009 study tracking dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that did not measure hair loss, hair density, or follicle miniaturization.
At The Metabolic Journal, we summarize published clinical sources on nutritional supplements and hormonal health. According to the Cleveland Clinic, DHT is a byproduct of testosterone that attaches to hair follicles and can eventually lead to hair loss. Some experts theorize creatine may raise DHT, but this connection remains unproven.
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Read Opt Health on hair loss →Where the Creatine Hair Loss Claim Comes From
The claim that creatine leads to hair loss originates from a 2009 study of college-aged rugby players. In that trial, van der Merwe and colleagues observed 20 college-aged rugby players over three weeks in the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine. The authors reported a 56% increase in DHT after seven days of creatine loading.
DHT is a byproduct of testosterone that attaches to hair follicles and can eventually lead to hair loss. Cleveland Clinic notes that while some experts theorize creatine may raise DHT levels, this mechanism remains unproven.
What the Study Did and Did Not Measure
The 2009 study evaluated hormone markers but did not evaluate hair in the participant group. The authors tracked 20 college-aged rugby players over three weeks and did not measure hair loss, hair density, or follicle miniaturization.
| Study Group | Participants and Duration | Hormones Evaluated | Hair Measurements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 rugby study | 20 college-aged rugby players over three weeks | DHT | The 2009 study did not measure hair loss, hair density, or follicle miniaturization |
| Twelve other studies | Not described by the source | Testosterone levels | Not described by the source |
What Other Research Found
Twelve other studies of creatine and testosterone found no significant hormonal increases according to Cleveland Clinic. For separate details on the separate question of whether creatine raises testosterone, see how to increase testosterone.
For more context on supplementation and hormone patterns, review creatine for women, hair loss in women, and low testosterone in women.
If You Are Already Losing Hair
Individuals experiencing hair shedding should consult a clinician for an individualized evaluation. Cleveland Clinic notes that DHT attaches to hair follicles and can eventually lead to hair loss, but no conclusive evidence shows that creatine causes this process.
If you have concerns about thinning, ask a clinician about blood tests for hair loss.
Who Should Check With a Doctor First
Cleveland Clinic advises people with chronic kidney disease or renal dysfunction to avoid creatine. Cleveland Clinic also advises people concerned about testosterone to consult a primary care doctor or endocrinologist before using creatine.
Cleveland Clinic gives 3 to 5 grams daily as the recommended dose and suggests third-party-tested brands, though you should ask a clinician whether creatine suits you. This page is educational and not a substitute for a clinician's advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does creatine cause hair loss?
Cleveland Clinic says no conclusive evidence suggests that creatine increases testosterone or causes hair loss. The concern stems from a 2009 study that measured hormone changes without evaluating hair.
Does creatine raise DHT?
Cleveland Clinic notes that some experts theorize creatine may raise DHT, but this remains unproven. A 2009 study of 20 college-aged rugby players reported a 56% increase in DHT after seven days of loading, but twelve other studies of creatine and testosterone found no significant hormonal increases.
Does creatine cause hair loss in women?
The same evidence applies to women, and there is no sex-specific finding. Cleveland Clinic states that no conclusive evidence suggests that creatine causes hair loss.
Can I take creatine if I am prone to balding?
Cleveland Clinic says no conclusive evidence suggests creatine causes hair loss, but advises anyone concerned about testosterone to consult a primary care doctor or endocrinologist before supplementation.
How much creatine is recommended?
Cleveland Clinic gives 3 to 5 grams daily as the recommended dose and suggests third-party-tested brands; ask a clinician whether creatine suits you.
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