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Does creatine cause hair loss? A 12-week randomized trial offers a clearer answer about creatine, DHT and hair follicles.

The Diary of a CEO — Steven Bartlett, interview with Dr. Darren Candow. · 16/09/2026 · added by men35 desk

The creatine-and-hair-loss claim has circulated for years, largely because of concerns about DHT. But the latest direct evidence doesn't show that creatine causes hair loss. Key Benefits Explains where the hair-loss concern came from Separates DHT from actual hair loss Reviews a direct 12-week randomized trial Helps men assess the claim realistically Where Did the Myth Start? The concern largely came from research involving rugby players that reported changes in DHT, a hormone involved in male-pattern hair loss. But measuring DHT isn't the same as measuring whether men actually lost hair. That's an important distinction. What Happened When Researchers Tested It Directly? A 2025 randomized controlled trial gave resistance-trained men either 5 g/day of creatine monohydrate or placebo for 12 weeks. Researchers measured testosterone, DHT and several indicators of hair-follicle health. They found no significant differences between the creatine and placebo groups in DHT levels or hair-growth measures. That's considerably more useful evidence than simply observing a hormone change. Does That Prove Creatine Can Never Affect Hair? No. One 12-week trial cannot answer every possible long-term question, particularly for men with strong genetic susceptibility to male-pattern baldness. But it does mean the popular claim that “creatine causes hair loss” is not supported by current direct evidence. MEN35 Takeaway Don't confuse a theoretical hormonal mechanism with demonstrated hair loss. Bottom line: Current clinical evidence does not establish creatine as a cause of hair loss.

For informational purposes only. This is not medical advice — consult a doctor before changing medication, supplements or training.