Creatine is now the top selling supplement for muscle gain and muscle repair all over the world and continues to rise in popularity. Creatine is a naturally occurring amino acid (protein building block) that's found in meat and fish, and also made by the human body in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas.
It was first released to the public in 1993 and since its launch there continue to be countless studies done on looking at the effectiveness, the side effects and the problems of getting it absorbed into the bloodstream where it is needed.
Creatine monohydrate which is in the family of creatine-based amino acids that are responsible for the proper functioning of a host of bodily functions on both a muscular and cellular level. Creatine monohydrates is without a doubt the most popular method of taking creatine.
The reason why is simply because it can help in a number of ways, such as improved fitness and athletic performance, as well treat such conditions as heart disease, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's disease and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
But in spite of the positive effects, it may interfere with hair growth and can even cause hair loss. According to The Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine studies have shown that creatine monohydrate may increase the levels of Dihydrotestosterone in your body, an androgen synthesized in the hair follicles which can become a barrier between your hair and hair follicles receiving the nutrients necessary to promote and sustain hair growth, therefore resulting in hair loss.
But there is something that you can do about this side effect if you are concerned with your hair loss. It all has to do with the amount of creatine monohydrate you ingest and the length of time that you consume it is a major factor in it being a risk to your health and well-being.
According to The University of Maryland, most studies have found no significant side effects for creatine use that doesn't exceed a 6-month time period. The University of Maryland goes on to state that "creatine appears to be generally safe." However high doses have the potential for side effects and the possibility of impeding on your body's natural ability to produce creatine.
Creatine and Hair Loss