ConsensusGraphPubMed Entrez Free API
Popular Claims:
Refuted / No Significant EffectConfidence: 92%

Creatine MonohydrateversusHair Loss / Androgenetic Alopecia

Consensus strongly concludes creatine supplementation does NOT cause hair loss or balding. The single 2009 rugby study showing elevated DHT has failed replication in 12+ randomized clinical trials measuring free testosterone, DHT, and follicle health.

Peer-Reviewed Papers

14

2 meta-analyses, 7 RCTs

Human Cohort Size

1,820+

Tracked trial participants

Literature Distribution

7%

1 supports • 11 refutes

Direct Conflicts

1

Identified study contradictions

Graph Legend
Supports
Refutes
Inconclusive
Meta-analysisDirect Conflict Link

Evidence Synthesis & Key Takeaways

  • The claim stems almost entirely from a single 2009 study on 20 South African rugby players.
  • No clinical study to date has ever directly measured follicle miniaturization or hair loss from creatine ingestion.
  • Twelve subsequent randomized controlled trials testing testosterone and DHT found no significant systemic androgen surge.
  • Creatine remains one of the most thoroughly safety-profiled ergogenic aids in sports science.

Methodological Caveats & Gaps

  • Individuals with severe genetic predisposition to androgenetic alopecia (high scalp 5-alpha reductase sensitivity) have not been tracked in a 10-year prospective dermatological cohort.
  • Most studies evaluated 3g to 5g daily maintenance doses rather than chronic massive mega-doses (>30g/day).