A newly published study examining the effects of creatine supplementation on hormone levels and hair health has sparked considerable attention online. While some headlines have portrayed it as definitive proof that creatine does not cause hair loss, a closer look reveals that the study is far more limited in scope than the media response suggests.

Published in late April 2024 in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (JISSN), the 12-week randomized controlled trial found no statistically significant change in serum DHT levels or visible hair density among participants who took creatine. However, the study included just 38 participants, omitted genetic screening for hair loss predisposition, and relied on outdated hair assessment tools such as the Trichogram. Additionally, it did not measure DHT activity at the scalp — where androgenetic alopecia actually takes place — nor did it track participants’ personal experiences with hair shedding during the trial.

It’s also important to note that several of the study’s authors maintain close ties to the supplement industry, and the journal in which the study was published is the official outlet of a trade organization (ISSN) that receives financial support from supplement companies.

At the American Hair Loss Association, we believe scientific rigor, transparency, and patient-first context are essential. While this study contributes to the broader discussion, it does not settle the question of whether creatine supplementation may accelerate hair loss in those who are genetically predisposed.

For a detailed breakdown of the study’s strengths, limitations, and broader implications, see Spencer David Kobren’s full analysis on The Bald Truth Substack:
https://thebaldtruth.substack.com/p/does-creatine-cause-hair-loss-what