TL;DR — Creatine and Hormonal Response
Creatine’s effects on hormones are a topic of significant public interest and occasional misinformation. The evidence shows that creatine is NOT a hormone, does NOT function as a steroid, and does NOT consistently alter major hormone levels. Some studies have reported modest increases in testosterone or DHT, but systematic reviews and the ISSN position stand conclude that creatine does not reliably affect hormonal profiles. Creatine’s performance benefits are primarily driven by enhanced ATP regeneration through the phosphocreatine system — not through hormonal mechanisms. Any secondary hormonal effects are likely indirect consequences of improved training capacity rather than direct pharmacological effects of creatine itself.
Creatine Is Not a Hormone
A common misconception equates creatine with anabolic steroids or hormone-boosting supplements. This is incorrect. Creatine is a naturally occurring nitrogenous organic acid that functions exclusively in energy metabolism through the phosphocreatine system. It has no hormonal activity and does not bind to androgen, estrogen, or any other hormone receptors.
The ISSN position stand by Kreider et al. (2017) explicitly addresses this misconception, confirming that creatine’s ergogenic effects are mediated through bioenergetic mechanisms, not hormonal pathways (RB et al., 2017) .
Testosterone
The Evidence
Most well-designed studies show no significant direct effect of creatine supplementation on total or free testosterone levels. Some individual studies have reported small increases, but these findings are inconsistent across the literature and may be influenced by:
- Improved training capacity leading to more intense workouts, which acutely elevate testosterone
- Individual variation in response
- Methodological differences between studies
The Conclusion
Rawson (2011) reviewed the evidence and concluded that creatine does not function as a testosterone booster (ES & AC, 2011) . Roschel et al. (2021) reached similar conclusions in their comprehensive review (H et al., 2021) .
DHT and Hair Loss
The Single Study
In 2009, van der Merwe et al. published a study reporting that creatine loading (25g/day for 7 days, then 5g/day for 14 days) increased dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by approximately 56% in college-aged rugby players. DHT is a potent androgen linked to male pattern baldness in genetically susceptible individuals.
The Context
This single study has generated significant concern about creatine and hair loss. However, important context is needed:
- The finding has never been replicated in subsequent studies
- Multiple other studies examining creatine and androgens have not found DHT increases
- The original study had a small sample size and did not directly measure hair loss
- The ISSN position stand notes insufficient evidence to conclude that creatine causes hair loss
While individuals with genetic predisposition to male pattern baldness may want to monitor for hair changes, the current evidence does not support a definitive link between creatine supplementation and hair loss.
IGF-1
Some studies suggest that creatine supplementation combined with resistance training may enhance local muscle IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) expression. IGF-1 is a growth factor that promotes muscle protein synthesis and cell growth.
However, this effect is likely indirect — creatine enables greater training volume, which itself stimulates IGF-1 production. There is limited evidence that creatine directly affects systemic IGF-1 levels independent of training effects.
Wallimann et al. (2011) noted creatine’s pleiotropic effects on cellular signaling, though these effects are primarily related to energy metabolism and cell volume regulation rather than hormonal pathways (T et al., 2011) .
Other Hormones
Cortisol: Some studies suggest creatine may modestly reduce post-exercise cortisol levels, potentially through reduced exercise-induced metabolic stress. However, results are inconsistent.
Growth hormone: No consistent evidence that creatine directly affects growth hormone levels.
Insulin: Creatine uptake into muscle cells may be enhanced by insulin co-ingestion, but creatine does not significantly affect insulin secretion.
Harris et al. (1992) focused on creatine’s bioenergetic effects without identifying hormonal mechanisms (RC et al., 1992) .
The Bottom Line
Creatine’s ergogenic benefits are fully explained by its role in the phosphocreatine energy system. There is no need to invoke hormonal mechanisms to explain why creatine improves exercise performance, increases lean body mass, or enhances cognitive function. Any hormonal changes observed with creatine supplementation are likely secondary to improved training capacity, not direct effects of creatine itself.
Malaysian Context
Hormonal concerns about creatine are common among Malaysian fitness enthusiasts, often fueled by social media misinformation. Understanding that creatine works through energy metabolism — not hormones — helps Malaysian consumers make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary fear.
Creatine monohydrate is available throughout Malaysia through Shopee, Lazada, and supplement stores, with halal-certified options from RM40.
Sources & References
This article cites Kreider et al. (2017), Rawson (2011), Roschel et al. (2021), Wallimann et al. (2011), and Harris et al. (1992). Full citations are available in our Research Library.