Creatine Mono increases DHT and T:DHT ratio

[Swifto]

1: Clin J Sport Med. 2009 Sep;19(5):399-404.


Three weeks of creatine monohydrate supplementation affects dihydrotestosterone to testosterone ratio in college-aged rugby players.

van der Merwe J, Brooks NE, Myburgh KH.

Department of Physiological Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated resting concentrations of selected androgens after 3 weeks of creatine supplementation in male rugby players. It was hypothesized that the ratio of dihydrotestosterone (DHT, a biologically more active androgen) to testosterone (T) would change with creatine supplementation. DESIGN: Double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study with a 6-week washout period. SETTING: Rugby Institute in South Africa. PARTICIPANTS: College-aged rugby players (n = 20) volunteered for the study, which took place during the competitive season. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects loaded with creatine (25 g/day creatine with 25 g/day glucose) or placebo (50 g/day glucose) for 7 days followed by 14 days of maintenance (5 g/day creatine with 25 g/day glucose or 30 g/day glucose placebo). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Serum T and DHT were measured and ratio calculated at baseline and after 7 days and 21 days of creatine supplementation (or placebo). Body composition measurements were taken at each time point. RESULTS: After 7 days of creatine loading, or a further 14 days of creatine maintenance dose, serum T levels did not change. However, levels of DHT increased by 56% after 7 days of creatine loading and remained 40% above baseline after 14 days maintenance (P < 0.001). The ratio of DHT:T also increased by 36% after 7 days creatine supplementation and remained elevated by 22% after the maintenance dose (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Creatine supplementation may, in part, act through an increased rate of conversion of T to DHT. Further investigation is warranted as a result of the high frequency of individuals using creatine supplementation and the long-term safety of alterations in circulating androgen composition. STATEMENT OF CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although creatine is a widely used ergogenic aid, the mechanisms of action are incompletely understood, particularly in relation to dihydrotestosterone, and therefore the long-term clinical safety cannot be guaranteed.

PMID: 19741313 [PubMed - in process]


Raise in DHT and T: DHT ratio.

May explain why some get acne from Creatine Mono.

I'm actually still suffering from acne (6 weeks later) from an Epistane cycle lasting 3-4 weeks tappered off. I'm also taking 5-10g Creatine daily. I'll see if stopping Creatine Mono helps with the acne at all...

[Prada]

Interesting.

Could one say that it is indeed the increase in DHT that led to the "gains" derived from the creatine consumption?

[Swifto]

Interesting.

Could one say that it is indeed the increase in DHT that led to the "gains" derived from the creatine consumption?

It may contribute to overall gains, but its not primarily from the increase in DHT, no, not in my opinoin. Creatine works via different mechanisms.

[peachfuzz]

interesting indeed. id like to know more details of the study tho.

[marcus300]

I never knew that, interesting!

[Swifto]

interesting indeed. id like to know more details of the study tho.

I'd like to see the full paper, but the abstract says a fair bit IMHO.

Very new info too. Dated Sept. 2009.

So...

Creatine Mono could cause acne, hairloss (MPB), increased labido and contribute to prostate problems...

Kinda...

[peachfuzz]

I'd like to see the full paper, but the abstract says a fair bit IMHO.

Very new info too. Dated Sept. 2009.

So...

Creatine Mono could cause acne, hairloss (MPB), increased labido and contribute to prostate problems...

Kinda...

i know countless people that swear creatine gives them acne. very interesting indeed.

[Swifto]

i know countless people that swear creatine gives them acne. very interesting indeed.

My skin is very sensitive and it may be a contributer. We'll see...