Does anyone take creatine?

[Bubbles254]

I have been reading a lot of research about the benefits of creatine for muscle growth and recovery as well as for wider benefits on the brain and for menopause.

I am thinking of trialling it but two things worry me slightly so I was wondering if anyone has any experience of it?

Firstly I am a bit worried about getting stuck on it as I read it can affect your body's own production of creatine. Secondly I am worried about the hair loss claims, have these been debunked?

Very interested in hearing about anyone's experience of taking it.

I just started taking creatine a few days ago, and I'd be interested in any responses you get here, OP!

My dermatologist Dr Natalia Spierings is also a body builder and competes , she said fully safe to use .

Look her up

How exciting, are you doing a loading phase? I was thinking of starting on 5mg and letting it gradually build up.

Yes there does seem to be a lot of very positive research on it. The two areas I highlighted were the only ones I was unsure apart, partly because I seem to be loosing quite a lot of hair already even without the creatine!

No, I'm not doing a loading phase, mostly because I was worried about potential gastrointestinal upset (I didn't know what to expect and didn't want to be taken by surprise at work or find myself unable to go to work), but also because most of what I've read says loading isn't necessary for everybody. So far I've had no issues and have felt completely fine.

I did wonder about hair loss, but everything I'd glossed over says it's not a worry for women.

Yes I take it. The research is positive, it's cheap so was a no brainer for me. I've not noticed hair loss and not heard about getting stuck on it.

Just stay off the scales.

I was hearing a lot about this, but I'm looking at it from the perspective that if I "gain weight" on creatine it just means I have to adjust what I think of as my weight, if that makes sense, since the extra water is just hydration and hydration is a good thing.

Re hair loss - I've been using rosemary oil for around 6 months now and seen good improvement

You could down the Minoxil route too if you can afford it

It's definitely not proper "weight". It's just a bit startling if scales are your thing.

I've taken it for years. Never had any issues. I take a break now and again like if I go on holiday and aren't training. I've never bothered with a loading phase.

Yes, I’ve taken it for several years. No issues at all. There was a very small weight gain at the beginning, but that disappeared in a couple of weeks. It’s a no brainer for me. Both my elderly parents also take
it and recognise the benefits.

Hi all,

I've started taking it - now I'm worried about the weight gain. I'm a scales, gal. And it's already hard for me.

Does the weight come off after a while or do you have to adjust your thinking?

My PT says it can cause water retention. This puts me off slightly too.

What benefits do your folks find?