Creatine is one of the most widely studied dietary supplements used in exercise and sports nutrition. It is commonly associated with strength training, muscle performance, and the body's ability to produce energy during short periods of intense activity.
But another question has become increasingly popular: Does creatine increase testosterone?
The question is understandable. Testosterone plays an important role in male reproductive physiology, sexual function, muscle health, and other biological processes. Creatine is also associated with muscle function and physical performance, so it is easy to assume that the two must be hormonally connected.
However, improving exercise performance and increasing testosterone are not the same thing.
Creatine primarily supports a cellular energy system involved in rapid energy production. Testosterone is a steroid hormone produced and regulated through the endocrine system. Although both influence aspects of muscle physiology, they operate through different biological mechanisms.
Some small studies have investigated whether creatine supplementation affects testosterone or dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone. Their findings have not been entirely uniform.
Nevertheless, the overall body of evidence does not consistently demonstrate that creatine supplementation meaningfully increases total testosterone, free testosterone, or DHT.
This distinction is especially important for men researching low testosterone symptoms or considering hormone testing.
Creatine should not be viewed as a treatment for testosterone deficiency, and a person's response to a supplement cannot establish whether they have a hormonal disorder.
This guide examines how creatine works, what research shows about its relationship with testosterone, whether results differ between men and women, and what people should know about creatine supplementation and hormonal health.
Quick Answer: Creatine supplementation does not consistently increase testosterone levels. Although some individual studies have reported changes in testosterone-related measurements, most research has not demonstrated a reliable increase in total or free testosterone. A 2025 randomized controlled trial found no significant differences between creatine and placebo in total testosterone, free testosterone, or DHT over 12 weeks. Creatine may support certain forms of exercise performance, but it is not an established treatment for low testosterone.
What Is Creatine?
Creatine is a naturally occurring compound involved in energy metabolism.
The body produces creatine primarily through processes involving the liver and kidneys, using amino acid precursors. Creatine is also obtained through foods, particularly meat and fish.
Most of the body's creatine is stored in skeletal muscle.
Within muscle cells, creatine exists in different forms, including free creatine and phosphocreatine.
Phosphocreatine helps the body regenerate adenosine triphosphate, commonly called ATP.
ATP is the primary energy-carrying molecule used by cells for numerous biological activities.
During brief periods of intense muscular activity, ATP is consumed rapidly. The phosphocreatine system helps replenish ATP so muscles can continue producing force.
This is why creatine supplementation has been studied extensively in relation to activities involving repeated short bursts of effort.
The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements describes creatine as a supplement with evidence supporting improvements in certain types of strength and high-intensity exercise performance.
However, its established mechanism does not depend on increasing testosterone.
Where Does Creatine Come From?
Creatine comes from two main sources: internal production and dietary intake.
The body synthesizes creatine through normal metabolic processes.
Foods such as beef, pork, and fish also provide creatine.
Creatine supplements generally contain substantially more creatine per serving than would be obtained from a typical portion of food.
The most widely researched supplemental form is creatine monohydrate.
Other formulations are marketed, but differences in marketing claims should not be confused with evidence of hormonal effects.
Is Creatine a Hormone?
No.
Creatine is not testosterone, a steroid hormone, or an anabolic-androgenic steroid.
It is a compound involved in cellular energy metabolism.
Testosterone, by contrast, is a hormone produced primarily by the testes in men, with smaller contributions from other tissues and different production patterns in women.
The distinction matters because supplements that support exercise performance do not necessarily change hormone production.
What Does Creatine Do in the Body?
Creatine helps maintain the availability of rapidly usable energy in tissues with substantial energy requirements, especially skeletal muscle.
When ATP is used to support muscular contraction, the phosphocreatine system can help regenerate it.
This system is particularly relevant during short, intense activities.
Examples include brief sprints, repeated high-effort movements, and resistance exercise.
Research has found that creatine supplementation can improve certain measures of strength, power, and exercise performance, although individual responses vary.
These effects are generally explained by changes in muscle creatine availability and energy metabolism.
They do not require a corresponding increase in testosterone.
Creatine and Muscle Performance
Creatine supplementation may increase muscle phosphocreatine stores.
Higher phosphocreatine availability can help support ATP regeneration during repeated high-intensity efforts.
Over time, this may allow some individuals to perform more training work under particular conditions.
The resulting exercise adaptations can involve several physiological processes.
However, a change in exercise performance is not proof of a change in testosterone production.
Creatine and Body Weight
Creatine supplementation can increase body weight, particularly during the early stages of use.
Some of this change is associated with increased water retention within tissues.
Longer-term changes in lean mass may also occur when supplementation is combined with resistance training.
However, an increase in body weight or lean mass does not establish that testosterone levels have risen.
Creatine and Cellular Energy
Creatine's role extends beyond a simple relationship with muscle size.
The creatine-phosphocreatine system is part of normal cellular energy regulation.
Researchers have investigated creatine in several physiological contexts, but findings in one area should not be used to infer effects in another.
In particular, evidence of a role in energy metabolism does not establish that creatine corrects testosterone deficiency.
Does Creatine Increase Testosterone Levels?
The most accurate answer is that current research does not consistently show that creatine supplementation increases testosterone.
Studies have examined testosterone responses under different conditions, including resistance training, short-term supplementation, and longer supplementation periods.
Some have reported small hormonal changes, while others have found no meaningful differences.
The overall pattern does not support creatine as a reliable testosterone-boosting supplement.
Several factors make this research difficult to interpret.
First, testosterone concentrations naturally vary.
Second, studies differ in participant characteristics, training programs, supplement regimens, and blood-testing schedules.
Third, a measured change in testosterone does not necessarily mean that the supplement caused it.
Finally, statistical differences do not always translate into clinically meaningful effects.
These distinctions are important when interpreting headlines claiming that creatine increases testosterone.
What Does the Most Recent Clinical Evidence Show?
A randomized controlled trial published in 2025 investigated creatine supplementation and androgen-related outcomes in resistance-trained men.
The study enrolled 45 men between the ages of 18 and 40.
Participants were assigned to receive creatine monohydrate or placebo over a 12-week period.
Researchers assessed total testosterone, free testosterone, DHT, and hair-related outcomes.
Thirty-eight participants completed the study.
The researchers found no statistically significant differences between the creatine and placebo groups in changes in total testosterone, free testosterone, or DHT.
Some hormone measurements changed over time, but the changes were not attributable to creatine supplementation.
This distinction is crucial.
A hormone measurement can rise or fall during a study without demonstrating that the intervention caused the change.
The trial adds evidence against the claim that creatine reliably increases testosterone-related hormones.
However, it was conducted in a relatively small group of resistance-trained adult men, so its findings should not be generalized without qualification to every population.
Research reference: Forbes and colleagues, 2025, Does creatine cause hair loss? A 12-week randomized controlled trial.
Why Have Some Studies Reported Different Results?
Individual studies can produce different findings because of differences in design, sample size, duration, participant characteristics, and measurement methods.
A small study may identify a change that is not reproduced in larger or later investigations.
Some studies also assess hormone concentrations at only a few time points.
Testosterone is influenced by sleep, illness, energy balance, and other factors.
If these influences are not adequately considered, an apparent change may be difficult to attribute to a supplement.
The most useful interpretation therefore considers the broader research literature rather than selecting one positive result.
Does Creatine Monohydrate Increase Testosterone?
Creatine monohydrate is the most widely researched form of creatine supplementation.
It has substantial evidence supporting certain exercise-related uses.
However, research does not consistently demonstrate that creatine monohydrate increases testosterone.
This is an important distinction because creatine monohydrate is sometimes described as a supplement that supports muscle performance.
That description does not make it a testosterone therapy.
Its primary mechanism involves creatine availability and energy metabolism rather than direct stimulation of testicular testosterone production.
A person may experience changes in exercise performance while total and free testosterone remain essentially unchanged.
Is Creatine Monohydrate Different From Other Creatine Products?
Creatine supplements are sold in several forms.
These may include creatine monohydrate, creatine hydrochloride, and other formulations.
Creatine monohydrate has the most extensive research history.
Marketing claims about alternative formulations should be evaluated against direct comparative evidence.
Importantly, there is no established basis for assuming that a different creatine formulation will increase testosterone simply because it is marketed as more advanced.
Does Creatine Work Better With Exercise?
Creatine's best-established benefits are associated with certain exercise activities, particularly repeated high-intensity efforts.
Responses may vary depending on training status, activity type, and other factors.
However, exercise-related benefits should not be interpreted as proof of hormonal enhancement.
A person can improve strength or exercise capacity without developing higher circulating testosterone concentrations.
Does Creatine Increase Testosterone in Men?
Most research investigating creatine and testosterone has involved men, often younger adults participating in exercise or resistance training.
Across this research, creatine has not consistently increased testosterone.
This means that men should not assume creatine supplementation will correct low testosterone, improve symptoms of hypogonadism, or change their eligibility for medical treatment.
A man experiencing persistent reduced libido, sexual-function changes, or other symptoms potentially associated with testosterone deficiency may require medical evaluation.
Supplement use is not a substitute for diagnostic testing.
Does Creatine Increase Testosterone in Men Over 40?
There is insufficient evidence to conclude that creatine reliably increases testosterone in men over 40.
Middle-aged men may experience changes in hormone concentrations, but these changes vary considerably between individuals.
Creatine supplementation does not automatically address the medical causes of testosterone deficiency.
Similarly, a man over 40 should not assume that fatigue or reduced physical performance is caused by testosterone deficiency.
Sleep problems, medications, chronic illness, mental health conditions, and other factors may contribute.
When symptoms suggest a possible hormonal disorder, an individualized clinical assessment is more appropriate than attempting to change testosterone through supplementation.
Does Creatine Increase Testosterone in Older Men?
Creatine has been studied in older adults for various exercise and muscle-related outcomes.
However, findings about physical function should not be confused with evidence of increased testosterone production.
Older adults may experience changes in muscle physiology for several reasons.
Creatine's effects on energy metabolism do not establish that it reverses age-related hormonal changes.
The appropriate interpretation of testosterone levels also depends on symptoms, laboratory findings, and health history.
For more information about age-related variation, see Testosterone Levels by Age: Normal Ranges, Average Levels, and What They Mean.
Does Creatine Increase Testosterone in Women?
There is not sufficient evidence to conclude that creatine supplementation reliably increases testosterone in women.
Women naturally produce testosterone, but circulating concentrations are substantially lower than those typically observed in men.
Female testosterone physiology also differs in important ways.
Hormone concentrations can be influenced by reproductive stage, ovarian and adrenal function, medications, and other factors.
Although creatine has been investigated in women for exercise-related outcomes, these findings do not establish that it raises testosterone.
It would therefore be inaccurate to describe creatine as a testosterone-enhancing supplement for women.
Does Creatine Increase Testosterone in Females During Exercise?
Exercise can produce short-term physiological responses, including changes in some hormone measurements.
However, an acute response during or after exercise does not necessarily reflect a lasting increase in baseline testosterone.
Studies would need to demonstrate a consistent, supplement-related hormonal change before such a claim could be supported.
Current evidence does not establish creatine as a reliable method for increasing testosterone in women.
Can Women Use Creatine Without Increasing Testosterone?
Creatine's physiological effects do not require an increase in testosterone.
That said, individual decisions about supplementation should consider age, pregnancy or breastfeeding status, medical conditions, medications, and the intended use.
Women with symptoms that raise concern about a hormonal disorder should seek appropriate medical assessment rather than assuming creatine will correct the problem.
Does Creatine Increase Free Testosterone?
Free testosterone refers to the fraction of circulating testosterone that is not bound to proteins.
Most testosterone in the bloodstream is associated with proteins, including sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin.
Free testosterone represents a relatively small portion of total circulating testosterone.
Because free and total testosterone are different measurements, research findings involving one should not automatically be applied to the other.
Current evidence does not consistently show that creatine increases free testosterone.
The 2025 randomized controlled trial found no significant difference between creatine and placebo in free testosterone changes over 12 weeks.
This is especially relevant because some online discussions suggest that creatine may increase biologically available testosterone even when total testosterone does not change.
Such claims require direct evidence.
Why Is Free Testosterone Important?
Free testosterone may provide additional clinical information in selected situations.
For example, changes in SHBG can affect the relationship between total and free testosterone.
Two men with similar total testosterone concentrations may have different free testosterone results.
However, free testosterone measurements vary by testing method, and results should be interpreted using appropriate laboratory reference intervals.
An isolated free testosterone result does not automatically establish testosterone deficiency or justify treatment.
For a detailed explanation, read Free Testosterone: Why Measuring the Active Hormone Matters More Than Total Testosterone.
Does Creatine Affect SHBG?
SHBG is a protein that binds circulating sex hormones, including testosterone.
Its concentration can influence how total and free testosterone relate to each other.
SHBG may be affected by age, thyroid status, liver conditions, medications, metabolic health, and other factors.
There is insufficient evidence to establish that creatine supplementation produces a consistent, clinically meaningful change in SHBG.
Therefore, claims that creatine increases free testosterone by altering SHBG should be treated cautiously.
A person whose hormone testing includes SHBG should discuss the result with a qualified medical provider.
Does Creatine Increase DHT?
DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, is an androgen produced from testosterone through the action of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase.
DHT contributes to several androgen-related physiological processes.
The question of whether creatine increases DHT became popular after a small study published in 2009 reported increased DHT concentrations in male rugby players following creatine supplementation.
However, one small study is not sufficient to establish a consistent biological effect.
Subsequent research has not consistently reproduced the finding.
The 2025 randomized controlled trial directly measured DHT and found no significant difference between the creatine and placebo groups.
The study also found no significant between-group differences in the DHT-to-testosterone ratio.
These findings do not support the claim that creatine reliably increases DHT.
Is DHT the Same as Testosterone?
No.
DHT is derived from testosterone, but the two hormones are not identical.
They differ in biological activity and tissue-specific effects.
An increase in one measurement does not automatically mean the other has increased.
This is why studies investigating creatine and androgen hormones should clearly distinguish total testosterone, free testosterone, and DHT.
Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss by Increasing DHT?
The concern about creatine and hair loss is partly related to DHT's role in androgenetic alopecia, commonly called male-pattern hair loss.
However, a proposed biological mechanism is not the same as evidence that a supplement causes hair loss.
The 2025 randomized trial assessed both androgen measurements and hair-related outcomes.
Researchers did not identify significant differences between creatine and placebo in the measured hair outcomes.
This provides evidence against the claim that creatine causes hair loss through increased DHT under the conditions studied.
However, the study was relatively small and lasted 12 weeks. It cannot rule out every possible long-term effect in every population.
Why Do People Think Creatine Boosts Testosterone?
Several misconceptions contribute to this belief.
Creatine Is Associated With Strength
Creatine has evidence supporting improvements in certain forms of high-intensity exercise performance.
Because testosterone also plays a role in muscle physiology, people sometimes assume that improved strength must result from increased testosterone.
That conclusion is not supported by the underlying mechanisms.
Creatine May Change Body Weight
Some people notice an increase in body weight after starting creatine.
However, early changes may reflect water retention rather than hormonal changes.
An increase in body weight cannot establish an increase in testosterone.
Creatine Is Used in Sports Nutrition
Creatine is widely discussed in athletic and fitness settings.
This can lead to confusion between dietary supplements, hormones, and anabolic-androgenic steroids.
Creatine is not an anabolic steroid.
Its effects on cellular energy are distinct from testosterone's endocrine functions.
Small Studies Receive Disproportionate Attention
An individual study reporting a hormonal change can generate headlines that persist for years.
However, research findings need replication.
When subsequent studies do not reproduce the effect, the original claim should be interpreted more cautiously.
Supplement Marketing Can Blur the Distinction
Some products combine creatine with multiple ingredients and market the mixture as a testosterone booster.
Even if the product contains creatine, this does not establish that creatine itself increases testosterone.
It is also difficult to attribute an effect to a single ingredient when several substances are used together.
Does Creatine Help Increase Testosterone Naturally?
Creatine is not an established method for increasing testosterone naturally.
Its best-supported effects involve energy metabolism and certain exercise outcomes.
It should not be used as a substitute for evaluation of suspected testosterone deficiency.
The phrase natural testosterone booster is often used in supplement marketing, but it does not describe a recognized medical treatment category.
Claims about increasing testosterone should be supported by reliable evidence demonstrating a meaningful hormonal effect.
Current research does not support describing creatine as a reliable testosterone booster.
Does Taking Creatine Increase Testosterone After a Workout?
Testosterone measurements may change temporarily around exercise.
However, short-term hormone fluctuations do not necessarily indicate a lasting increase in baseline testosterone.
Exercise studies must distinguish between acute hormonal responses and longer-term changes.
For example, a blood sample collected shortly after physical activity may differ from one obtained under standardized resting conditions.
That difference does not prove that creatine supplementation caused a sustained increase in testosterone.
This is one reason clinical testosterone testing generally follows standardized collection procedures.
How Much Does Creatine Increase Testosterone?
There is no reliable amount by which creatine can be expected to increase testosterone.
Research does not establish a consistent testosterone response to creatine supplementation.
Consequently, claims that creatine raises testosterone by a specific percentage or number of ng/dL should be evaluated carefully.
Some individual studies may report numerical changes, but those results cannot automatically be generalized.
It is particularly important to distinguish changes within a study group from differences between creatine and placebo.
If testosterone increases in both groups, the finding does not demonstrate a creatine-specific effect.
For example, the 2025 trial observed changes in some hormone measurements over time, but researchers did not find a significant supplement-related difference.
The appropriate conclusion is not that creatine increases testosterone by the observed amount.
It is that the study did not demonstrate a reliable testosterone-raising effect attributable to creatine.
Can Creatine Treat Low Testosterone?
No. Creatine is not an established treatment for medically diagnosed testosterone deficiency.
Male hypogonadism is a clinical condition requiring appropriate assessment.
Its causes can involve the testes, hypothalamus, pituitary gland, medications, or other medical factors.
A supplement that affects cellular energy metabolism does not necessarily address these causes.
Men with suspected testosterone deficiency may require evaluation of symptoms, laboratory findings, medical history, and relevant underlying conditions.
Using creatine does not confirm or exclude a diagnosis of low testosterone.
Similarly, feeling stronger during exercise after supplementation does not establish that hormone levels have normalized.
What Are the Signs of Low Testosterone in Men?
Possible symptoms and signs of testosterone deficiency can include:
Reduced sexual desire
Certain sexual-function changes
Reduced energy
Changes in muscle mass
Reduced bone density
Fertility concerns
Other findings identified during medical evaluation
However, these symptoms are not unique to testosterone deficiency.
Fatigue, mood changes, and reduced physical performance can have many explanations.
The American Urological Association recommends combining appropriate symptoms or signs with supporting testosterone measurements when diagnosing testosterone deficiency.
It also recommends two separate early-morning total testosterone measurements.
The Endocrine Society similarly recommends confirming consistently low testosterone concentrations.
These published recommendations help distinguish clinical diagnosis from supplement marketing claims.
What If Your Testosterone Is Normal but You Still Have Symptoms?
A testosterone result within a laboratory reference range does not mean symptoms should be ignored.
However, it also does not establish that testosterone is responsible for those symptoms.
For example, fatigue may be associated with sleep disorders, anemia, thyroid disease, medications, depression, or other medical conditions.
Sexual symptoms may involve cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological, psychological, or medication-related factors.
A clinician may consider free testosterone and SHBG when appropriate, particularly if total testosterone does not fully explain the clinical picture.
Nevertheless, a normal total testosterone result combined with symptoms does not automatically justify hormone treatment.
The next step is to investigate relevant possible causes.
Creatine vs. Testosterone: What Is the Difference?
Although creatine and testosterone are both discussed in relation to muscle physiology, they are fundamentally different substances.
Here are the key differences between creatine and testosterone:
Biological category: Creatine is a naturally occurring compound involved in energy metabolism, while testosterone is a steroid hormone.
Primary function: Creatine supports rapid ATP regeneration, helping the body meet short-term energy demands. Testosterone regulates multiple reproductive and physiological processes.
Natural production: Both creatine and testosterone are naturally produced by the human body.
Dietary sources: Creatine is found in foods, particularly meat and fish. Testosterone, however, is not obtained from food as a meaningful dietary hormone source.
Supplement availability: Creatine is widely available as a dietary supplement. Prescription testosterone, on the other hand, is a regulated medication.
Treatment for male hypogonadism: Creatine is not an established treatment for male hypogonadism. Testosterone may be prescribed for patients with appropriately diagnosed medical indications.
Medical evaluation: Ordinary dietary creatine use does not require a medical diagnosis. Prescription testosterone treatment requires appropriate clinical evaluation.
Effects on testosterone levels: Research has not established that creatine consistently increases testosterone levels. External testosterone directly changes circulating testosterone concentrations and can suppress the body's natural testosterone production.
Can Creatine Replace Testosterone Therapy?
No. Creatine should not be considered a substitute for medically indicated testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
Similarly, prescription testosterone should not be used simply to pursue the exercise-related effects associated with creatine.
Creatine and testosterone have different biological mechanisms, medical considerations, and appropriate uses.
Is Creatine Safe?
Creatine monohydrate has been extensively studied, particularly in healthy adults.
The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements describes creatine as generally safe for healthy adults when used in studied amounts, with evidence supporting use over several months and some longer-term data.
However, safety depends on the individual and the circumstances.
Potential effects can include increased body weight from water retention and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Some people report bloating, nausea, or other digestive symptoms.
Individuals with kidney disease or other significant medical conditions should seek medical advice before using creatine.
People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications should also discuss supplementation with an appropriate healthcare professional when relevant.
Does Creatine Damage the Kidneys?
Creatine is metabolized in part to creatinine, a substance commonly measured in blood tests used to assess kidney function.
Supplementation can complicate interpretation of creatinine-based laboratory results in some circumstances.
An elevated creatinine result does not automatically mean kidney damage, but it should not be dismissed without clinical evaluation.
Studies in healthy adults have generally not demonstrated kidney injury from standard creatine supplementation, but findings should not be generalized to people with existing kidney disease or other relevant risk factors.
Anyone with kidney-related concerns should discuss supplementation and laboratory findings with their medical provider.
Does Creatine Affect Hormone Testing?
There is no established evidence that ordinary creatine supplementation consistently raises testosterone measurements.
However, patients should tell their medical providers about supplements they use.
This helps clinicians interpret laboratory results and consider possible interactions or confounding factors.
Creatine may also affect creatinine measurements, which are distinct from testosterone tests.
The similarity of the names can cause confusion.
Creatine, creatinine, and testosterone are different substances.
Does Creatine Interfere With Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
There is limited direct evidence evaluating creatine supplementation specifically in men receiving testosterone replacement therapy.
Therefore, it would be inappropriate to claim that combining creatine with TRT reliably improves outcomes or is universally safe.
Men receiving prescription testosterone should discuss supplement use with their medical provider.
TRT requires monitoring based on the patient's medical history, prescribed medication, laboratory findings, and other clinical considerations.
Creatine does not replace that monitoring.
It also should not be used to adjust or self-manage testosterone dosing.
Should Men Take Creatine to Improve Hormone Health?
Creatine should not be selected specifically to raise testosterone because a reliable hormonal benefit has not been established.
Its evidence-supported uses relate primarily to particular exercise and performance outcomes.
Whether supplementation is appropriate depends on individual circumstances.
A man concerned about hormone health should distinguish between general nutrition, exercise supplements, and treatment of a diagnosed endocrine disorder.
These are separate issues.
If symptoms suggest possible testosterone deficiency, a clinical evaluation can help determine whether testing is appropriate.
Does Creatine Affect Libido or Sexual Function?
There is insufficient evidence to establish that creatine supplementation reliably improves libido or sexual function through changes in testosterone.
Sexual function is influenced by numerous biological and psychological factors.
Testosterone deficiency can contribute to reduced sexual desire in some men, but sexual symptoms may also result from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, medications, stress, mental health concerns, and other conditions.
A supplement's effects on exercise performance should not be interpreted as evidence of improved sexual function.
Persistent concerns should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Does Creatine Increase Testosterone During Aging?
Testosterone concentrations generally change across adulthood, but individual patterns vary.
Creatine has not been established as a way to reverse age-related testosterone changes.
The fact that a supplement may support some aspects of physical performance does not mean it restores youthful hormone concentrations.
Age alone also does not establish testosterone deficiency.
Men with persistent symptoms should be evaluated according to clinical findings rather than attempting to reach a particular age-based testosterone number.
What Is the Difference Between Low Testosterone and Normal Aging?
Normal aging can involve changes in sleep, physical function, body composition, and hormone concentrations.
However, these changes are not synonymous with hypogonadism.
Testosterone deficiency requires appropriate clinical assessment and supporting laboratory evidence.
A man in his 50s or 60s may have lower testosterone than he did in his 20s without meeting diagnostic criteria for a testosterone-deficiency disorder.
Another man may have clinically significant hypogonadism caused by a medical condition.
These situations require different interpretations.
For more information, read our guide to Testosterone Levels by Age.
When Should You Consider Testosterone Testing?
Testosterone testing may be appropriate when symptoms, physical findings, medical history, or other clinical factors raise concern about a hormonal disorder.
Possible reasons for evaluation include persistent reduced libido, certain sexual-function changes, fertility concerns, or other findings suggestive of hypogonadism.
Testing should answer a clinical question rather than simply determine whether someone has an optimal testosterone number.
A provider may evaluate total testosterone and consider free testosterone, SHBG, or additional laboratory markers when clinically appropriate.
The interpretation should account for the laboratory method, reference interval, timing of collection, symptoms, and relevant health conditions.
For an overview of laboratory considerations, read Essential Labs for Testosterone Therapy.
Understanding Testosterone Evaluation at Affinity Whole Health
At Affinity Whole Health, hormone evaluation emphasizes individualized assessment rather than relying on a single laboratory number or assumptions about age.
Medical providers may consider symptoms, health history, total testosterone, free testosterone, SHBG, and other relevant laboratory findings when clinically appropriate.
This approach recognizes that testosterone measurements can vary and that symptoms may have multiple possible causes.
For men with medically diagnosed testosterone deficiency, a provider may discuss treatment options, potential risks, fertility considerations, and appropriate follow-up.
A medical evaluation does not guarantee a diagnosis or a prescription.
Creatine supplementation is not a substitute for evaluating possible testosterone deficiency, and exercise-related changes should not be interpreted as proof of hormonal improvement.
To learn more about the medical evaluation process, visit Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) for Men.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creatine and Testosterone
Does creatine increase testosterone?
Current research does not consistently show that creatine increases testosterone. Most studies have not demonstrated a reliable rise in total or free testosterone attributable to supplementation.
Does creatine monohydrate increase testosterone?
Creatine monohydrate is well studied for certain exercise-related outcomes, but it has not been established as a testosterone-boosting supplement.
Does creatine increase testosterone levels in men?
Most research involving men does not support a consistent testosterone increase from creatine supplementation. Individual study findings have varied, but the overall evidence does not establish a reliable effect.
Does creatine increase testosterone in women?
There is insufficient evidence to conclude that creatine reliably increases testosterone in women. Exercise-related benefits should not be confused with hormonal effects.
Does taking creatine increase free testosterone?
Research does not consistently demonstrate an increase in free testosterone. A 2025 randomized controlled trial found no significant difference between creatine and placebo in free testosterone changes.
Does creatine increase DHT?
One older small study reported an increase in DHT, but subsequent evidence has not consistently reproduced that finding. A 2025 randomized trial found no significant difference in DHT between creatine and placebo.
How much does creatine increase testosterone?
There is no established amount. Current evidence does not demonstrate a reliable testosterone increase that can be expressed as a predictable percentage or number of ng/dL.
Does creatine increase testosterone after working out?
Exercise can temporarily affect hormone measurements, but this does not establish that creatine causes a lasting increase in testosterone.
Does creatine increase testosterone in men over 40?
There is insufficient evidence that creatine reliably raises testosterone in men over 40. Age-related hormonal concerns require individualized medical evaluation.
Does creatine increase testosterone in older adults?
Creatine has been studied for certain exercise and physical-function outcomes in older adults, but it is not established as a treatment for age-related testosterone changes.
Does creatine help increase testosterone naturally?
Creatine is not a proven natural testosterone booster. Its primary established role is in cellular energy metabolism.
Is creatine a steroid?
No. Creatine is not an anabolic-androgenic steroid. It is a naturally occurring compound involved in energy metabolism.
Does creatine affect SHBG?
There is insufficient evidence that creatine produces a consistent, clinically meaningful change in SHBG. SHBG results should be interpreted in the context of individual laboratory findings.
Does creatine cause hair loss?
Current evidence does not establish that creatine causes hair loss. A 2025 randomized trial found no significant differences in measured hair outcomes between creatine and placebo over 12 weeks, although longer-term research remains limited.
Can creatine treat low testosterone?
No. Creatine is not an established treatment for testosterone deficiency or male hypogonadism. A suspected hormonal disorder requires appropriate medical evaluation.
Can you take creatine while receiving TRT?
People receiving TRT should discuss creatine and other supplements with their medical provider. Direct research on the combination is limited, and supplement use does not replace treatment monitoring.
Does creatine improve libido?
There is insufficient evidence to conclude that creatine reliably improves libido through testosterone-related mechanisms.
Does creatine affect fertility?
There is insufficient clinical evidence to establish that ordinary creatine supplementation meaningfully improves or impairs male fertility through changes in testosterone. Fertility concerns warrant appropriate medical evaluation.
Does creatine increase muscle mass because it raises testosterone?
Not necessarily. Creatine's effects on exercise performance and muscle-related outcomes can occur through energy metabolism and training adaptations without a demonstrated testosterone increase.
Should I take creatine if my testosterone is low?
Creatine should not be used to treat diagnosed testosterone deficiency. A qualified medical provider can evaluate possible causes of low testosterone and discuss appropriate management.
Does Creatine Increase Testosterone? The Bottom Line
Creatine is a naturally occurring compound involved in cellular energy metabolism.
Its best-established supplemental effects relate to certain forms of exercise performance, particularly repeated high-intensity efforts.
However, those effects do not mean creatine increases testosterone.
Research investigating creatine and androgen hormones has produced some variation, but the overall evidence does not consistently demonstrate a meaningful increase in total testosterone, free testosterone, or DHT.
A 2025 randomized controlled trial found no significant differences between creatine and placebo in changes in these hormone measurements over 12 weeks.
The most important points to remember are:
Creatine is not testosterone or an anabolic-androgenic steroid.
Creatine primarily supports cellular energy metabolism.
Exercise-related benefits do not establish increased testosterone production.
Most research does not show a consistent increase in total testosterone from creatine.
Free testosterone has not been shown to increase reliably with supplementation.
Evidence does not establish that creatine consistently increases DHT.
Creatine is not a recognized treatment for testosterone deficiency.
Symptoms of low testosterone can have many possible causes.
Testosterone testing should be interpreted alongside symptoms, laboratory methods, and medical history.
Medical treatment decisions should not be based on supplement claims.
For men experiencing persistent symptoms potentially associated with testosterone deficiency, an individualized medical evaluation is more appropriate than assuming creatine will correct a hormonal problem.
At Affinity Whole Health, medical providers consider relevant symptoms, laboratory findings, and health history when evaluating possible testosterone deficiency.
When treatment is clinically appropriate, decisions should account for potential risks, fertility goals, and ongoing monitoring.
Learn more about Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) for Men and the medical evaluation process at Affinity Whole Health.
Medical References and Further Reading
1. Forbes SC, et al. Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss? A 12-Week Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2025.
A randomized trial examining total testosterone, free testosterone, DHT, and hair-related outcomes during creatine supplementation.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40265319/
2. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Dietary Supplements for Exercise and Athletic Performance: Health Professional Fact Sheet.
Summarizes creatine's mechanism, exercise-related evidence, common supplementation approaches in research, and safety considerations.
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/ExerciseAndAthleticPerformance-HealthProfessional/
3. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Dietary Supplements for Exercise and Athletic Performance: Consumer Fact Sheet.
Provides accessible information about creatine, its established uses, limitations, and potential adverse effects.
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/ExerciseAndAthleticPerformance-Consumer/
4. American Urological Association. Testosterone Deficiency Guideline.
Clinical guidance on the diagnosis and management of testosterone deficiency in men.
https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/testosterone-deficiency-guideline
5. Endocrine Society. Testosterone Therapy in Men With Hypogonadism: Clinical Practice Guideline.
Guidance on evaluating suspected hypogonadism, laboratory testing, treatment considerations, and medical monitoring.
https://www.endocrine.org/clinical-practice-guidelines/testosterone-therapy
Medical Disclaimer
This article is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Creatine supplementation is not an established treatment for testosterone deficiency. Decisions about dietary supplements should consider individual medical conditions, medications, and other relevant factors.
Testosterone results should be interpreted by a qualified medical provider using appropriate laboratory methods, reference intervals, symptoms, and medical history.
Do not start, stop, or change prescribed hormone therapy or other medical treatment based solely on supplement claims or information from an online article.