Bottom line. Creatine supplementation enhances exercise performance, but most studies show that it has no effect on testosterone levels.
One study published found that six weeks of creatine supplementation resulted in a significant increase in testosterone levels in male rugby players.
Both supplement types support muscle development, physical performance, physical strength and fat loss. Creatine promotes leaner and more muscular physique. Both reduce or slow the onset of fatigue. Both improve cognitive function though I would say creatine does so to a significantly greater extent than T-boosters.
Creatine targets anabolic hormones, which is its main pathway for its influence on muscle growth and exercise performance. The two anabolic hormones it impacts most are insulin-like growth hormone 1 (IGF-1) and testosterone.
Long used by athletes to spur muscle growth and increase endurance, creatine now has important applications for raising growth hormone levels and decreasing homocysteine.
A recent trial reported that low semen creatine levels are associated with reduced sperm motility, while high creatine kinase activity is associated with poor sperm quality [16].
Creatine is thought to improve strength, increase lean muscle mass, and help the muscles recover more quickly during exercise. This muscular boost may help athletes achieve bursts of speed and energy, especially during short bouts of high-intensity activities such as weight lifting or sprinting.
Creatine still increases testosterone levels at rest, meaning it's not actually necessary to exercise alongside it to receive its benefits for facial hair growth. This happens because the elevated levels of free testosterone lead to the conversion of DHT.
Overall, the study indicates that creatine helps hair growth. Topical creatine helped with hair growth when using a hair care product containing creatine.
New research indicates that creatine is also important to brain function, affecting mood and cognition. Early trials suggest creatine supplementation can improve stress resilience, depression, and brain functions such as memory.
Like I mentioned at the top, there's no direct link between testosterone and Creatine. It doesn't tell the body to increase testosterone production, or help keep free testosterone from getting converted to other hormones.
Taking a high dose of creatine for a short period of time is considered safe for older adults. For example, two common dosages are: 20 grams per day for 7 days followed by 10 grams per day for 7 days. 20 grams per day for 10 days followed by 4 grams per day for 20 days.
The study concluded that zinc supplementation increased serum testosterone levels and confirmed it plays an important role in controlling testosterone levels in normal men.
Creatine supplementation increases creatine stores in the brain. By reducing the accumulation of adenosine and adenosine triphosphate in the brain during wakefulness, creatine supplementation seems to reduce sleep depth, duration, and “rebound sleep” after sleep deprivation.
By applying creatine in a face cream or lotion it helps to boost skin cell turnover and repair which in turn helps to combat signs of ageing and minimise fine lines and wrinkles, helping you to achieve glowing skin due to these new skin cells.
Signs and symptoms of high testosterone in men
Excess testosterone can lead to more aggressive and irritable behavior, more acne and oily skin, even worse sleep apnea (if you already have it), and an increase in muscle mass.
Doses up to 25 grams daily for up to 14 days have been safely used. Lower doses up to 4-5 grams daily for up to 18 months have also been safely used. Creatine is possibly safe when taken long-term. Doses up to 10 grams daily for up to 5 years have been safely used.
We recommend using creatine continuously. The recommended daily dose is between 3 and 5 grams. Continuous creatine intake – on exercise and training days as well as training-free days – promotes increased performance and muscle-building.