The Claim
Creatine monohydrate supplementation at a loading dose of 25 g/day followed by 5 g/day maintenance for 21 days does not alter serum testosterone concentrations in healthy college-aged male rugby players.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Taking creatine monohydrate for 21 days, starting with 25 grams per day then reducing to 5 grams per day, does not change the level of testosterone in the blood of healthy male rugby players in college.
See the scientific wording
Creatine monohydrate supplementation does not alter serum testosterone concentrations in healthy college-aged male rugby players over a 21-day period, even when administered at a loading dose of 25 g/day followed by 5 g/day maintenance.
Creatine increases the activity of an enzyme that turns testosterone into a stronger hormone called dihydrotestosterone, so the amount of testosterone in the blood stays the same even though the stronger hormone goes up.
What the research says
1 studyTaking creatine for three weeks didn’t change the amount of testosterone in the blood of young male rugby players, even though another related hormone (DHT) went up. So, the claim that creatine doesn’t affect testosterone is correct.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.