Becque et al. found no changes in fat mass after six weeks of supplementation plus resistance training. Furthermore, in a sample of elite Olympic level sample of young German athletes (14-18 yrs), 12% of those surveyed reported supplementing with creatine . For example, Kayton et al. found that in a sample of 270 high school boys and girls, 21% of boys and 3% of girls reported supplementing with creatine.
The theory that creatine supplementation increases fat mass is a concern amongst exercising individuals, possibly because some experience a gain in body mass from creatine supplementation. In summary, experimental and clinical research does not validate the notion that creatine supplementation causes dehydration and muscle cramping. Speculation exists that creatine supplementation causes dehydration and muscle cramping 72, 73.
But there aren’t many studies on the long-term effects of TRT (for example, over decades). Once you start TRT, you’ll have regular appointments with your healthcare provider and routine blood tests. Your body will take some time to restart production of testosterone naturally. If you stop taking testosterone, your levels will return to baseline. Testosterone replacement therapy can improve many of the symptoms of low testosterone (male hypogonadism).
The result could be mild dehydration or, in some cases, extra fluid buildup. Older adults also tend to take more medications—like diuretics, blood pressure pills, or blood thinners—that influence water and salt levels. In an older person with slower circulation or preexisting cardiovascular issues, this change can reduce blood flow and make dehydration symptoms worse. They may also have health problems such as heart disease or diabetes that affect kidney function or fluid control. Over time, this can increase the risk of dehydration symptoms such as dizziness, dark urine, or fatigue during exercise.
If symptoms of low testosterone are interfering with your quality of life, know that you don’t have to just grin and bear it. For all these reasons, your healthcare provider will carefully consider if TRT is safe for you based on your unique characteristics. Research has also studied the increased risk of venous thromboembolism, and the results are mixed. If you don’t have these health concerns, TRT is generally safe. This is why healthcare providers do extensive evaluations and tests before approving the use of TRT. Certain existing health conditions make TRT unsafe, like prostate cancer, breast cancer and heart failure.
Since glycogen replenishment is important for promoting recovery and preventing overtraining during intensified training periods 2, 125, creatine supplementation may help athletes who deplete large amounts of glycogen during training and/or performance (i.e., sporting events) to maintain optimal glycogen levels. For example, creatine supplementation with carbohydrate or carbohydrate and protein has been reported to promote greater muscle glycogen storage than carbohydrate supplementation alone. In summary, there is growing body of evidence showing that creatine supplementation, particularly when combined with exercise, provides musculoskeletal and performance benefits in older adults.
One question that continues to appear in online searches and medical discussions is whether TRT can cause dehydration. But as more people begin or consider this therapy, questions have also grown about its possible side effects and how it affects the body in less obvious ways. It is used to help men whose bodies no longer produce enough natural testosterone — a hormone that plays a key role in energy, muscle strength, bone density, mood, and sexual function.
Furthermore, resistance-trained males who consumed creatine supplementation (20 g/day for seven days followed by 5 g/day for 21 days) had no significant increase in ICW, ECW, or TBW . For example, resistance-trained males who received creatine at a dose of 0.3 g/kg lean body mass/day for 7 days (approximately 20 g/day) followed by 4 weeks at 0.075 g/kg lean body mass/day for 28 days (approximately 5 g/day) experienced no significant change in ICW, ECW, or TBW . Unfortunately, based on these short-term responses, this notion that creatine increases water retention over the long-term has been widely accepted . Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or modifying any medical treatment, including testosterone replacement therapy. The most frequently reported side effects include acne, fluid retention, mood changes, elevated hematocrit (red blood cell count), testicular atrophy, and sleep disturbances. Every TRT program begins with in-depth blood work that goes beyond basic testosterone levels.