Creatine supplementation in women's health: a lifespan perspective
Smith-Ryan, Cabre, Eckerson & Candow (2021) · Nutrients
Topics: Women's Health, Brain & Cognition, Bone Health
- Study type: Narrative review
- Population: Women across the lifespan
- Dose: 3-5 g/day
- Duration: Long-term
- Published: 2021
What the study found
This review makes the case that women may be especially responsive to creatine given lower baseline stores and hormone-related fluctuations. It covers benefits across menstruation, pregnancy, post-partum, and menopause, spanning muscle, mood, and cognition.
Key findings
- Women have ~70-80% lower endogenous creatine stores than men, suggesting greater potential upside.
- Potential benefits for mood and cognition, especially around hormonal transitions like menopause.
- Supports strength, body composition, and bone in combination with training.
The practical takeaway
Women stand to benefit broadly from creatine — muscle, bone, mood, and brain — particularly through menopause.