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.

View the original study on PubMed