Creatine in women's health: bridging the gap from menstruation through pregnancy to menopause.

backgroundCreatine supplementation in women has gained attention for its potential benefits beyond muscle growth, including reproductive health, cognitive health and aging. Women exhibit distinct physiological differences from men, influenced by hormonal fluctuations during pre-menopause, pregnancy, and menopause, and these factors should be considered for their influence on creatine metabolism.

objectiveThis review aims to provide a historical evaluation of creatine supplementation in women, its potential applications across female-specific life stages, recent research highlights, and targets for future research. The review also considers the impact of hormonal changes on creatine metabolism and effectiveness as a dietary supplementation.

methodsThis is a narrative overview of historical and recent research evaluating the effects of creatine in women.

resultsEarly studies demonstrated the benefits of creatine on exercise performance in women, though they often overlooked menstrual cycle variability. Recent research has begun to account for these hormonal fluctuations, enhancing the understanding of creatine's applications. Creatine supplementation has shown positive effects on muscle strength, exercise performance, and body composition, particularly when combined with resistance training. Additionally, creatine may improve mood and cognitive function, potentially alleviating symptoms of depression. Emerging evidence suggests creatine's benefits during pregnancy and post-menopause, though data on perimenopausal women remains limited.

conclusionCreatine supplementation presents a promising strategy for enhancing various aspects of women's health across the lifespan. Future research should focus on optimizing dosing strategies, understanding long-term health implications, and exploring creatine's effects during pregnancy and perimenopause.