Creatine and finasteride
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How finasteride works
Finasteride blocks type II 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that turns testosterone into DHT. At the 1 mg hair-loss dose it lowers serum DHT by roughly two-thirds. It is FDA-approved for male pattern hair loss and is the most studied oral treatment for it.
Does finasteride affect muscle gains?
Finasteride doesn't lower testosterone, and DHT isn't the main driver of skeletal muscle growth. Most men on finasteride train and build muscle normally. Creatine's benefits come from boosting the phosphocreatine energy system in muscle, which finasteride doesn't touch.
Taking them together
- Creatine: 3 to 5 g a day, any time of day, with or without food.
- Finasteride: as prescribed, usually 1 mg daily.
- No spacing needed between them.
- Stay hydrated, as you should with any training program.
Finasteride can have side effects, including sexual side effects in a minority of men, and isn't suitable for everyone. Your doctor can weigh up options, including topical finasteride. Telehealth services make getting a prescription straightforward.
Finasteride & minoxidil from a licensed provider
These telehealth services connect you with a licensed clinician who can prescribe finasteride, minoxidil or combination formulas, shipped to your door. Creatine doesn't interfere with any of them.
| Service | What they offer | |
|---|---|---|
| Happy Head | Dermatologist-formulated custom topicals, including topical finasteride + minoxidil combinations | Start visit |
| Hims | Oral and topical finasteride, minoxidil and combination options | Start visit |
| Ro | Finasteride and minoxidil plans with ongoing provider support | Start visit |
| Keeps | Budget-focused finasteride and minoxidil subscriptions | Start visit |
Prescriptions are at the provider's discretion. Finasteride isn't suitable for everyone; discuss side effects with your clinician.
Building a complete routine
Finasteride is most effective as part of a stack: finasteride to lower DHT, minoxidil to stimulate growth, and a ketoconazole shampoo for scalp health. Creatine fits alongside all of it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take creatine while on finasteride?
Yes. There is no known interaction. Check with your prescriber if you have health conditions.
Does finasteride cancel out creatine's DHT effect?
Finasteride lowers DHT substantially. Modern research doesn't show creatine raises DHT at normal doses anyway, but finasteride covers that concern.
Does finasteride reduce muscle growth?
Finasteride doesn't lower testosterone, and most men on it build muscle normally.
Keep reading
Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss?
The full answer, from the 2009 rugby study to the 2025 trial.
Read →Creatine Hair Loss Studies
Both key studies side by side: what they measured and what they didn't.
Read →Creatine and DHT
How DHT drives pattern hair loss and what creatine does (and doesn't) do to it.
Read →Creatine Hair Loss in Women
What women need to know about creatine and thinning hair.
Read →Is Creatine Hair Loss Reversible?
Shedding, stopping creatine and what actually comes back.
Read →Creatine and Minoxidil
Using minoxidil while you supplement creatine.
Read →Get the creatine & hair research updates
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