Having worked as a health editor for three decades, I’ve seen countless trends come and go. I’ve reported on, and yes, even tried out a range of them—from Atkins and keto to fasting and Peloton. So when I noticed influencers touting the benefits of creatine, claiming it could help build muscle and enhance focus and energy, I was, well, a bit skeptical—though curiosity got the better of me. The buzz persisted, and with doctors and dietitians chiming in with favorable reviews, I decided to explore the research more deeply.
Testing it out
What I found was surprising: unlike many fleeting TikTok trends, creatine seems to be genuinely beneficial. Its muscle-building and brain-boosting advantages have been validated by multiple studies. It’s not just a supplement for bodybuilders—it’s helpful for women who wish to maintain their health and strength as they age.
So, I thought, why not give it a try? I purchased Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate, a straightforward brand recommended by a fitness expert I follow online. It was affordable (around $20 for 100 servings), available on Amazon, and had positive reviews. I remembered that consistency is crucial. Each morning, I added a scoop (5 grams) of creatine to my water during my workout. If it turned out to taste terrible, I figured I’d be less picky while thirsty mid-session.
I’ve been weightlifting several times a week for quite a while. During the gym closures in 2020 due to COVID, I subscribed to a fitness streaming service and started working out in my basement. I’ve been tracking my progress—how heavy I lift, which weights feel easier, and when I’m ready to increase my lift.
Waiting for results
At first, I didn’t notice much change. The scale crept up just a little, which I anticipated: creatine encourages water retention in cells, leading to temporary weight gain. Plus, my weight tends to fluctuate, especially during perimenopause.
I mostly focused on maintaining my routine of workouts, taking walks, and trying to eat healthily. I explored a few other brands of creatine, finding others that suited me, such as LTH Power Creatine Monohydrate, a supplement developed by the people behind Life Time fitness centers, and BodyTech Creatine Monohydrate.
Then it happened
After about six months, I took a closer look at the app for my smart scale, which tracks body fat percentage and muscle mass. To my surprise, it reported a gain of 3 pounds of muscle.
Excited yet cautious about the accuracy of these scales, I wondered if the creatine was indeed making a difference. I decided to keep going with it. Fast forward to February, a year into my journey, and my scale indicated I had gained 7 pounds of muscle—an outcome I could attribute solely to the daily creatine scoop.
Physically, while I don’t have the defined arms of Linda Hamilton from the Terminator era (not yet, anyway), my arms, shoulders, and legs feel firmer. Plus, I’ve been lifting heavier weights.
As for a significant boost in brain function? Not exactly—though I haven’t dealt with the brain fog many women my age describe. I do feel a sense of strength and wellness, so I’ll continue with my scoop, keep working out, and get ready to pull out the tank tops this summer!
This content is meant to inform and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your physician before trying any treatment plan.
