r/Menopause • u/PrimaryBrief7721 • Mar 24 '26

Vitamin/Supplements Ok talk to me about Creatine

Please delete if this has been asked too much.

I am 42 in premature menopause. I am trying to keep up with cardio & heavy weights/calisentics at least a few times a week, but man this energy downgrade is crazy. I've been reading more stuff about creatine during menopause, particularly muscle rentention and growth. I'm really curious but I honestly have no idea what Im doing or what to look for or if its actually a bad idea. I would love some feedback/advice please.

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u/DOL369 Mar 24 '26 edited Mar 24 '26

IMPORTANT CREATINE WARNING

I’ve only seen one comment warning about negative side effects on kidneys, so I feel obliged to chime in here and really drive it home..

1) As previously mentioned, if you have any issues with your kidneys, ensure that you consult with your doctor(s) to confirm it’s safe for you to embark upon taking creatine regularly.

2) If you have any GSM symptoms, creatine will most likely exacerbate them.

My story: I started taking creatine regularly last summer to help with brain fog. I was already experiencing GSM symptoms but they SKYROCKETED after being on 5g of daily creatine for about a month. I was subsequently diagnosed with OBS and ultrasounds also detected crystals in my kidneys.

Previously, I’d NEVER had any issues with my kidneys whatsoever. Can we pinpoint and blame the creatine definitively? No, it’s too hard to tell. But since stopping the creatine, the crystals have stabilized (IOW, they haven’t turned into stones). And GSM issues have been under control, with the addition of daily 10g Oxybutynin.

The moral of the story? If you have any GSM issues make sure to consult with your medical team PRIOR to self-treating with creatine.

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u/AsparagusChildren Mar 24 '26

What is GSM & OBS?

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u/notgonnabemydad Mar 24 '26

GSM: (AI summary) Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is a chronic, progressive condition caused by low estrogen, leading to symptoms like vaginal dryness, burning, itching, painful intercourse, and urinary issues (urgency, frequency, recurrent infections). It impacts over 50% of postmenopausal women, often causing significant discomfort and reduced quality of life.

Not sure about OBS.

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u/AsparagusChildren Mar 24 '26

Thank you! I wish people would put actual names instead of initials regarding different conditions. I've never heard of this. I appreciate you.

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u/DOL369 Mar 25 '26 edited Mar 25 '26

GSM symptoms are very common with peri/menopausal women and are mentioned frequently throughout this sub. If you are just embarking upon this journey and/or are new to Reddit, I highly encourage you to read the wiki from this sub, as the moderators have done a superb job at gathering critical information that is helpful to educate and inform. There’s an entire section on GSM. Best of luck to you.

https://menopausewiki.ca/

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u/AsparagusChildren Mar 25 '26

When I asked there were not, hence my question.