THE ROLE OF CREATINE SUPPLEMENTATION IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN - A NARRATIVE REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.1(49).2026.4976Keywords:
Creatine Supplementation; Menopause; Postmenopause; Women; Bone; Muscle; CognitionAbstract
Introduction and purpose: Menopause is a phase in a woman’s life characterized by substantial physiological changes resulting from hormonal fluctuations, which can negatively impact bone health, muscle function, and overall physical and cognitive well-being. Creatine is a major factor in regulation of cellular energy metabolism, affecting numerous physiological processes relevant to human health. Current evidence suggests that creatine supplementation may be associated with beneficial effects across a wide range of health outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this narrative review is to summarize and evaluate the available evidence on the effects of creatine supplementation in postmenopausal women, with particular emphasis on bone health, skeletal muscle function, physical strength, and mental health outcomes.
Material and methods: This narrative review summarizes evidence from PubMed-indexed clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses examining the potential benefits of creatine supplementation in postmenopausal women.
Results: Across the reviewed studies, the findings indicate that creatine may present beneficial effects on various aspects of health in postmenopausal women. In particular, evidence suggests that the composite of creatine supplementation and resistance training may positively determine selected indicators of bone health, skeletal muscle function, and physical strength. Creatine supplementation may be associated with supportive effects on memory and cognitive function. Moreover, emerging evidence indicates a possible supportive role of creatine supplementation in the treatment of depression and sleep-related disorders.
Conclusions: Creatine supplementation may provide a practical strategy to help limit bone and muscle loss and to support mental health in postmenopausal women. Future research should focus on clarifying long-term effects and optimal dosing strategies, including larger and more representative cohorts.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Łucja Komisarczyk, Karina Brzózka, Jakub Leszczyński-Czeczatka, Ilona Tadulewicz, Rafael Petrosjan, Jakub Głogowski-Kulasza, Natalia Nowak, Mateusz Drozd, Aleksandra Kozłowska, Zuzanna Butkowska, Anna Kocik
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