Random thoughts on Creatine

I only started taking Creatine in my mid 30s and now take it for 4-6 months during the winter. I gain the typical 6 lbs and can feel at least a little extra strength with heavier lifts. However, it's not as significant as others claim and may even be just the effect of weighing a little more.

When I'm off creatine, my weight fluctuates about 3-4 lbs between the time that I go to bed and wake up. When on creatine, there is little to no fluctuation. I'm assuming this is due to the water weight and not 'losing' it at night. I've wondered if creatine helps to decrease dehydration risk as I'm often exercising outdoors during summer months.

I read recently that some feel fatigue when going off creatine as the body's natural production may decrease due to the additional supplementation when taking it. I've never experienced the fatigue and had never heard of this effect previously.

When playing sports that require explosive bursts, I think that creatine may provide a boost for me although not positive. It may be that it offsets the negative impact of weighing those extra lbs.

I'm on the leaner side and will probably continue using it in the winter to preserve muscle loss (since I'm getting older) although welcome any thoughts.