I get severe muscle cramping, even after pounding water and electrolytes. Like I can’t handle my kid something in the car without risking a spasm.

Do you lift weights?

Yes I’m fit, easily passed military and LEO fitness tests this year.

The reason I asked is that creatine will allow you to lift a bit more (a little more weight, a few more reps). This will cause more muscle fatigue which in turn can lead to more cramping. Water and electrolytes can help, but when the muscles are fatigued they are still more likely to cramp.

spasms are commonly a potassium deficiency, you could take a multivitamin.

Multivitamins don't contain a lot of potassium because of the risk over overdosing in that form. Eat a banana instead (or 3).

I do function health and have completely normal nutrient blood levels.

Antacids did this to me. I was convinced it was electrolytes, would take supps etc but I believe it came down to calcium absorption. Taking a break from the antacids immediately stopped the cramping.

I like creatine when I’m lifting because it reduces soreness. For some people that effect helps them push further and train harder, for me it’s just proactive pain relief

> but my hair did thin out but only after I was lazier on my work outs.

How old are you?

Also, working out helps reduce stress. Does it seem more plausible that getting lazier on your workouts, rather than the creatine, increased stress in your life, thus the hair thinning?

I have never heard of creatine causing thinning hair.

I noticed hair thinning too. To be clear I don’t know that creatine caused it. But what feels like a longer period of thinning (I’m 43) coincides with creatine use. It’s not a well-documented side effect if is indeed real.