Why I Finally Started Taking Creatine in My 40s

Over the past year, I started noticing little shifts that I couldn’t ignore anymore. 

Things like brain fog and lack of motivation.  Workouts started to feel harder and more “forced” than they used to. That mid-afternoon slump was real most days.  After jumping back into the elementary classroom setting after 13 years, I was overwhelmed and in dire need of feeling and performing my best every day. 

Honestly, ever since my hormones shifted at around age 35, I had been noticing all sorts of “off” things.  I added supplements which helped to regulate things here and there, so turning 40 didn’t add anything dramatic, but it was enough to make me feel like I wasn’t quite myself.  And now here I am, going on 42 this year. 

I’ve had several clients and student athletes through the years ask me my opinions on creatine, but I could never speak from personal experience, ust experience from other people and what I'd heard from my husband.  Years ago, I always thought it was just for bodybuilders or people trying to” bulk up”.  It didn’t feel like it was something that I needed.

But after doing a little research, and finally deciding to try it… I’m a believer!  I’ve been pleased (and surprised) by what I’ve noticed… especially mentally.

What Is Creatine Exactly?

Simply put, creatine:

• Is a natural compound found in your muscles and your brain

• Is something you can also get in small amounts from foods like red meat and fish

• Can be used by your body to produce quick energy for your cells

  
  

Most of the research over the years has focused on athletes and performance. But more recently, there’s been growing interest in how creatine can support women, brain health, and energy levels - especially as we get older.

Photo - nutraingredients.com

Benefits You May Notice

1. Improved Mental Clarity

This is the biggest one for me. I started noticing:

• Clearer thinking

• Better focus during the day (this was huge for me)  There is no time to be “off” as a second-grade teacher.  It is HIGH ENERGY all day. 

• Less of that “foggy” feeling in the afternoon

• Even waking up earlier in the mornings.  I have honestly noticed that I feel rested and ready to wake up and tackle the day first thing in the mornings.  It’s crazy!

Creatine helps your brain produce energy (ATP), which can support how your brain functions day to day. And as simple as that sounds, it can make a real difference.

2. Strength and Muscle Support

As we get into our 40s, maintaining muscle becomes more important, and a little harder.

Creatine can help support strength, workout performance and muscle maintenance.  If you’re doing things such as strength training, fitness classes or even quick at home workouts, it can help you feel a little stronger and more capable.

3. Better Exercise Recovery

Another thing I noticed pretty quickly was my recovery. I have noticed less overall soreness from my more intense days in the gym and quicker bounce-back after workouts.  This makes it SO MUCH easier to stay consistent.  If you’re constantly feeling sore and drained, motivation to keep going is definitely harder.

4. Possible Hormonal Support

This is something I found really interesting.

There’s emerging research suggesting creatine may help support:

• Energy during hormonal changes

• Metabolism

• Brain function

For women approaching or in perimenopause (and I’m certain I’ve arrived) this is a big deal. When hormones start shifting, even small supports can make a difference in how we feel day to day.

How I Take Creatine

I keep things simple.  I use a powder form that dissolves completely in my coffee each morning.  Seriously, no flavor or chalkiness at the end.  I take 3-5 grams daily.

It’s quick, easy, and just part of my routine now. We keep our food scale right by the coffee maker, so it's convenient to add in with my collagen each day.

Photo - Giraffy Co.

What I’ve Personally Noticed

This is the part that matters most. Since starting creatine, I’ve noticed:

• More mental clarity throughout the day

• Better energy during workouts

• Feeling a little stronger overall

• Less of that mid-afternoon crash

It’s not a magic fix, but it is a noticeable difference, and that is enough for me.  When we’re all trying to juggle work, family, and everything else… those small improvements add up!

Things Women Should Know

If you’re thinking about trying it, here are a few simple things to remember:

• Stay hydrated (this is always a tip for feeling your best)  Remember, half your body weight in ounces is your daily goal- minimum!

• Consistency matters more than timing

• Choose a simple creatine monohydrate (nothing fancy needed)  The brand I’m loving is from Bulk Supplements. (This is a go-to brand for several of our supplement needs)

Fueling your body well in your 40s sometimes means being open to learning new things, and letting go of what we thought we knew.

For me, creatine was one of those small shifts, and I’m so glad I finally started taking it after all these years of being a “fitness and health guru”.

It’s helped me feel a little stronger, think a little clearer, and a feel little more like myself again, which means I can keep showing up for the things that matter most… my faith, my family, and living each day to the fullest.