1. Introduction
HC
This study examined the effects of creatine (Cr) loading on body mass (BM) and fluid markers of total body water (TBW), extra-cellular fluid (ECF), and intra-cellular fluid (ICF) across the menstrual cycle (MC). Thirty moderately active females, either naturally-menstruating (NM) or using hormonal contraceptives (HC), were randomized to Cr (Cr; 4 × 5 g/day of creatine monohydrate for 5 days; Despite women being the largest group of dietary supplement consumers in the United States, with more than 77% of women reporting supplement use, the representation of women in supplement ingredient research is far from equitable [Cr supplementation provides an array of physiological benefits, with exercise performance-related benefits more highly touted [Estrogen and progesterone directly impact fluid distribution across the MC, demonstrating a greater extracellular shift when hormones are elevated, particularly during the luteal phase (LP) [