It’s water weight and normal for a lot of people.
Men and women both have it. Once your are off for a week or two you will be fine.

I am a guy and when I was in my 20s it did that to me; in my 40s not so much now but it makes a huge difference at any but more noticeable being older where muscles do not heal as fast (or anything for that matter as we age).

I would go back on it once you lose the weight to confirm- then before swimsuit season or an event go off to lose the waste weight and “shred” yourself easily! 😜

OP again: to add, I was taking 5g daily.

OP here. I stopped the creatine and the weight is dropping. I’m not back to normal yet (been 4 days since stopping) but getting closer. I’m only 5’3 and have been the same weight give or take 3 pounds forever, so 5 sudden pounds stood out and I honestly got worried that it could be a scarier health issue if not the creatine! I do feel more fatigued during my workouts but I guess it’s one or the other…

Hey Op, so glad you asked this question. I just started taking creatine as well to up strength training. I gained about 5lbs. I’m definitely not drinking enough water though.

Asking everyone, do you have to take it every day for the benefits?

How much are you taking?

If you are taking more than 5 grams you should only do that for a few weeks or months then Drop to 3-5g.

Then go off for a month after about 4-5 on it and see how you feel and if it is water weight or muscle you gained.

Never eased up for me. I quit the creatine after 3 months because of the puffiness.

It's water. It will ease off after the loading phase.

It’s been recommended for middle age women to help counter muscle loss. I do strength training but was trying to up my game there based on guidance I’ve been researching.

Why are you taking this?

Water weight but you need to drink more water if you’re on creatine. Spare your kidneys.

Creatine adds water weight

I suddenly jumped up by about 3-4 pounds without any major changes minus adding Creatine for the last few weeks. I am a 45 year old (likely perimenopausal) woman. I finally made this connection and am guessing it’s water weight from the Creatine. Anyone else experience this? Does it just stick unless you stop it or does it eventually subside?