Question:
What does low creatinine mean?

I had complications after surgery and was in hospital 2 months with infections. I have been home 2 weeks and just had blood work done. My PCP is worried because my creatinine level is lower. I think I have been dehydrated some, but should I worry about something more?    — deespol (posted on August 14, 2003)

August 14, 2003
Docs usually worry when the creatinine is too high, because this is a sign that the kidneys are not functioning well. A lower creatinine sounds good to me, so not sure what negative this might indicate.
   — bethybb

August 15, 2003
I did a litle search on creatinine. Low levels can be due to lack of height, decreased muscle mass and some liver disease. Women, who typically have smaller muscle mass than men, usually have lower levels of creatinine. A low level of creatinine is usually not a cause for concern. (Mine has always been low - I'm female and 5'3"). Hope this helps to reassure you that likely, nothing is wrong. (Creatinine usually goes up with dehydration.)
   — koogy