Does Cycling Raise Testosterone?
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Does Cycling Raise Testosterone?
Short answer? No. Cycling doesn’t raise testosterone. If anything, the more miles you stack up every week, the more likely your testosterone is to dip.
Long-distance cyclists — especially men over 50 — tend to see lower testosterone for two reasons:
- High training volume spikes cortisol, and cortisol suppresses testosterone.
- Many cyclists under-eat, and calorie deficits lower hormone levels extremely fast.
But let’s clear up the biggest myth first.
Does Saddle Pressure Lower Testosterone?
Nope.
That fear comes from numbness, blood-flow restrictions, and temporary ED symptoms from a poorly fitted saddle. Those issues are real — and uncomfortable — but they’re not testosterone problems.
A bad saddle or wrong position compresses nerves, not hormones.
If you want to keep riding pain-free, I highly recommend switching to bib shorts (game changer) and finding a saddle that supports your sit bones without punching your perineum.
You can see my full guide here: Why These Are the Only Bib Shorts I Wear →
What About Low Testosterone in Endurance Cyclists?
This is where the real issue shows up. Endurance athletes — cyclists, marathoners, triathletes — often have chronically low testosterone. Not because cycling is harmful, but because:
- Long rides increase stress hormones.
- Weekly mileage often exceeds recovery ability, especially for older riders.
- Most riders burn 1,000–2,000 calories a day and don’t replace them.
You can ride 150 miles a week — I do — but you can’t ignore recovery and expect hormone levels to stay normal.
Want to Protect Testosterone? Add Strength Training.
Cycling alone won’t raise T. But even two 20-minute strength sessions per week can:
- Boost testosterone naturally
- Increase muscle mass and bone density
- Improve injury resistance
- Make climbing hills easier
It also helps with confidence, posture, and power transfer on the bike.
Gear That Helps With Comfort, Circulation, and Performance
🚴 Premium Cycling Comfort & Performance Picks
Premium Helmet:
Giro Helios Spherical
Lightweight, safe, comfortable — best upgrade most riders can make.
High-End Bib Shorts:
Castelli Endurance 3 Bib Shorts
The gold standard for comfort, especially on long rides.
Comfort Saddle:
Senior Comfort Saddle
Helps reduce pressure, numbness, and sit-bone pain.
Suspension Seatpost:
Cane Creek eeSilk+
Smooths rough roads and reduces body fatigue.
High-Lumen Headlight:
Magicshine
Helps older riders see and be seen.
Smart Brake Light:
Garmin Varia Radar
The safest upgrade a senior cyclist can make.
Related Posts
- Why These Are the Only Bib Shorts I Wear
- Is 30 Minutes of Cycling Enough to Lose Weight?
- Should a 70-Year-Old Ride a Bike?
Disclaimer: I’m a lifelong cyclist, not a doctor. This post explains what many riders experience and what current research suggests, but it isn’t medical advice. If you’re dealing with persistent hormone issues, ED, or pain that doesn’t improve, talk with a qualified healthcare professional.
FAQs
Does cycling lower testosterone?
Long, high-volume cycling can. Moderate riding usually does not.
Does cycling cause ED?
Not hormonally. ED symptoms from cycling come from saddle pressure and blood-flow restriction, not testosterone changes.
Can a 70-year-old cyclist increase testosterone naturally?
Yes — through strength training, adequate calories, sleep, and reducing chronic stress.
Will a better saddle help testosterone levels?
No. But it will reduce numbness and circulation problems that create similar symptoms.
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