Does Cycling Affect Testosterone?

Short answer: moderate cycling does not lower testosterone in any clinically meaningful way. Very high-volume endurance cycling, especially when combined with under-eating, can. Saddle pressure has its own separate concerns. This is the short version.

1Moderate cycling: fine

Cycling at sensible volumes (a few hours per week, not pushing extreme distances) is cardiovascular and metabolically supportive and doesn't suppress testosterone. The same applies to other moderate cardiovascular activity.

2High-volume endurance cycling: can suppress

Competitive cyclists, particularly those training many hours per week and eating in deficit relative to training load, can develop relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) — a hormonal pattern that includes suppressed testosterone. The mechanism is the body diverting resources away from reproductive function under sustained energy stress.

3The saddle question

Saddle pressure on the perineum has been linked to erectile difficulties and, in some studies, to specific genital health concerns in long-distance cyclists. The mechanism is largely vascular and neurological, not hormonal. Good saddle fit, periodic standing, and varied riding posture reduce these concerns.

4For most recreational cyclists

Keep riding. Moderate volumes are supportive overall. If you're training at very high volumes and noticing symptoms, the issue is likely energy intake relative to training rather than cycling per se.

5Speak to a doctor on Noah

If you're a cyclist with symptoms that suggest low testosterone, book a confidential consultation with a Singapore-licensed doctor on Noah.

6References

Mountjoy M, et al. Relative energy deficiency in sport. BJSM. 2014.

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