From the Guidelines
Running can decrease testosterone levels, particularly in cases of excessive endurance running or overtraining syndrome, as evidenced by a study published in 2024 1.
Key Findings
- A study published in 2024 found that low testosterone levels were common among elite male distance runners, with 40% of runners experiencing low testosterone, which can increase the risk of bone injuries 1.
- The study also highlighted the importance of balancing energy intake and expenditure to prevent low energy availability, which can contribute to impaired bone health and low testosterone levels 1.
- Another study published in 2020 found that testosterone therapy may provide small improvements in sexual functioning and quality of life in older men with low testosterone levels, but long-term efficacy and safety are unknown 1.
Recommendations
- To minimize the risk of low testosterone levels, runners should balance their running program with adequate rest, proper nutrition, and quality sleep.
- Runners should also consider incorporating strength training into their routine to help maintain testosterone levels.
- If concerned about low testosterone symptoms, runners should consult a healthcare provider for hormone testing and personalized advice.
- It is essential to note that excessive endurance running or overtraining syndrome can lead to decreased testosterone levels, and runners should be aware of the risks and take steps to prevent them.
Important Considerations
- The relationship between running and testosterone levels is complex and depends on various factors, including intensity, duration, and frequency of exercise.
- Runners should prioritize their overall health and well-being, rather than focusing solely on their running performance.
- A balanced and well-structured training program, combined with proper nutrition and recovery, can help runners maintain healthy testosterone levels and reduce the risk of injury or illness.
From the Research
Effects of Running on Testosterone
- The current evidence does not specifically address the effect of running on testosterone levels. However, studies have investigated the impact of exercise, including aerobic and resistance training, on testosterone concentrations.
- A systematic review and meta-analysis found that exercise training had a negligible effect on resting total testosterone concentration in insufficiently active, apparently healthy men 2.
- Another study found that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) increased testosterone levels immediately after a single session, but this increase disappeared after 30 minutes and returned to baseline values after 60 minutes 3.
- It is essential to note that the effects of exercise on testosterone may vary depending on factors such as training mode, age, body mass status, and testosterone measure.
Testosterone and Exercise
- Exercise training has been shown to increase aerobic capacity, muscular strength, and lean mass, while decreasing total and visceral fat mass in men with low-normal serum testosterone concentrations 4.
- Testosterone replacement therapy has been found to increase lean mass and improve cognitive function in older men with obesity and hypogonadism, particularly when combined with intensive lifestyle intervention 5, 6.
- However, the additive effects of testosterone treatment on exercise-induced changes in physical function and body composition are limited 4, 5.
Running and Testosterone: Limited Evidence
- There is currently no direct evidence to suggest that running specifically decreases testosterone levels.
- Further research is needed to investigate the effects of running on testosterone concentrations and to determine whether running has any unique effects on testosterone compared to other forms of exercise.