Cyclists at risk for hormonal imbalances

[Jeff Barber]

A new study conducted by UCLA School of Nursing researchers has found that serious leisure male cyclists may experience hormonal imbalances that could affect their reproductive health. The study found heightened levels of estrogen in endurance athletes associated with intense exercise as well as use of chamois creams and recommends further study. (source)

Hmmm… serious leisure cyclists? Seems like those two terms cancel each other out. Maybe they mean moderately serious cyclists. Either way, heightened levels of estrogen don’t sound good to me.

Note the bit about chamois cream – later in the article they say certain types of cream seem to have a cumulative effect (as in, the longer you’ve been using it, the more you’re affected).

Possible conditions associated with elevated estrogen in males include gynecomastia, a condition that may result in the loss of male pubic hair and enlarged breast tissue.

So that’s why road cyclists don’t have any leg hair! And I thought it was because they shaved their legs.

[Corey Maddocks ✓ supporter]

Does it go on to talk about the noseless saddle and how badly we need to use one? 😆

[fat_billy]

Wanna make a hormone? Don’t pay. Possible side effect PIMP Rash. Just saying. 😄 Later,

[Greg Heil ✓ supporter]

Hmmm… serious leisure cyclists? Seems like those two terms cancel each other out.

Haha first thing I thought too!

Good thing I don’t use chamois cream! If that really is the problem, there are a lot of other products out there on the market.

[Corey Maddocks ✓ supporter]

"mtbgreg1" wrote

Good thing I don’t use chamois cream! If that really is the problem, there are a lot of other products out there on the market.

http://www.bagbalm.com/

Works…no estrogen issues.

[Bubblehead10MM ✓ supporter]

I thought chamois cream was a product generally used by the ladies. shows what I know. And bag balm we kept in the Milking Parlor.

[Corey Maddocks ✓ supporter]

bubblehead10mm, some guys get saddles sores I guess. I’m not one of them so I can’t speak to any of this first hand.

I did however grow up on a farm and bag balm is good for a lot of stuff: burns, chafing, etc.

[jmitch]

A little corn starch in the shorts works for me! Now THAT’S being raised in the country! 😀:)

[Jared13 ✓ supporter]

I thought it was all about the butter?

Just watch out for elevated cholesterol levels 😆

[FishingAddict]

I do get pretty pissy when I haven’t ridden in awhile.

[Author]

Posts