Rowsell-Shand expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the organisation, having refrained from joining a number of former team-mates in being publicly critical over sexism and bullying claims.
In a statement on her website, Rowsell-Shand wrote: "I want to thank the amazing team at British Cycling; from the world class team behind the team who work tirelessly to ensure we have the best preparation for events, to the very first youth coaches who talent spotted me back when I was 15.
"I couldn't have done it without you!"
Rowsell-Shand bows out having won five world titles and Olympic gold in the team pursuit at London 2012 and in Rio last summer.
She joined British Cycling's Talent Team programme in 2004 and four years later won her first world gold medal as part of the women's team pursuit squad that triumphed in Manchester.
Rowsell-Shand won her first Olympic gold medal alongside Dani King and Laura Trott in the team pursuit at London 2012, setting three consecutive world records in the process.
She recovered from a broken collarbone to retain her Olympic title in Rio in 2016, and also won four European gold medals and individual pursuit gold at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Rowsell-Shand announced: "Having been part of the GB Cycling Team for over 10 years, travelling around the world racing my bike, today I am announcing my retirement from international cycling competition.
"I have achieved everything I've ever wanted to in cycling including 5 World Titles, 4 European Titles, Commonwealth Gold and 2 Olympic Golds as well as countless World Cup and National Championship medals across both team and individual events.
"But more valuable than any of these are the special friends for life, amazing memories made, and the transformation from shy school girl to confident woman.
"I have enjoyed this fabulous career and the decision to step away has been the hardest I've ever had to make, but now is the time for me to move on.
"I believe I have more to offer the world and I'm now looking forward to the next phase of my life and new challenges."
Rowsell-Shand is in the process of setting up her own coaching company and will continue in other forms of cycling, starting with the 180km L'Etape du Tour in France in July.
