Sage-Tips

Will stopping TRT lower hematocrit?

Hematocrit may stabilize in men after 18 months of testosterone replacement. Of course, nandrolone adds to the problem but you already know that. It is impossible to predict if your hematocrit will slowly decrease now that you remain on TRT.

Does TRT cause polycythemia?

TRT does have side effects. One is polycythemia (also called erythrocytosis). As the number of red blood cells grows, the blood can thicken, increasing the risk for stroke.

Does TRT cause high hemoglobin?

Conclusion: Hemoglobin concentrations were elevated in donors on TRT, and significant numbers had hemoglobin levels above those recommended by current guidelines. These data also suggest that repeat blood donation was insufficient to maintain a hematocrit below 54\%.

How fast does hematocrit rise on TRT?

An American study that evaluated the effects of graded doses of testosterone on erythropoiesis found that the percentage of hematocrit started to increase within one month of the start of treatment and continued to increase after three months in a linear dose-dependent manner.

Does testosterone affect hematocrit?

Intramuscular testosterone is the only form that significantly increases hematocrit above normal levels. However, it does so strongly, with up to a 6\% change from baseline. The runner-up is testosterone gel, with an average increase of 2.5\% over baseline levels.

Does TRT increase hematocrit?

An expected potential side effect of testosterone treatment is an increased level of red blood cells, which manifests as increases levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit. This “side effect” is actually a desired therapeutic effect in men with anemia.

Why does TRT increase RBC?

Testosterone replacement therapy may help increase hemoglobin, which has been tied to things like muscle strength and physical performance. Testosterone may play a role in red blood cell production. Men tend to have higher red blood cell counts than women.

What causes high RBC hemoglobin and hematocrit?

A high hemoglobin count occurs most commonly when your body requires an increased oxygen-carrying capacity, usually because: You smoke. You live at a high altitude and your red blood cell production naturally increases to compensate for the lower oxygen supply there.

Why does TRT cause high hematocrit?

Testosterone can also act directly on the bone marrow and increase the number of EPO-responsive cells 18,19. It’s also suggested that the concurrent suppression of hepcidin via Testosterone, and elevated EPO, can lead to increased HCT 20; Testosterone lowers hepcidin, a regulator of iron bioavailability.

What happens if your hematocrit is high on TRT?

Lower Your TRT Dose. If you have high hemoglobin or hematocrit from testosterone therapy, then your doctor may require you to lower your dose. This is not always a bad thing as some men are actually taking more testosterone than they actually need, which can lead to side effects in both the long and short term.

How many patients on TRT presented for blood donation?

Results: We identified 39 patients on TRT who presented for blood donation over a 2-year period. The mean hemoglobin level at all clinic visits was 173 g/L (range, 134-205 g/L; n = 108). Hemoglobin concentrations of 180 g/L or more (calculated hematocrit, ≥54\%) were measured at 25\% of appointments.

What is the difference between hemoglobin and hematocrit levels?

Hemoglobin is an iron-containing biomolecule that can bind oxygen, and is responsible for the red color of blood cells. Hematocrit levels refer to the percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells.

Is repeat blood donation sufficient to maintain hematocrit below 54\%?

Hemoglobin concentrations were elevated in donors on TRT, and significant numbers had hemoglobin levels above those recommended by current guidelines. These data also suggest that repeat blood donation was insufficient to maintain a hematocrit below 54\%. Our findings raise concerns about the persist …