Hemo levels improving after a few years on TRT ?

[lucius11]

Has anyone else noticed "improved" hemoglobin levels after a few years on TRT. For the first two years, my Hemo levels would be up at 17+ (very upper end of the normal range) about 60 days after donating whole blood. Many of you have been there.

Now in year three of TRT, red blood cell production seems to be slowing. No change in T dose. I feel fine (really good actually). The last three times I donated blood, Hemo was (15.5, 16.5 and 16.1) and I have been waiting 90 days between donations. I understand those Hemo test machines are not that accurate but these readings are from my two regular blood donation places. I don't think they have changed their machines.

I'm not really worried, I'm happy to donate blood less often. But it seems like something is changing over time with respect to my Hemoglobin levels. Just wondering if anyone else noticed some relief on the Hemo levels after a few years on TRT.

I am aware the simplest way to know for sure would be to go to a Hematologist and get a Hematological study done. Needless to say, that's not at the top of the list for obvious reasons. I could get a bit of blood work done and check a few things prior to the blood work for my next physical, CBC, ferritin levels. Any comment would be appreciated.

 

[Havasu]

My Hemoglobing levels weren't high to begin with. I've donated a couple times, but my levels weren't elevated at all. Did it for good measure.

 

[Mprtz]

I'd be interested to find out where your ferritin levels are. I believe that it's possible that the slowing of increasing hct after a year or two could be due to low iron levels.

 

[lucius11]

I'd be interested to find out where your ferritin levels are. I believe that it's possible that the slowing of increasing hct after a year or two could be due to low iron levels.

Thanks, that's kinda what I was thinking. Might as well start there. I donated a lot of blood over the last 3 years. I would not be surprised if the levels were a bit low. It's just about time to do some basic blood work anyway so I'll just add the test for ferritin.