High HCT and Blood Donations : How low do they go?

[synonymous]

Here is the info:

RBC 564 (427-570)
Hemoglobin 16.9 (13.5-17.6)
HCT 49.5 (8-51.8)

So it was suggested I donate blood. Finally did last week. Wondering how low with one donation would my HCT actually drop...is there an average? Next donation will be May 14th and I can only donate 3 times a year. I am a bigger boy so it's 400ml per donation.

I'm at the higher end, so am I still 'safe' for now? Or is this something I should really stay on top of? I go my blood work back from the blood bank with slightly different scores and average ranges:

RBC 565 (427-570) About same
Hemoglobin 17.8 (13.5-17.4) Over
HCT 50.4 (39-50.4) Just

I'm taking in more fish oil than normal to bring up my good cholesterol and hope that will bring some of these down...but I don't know. Hope to get some UGL gear so I can do at home injections.

 

[Megatron28]

Anecdotally, some guys say it drops it about 3-4 points.

 

[synonymous]

How long does it take to go back up?

 

[Megatron28]

How long does it take to go back up?

Too many variables. Just donate blood as often as allowed (if your iron levels are ok). In the US they let you don't every 56 days.

 

[synonymous]

In Japan it's 3 times a year, 3 months apart. So I can donate again May 14th.

 

[DreDay187]

In Japan it's 3 times a year, 3 months apart. So I can donate again May 14th.

You can either get a script from a doctor for a therapeutic phlebotomy or you can drain your own blood in your home.

^^^if your HCT levels go to dangerous levels before you're able to donate again.

 

[Alpin]

What dose are you on for TRT ?
How old are you ?
There are a lot of variables to take into consideration when donating frequency is a concern....

 

[synonymous]

What dose are you on for TRT ?
How old are you ?
There are a lot of variables to take into consideration when donating frequency is a concern....

I'm taking 250mgx1 injection per week
35 years old

 

[Megatron28]

Try the three times a year and see how it goes. That may be often enough. But definitely keep on eye on your hematocrit to make sure it stays under control.