New to TRT - how to manage Hematocrit?

[marathon852]

Hi there. Just started first injection of Nebido 2 days ago.

Pretty comfortable that I have covered everything with doc other than Hematocrit which I just read about on this forum.

Any tips for measuring and managing this? Is it just one of those things you see on a (3 monthly?) blood test?

I've never given blood as I had glandular fever when I was im my 20s and I'm told that this means my blood is no good. Should I just ask the doc to draw some blood? Are there other good means of managing this?

What happens if you don't keep an eye on this? Enhanced risk of heart attack and stroke? High BP?

Plus will I be ok if I leave this for my next 3 monthly blood work check or do I need to take action sooner?

Sorry if these are stoopid questions and thanks for any help.

 

[Megatron28]

One lowers hematocrit by donating blood regularly. I would go on the Red Cross or other local blood center's website and read the questions they will ask you to see if you are eligible to donate. Don't assume you cannot donate blood. And remember that being on TRT does not disqualify you to donate blood.

Hematocrit is measured in a blood test. It is part of the CBC Panel. It basically measures how "thick" your blood is -- how many solids are floating in it.

The thicker your blood gets the harder it is for your heart to push it throughout your body. It is best to keep your hematocrit in the normal range.

If you are ineligible to donate your doctor can prescribe Therapeutic Phlebotomies. That is a fancy way of saying they will draw your blood and then throw it away. You often have to pay for this service whereas donating your blood is free. Plus donating your blood can help save people's lives. Hopefully you are eligible to donate.

You can wait for your next blood test, but there is no harm in starting now. I am sure someone could use your blood.

 

[SugarMouth]

And remember that being on TRT does not disqualify you to donate blood.

I was denied donating because I was on TRT.

 

[Scrapman21009]

From the Red Cross Website

"Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Women on hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms and prevention of osteoporosis are eligible to donate."

I don't see why TRT would be any diffrent, contact your local centers director and ask.

There is also the option of doing it yourself, if you have a friend who is an emt or a nurse maybe? DO NOT do this unless you are 100% comfortable that you or the person doing it are knowledgeable.

 

[Megatron28]

I was denied donating because I was on TRT.

Why did you even tell them you are on TRT? It is not one of the questions they ask. Anyhow, you should go back and talk to them and let them know that TRT is not a reason for deferral.

 

[daleb]

The blood bank I goto asks about being on TRT. Of course I lie and say no. Goto a different bank and answer the question differently.

 

[marathon852]

OK - possibly a stupid question as I don't fully understand the science behind this. I'm on Nebido which is testosterone undecanoate, a 10-12 week jab. If I donate say one of my 8 pints of blood shortly after getting a shot of this, won't it just reduce the amount of T I have in my system by an 1/8?

 

[Megatron28]

OK - possibly a stupid question as I don't fully understand the science behind this. I'm on Nebido which is testosterone undecanoate, a 10-12 week jab. If I donate say one of my 8 pints of blood shortly after getting a shot of this, won't it just reduce the amount of T I have in my system by an 1/8?

If you have 8 pints of blood, then yes.

But keep in mind that most of the Testosterone you just injected has not gotten into your blood stream yet. It is still locked up in the muscle you injected in. The Undecanoate Ester slows down the Testosterone from being released into your blood stream. Without the ester all the Testosterone would go into your blood stream. All at once. The half life of Testosterone without an ester is less than 24 hours. The reason you only get an injection every 10-12 weeks is because of the Undecanoate slowing down the release into your blood stream.

 

[SugarMouth]

Why did you even tell them you are on TRT? It is not one of the questions they ask. Anyhow, you should go back and talk to them and let them know that TRT is not a reason for deferral.

I don't recall how it came up but at the time I was unaware TRT was even an issue when donating. I have to pay $175 every time now.

 

[marathon852]

Thanks Megatron. I get it now.

 

[ajgnaples]

I had no problem donating and they didn't ask if I was on TRT.

 

[hrt2012]

at some places it is free for TRT patients

I don't recall how it came up but at the time I was unaware TRT was even an issue when donating. I have to pay $175 every time now.

Check different blood donation centers. I know for sure that some of them draw you blood for free if you have therapeutic phlebotomy order from your doctor.

 

[Mprtz]

Blood centers generally follow the FDA guidelines for screening and testing.

Perhaps your screener was making stuff up. I would request or look up their official eligibility requirements.

 

[Virginian]

I just donated at the Red Cross. They asked about injections you take NOT prescribed by a doctor. I could honestly answer none.

 

[IMT staff]

The Nebido injection schedule really sucks, to be honest with that injection schedule you are going to have HCT problems no matter what.

If you donate blood too much you will get an iron deficiency.

I despise the Nebido protocol, terrible labs on guys using that dosing schedule.

I mean 1,000 mg T shots? LOL seriously who came up with that? A total moron must have.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

 

[Mprtz]

I just donated at the Red Cross. They asked about injections you take NOT prescribed by a doctor. I could honestly answer none.

That's you in the avatar and you're over 70? Apologies if I misremembered that. If so, you look amazing!