questions about blood donation and HGB, HCT

[symtex]

I recently had my 3 month blood work completed. The doctor said everything was fine, but I was a little worried about the hgb and hct levs.
HGB was 17.3 range 13.5-18
HCT was 50.1 range 42.0-52.0

I donated blood 2 weeks ago and went back to my primary care doctor to see if he thought I needed to retest and he said wait a couple months. My question is, is there a percentage it would drop when donating blood? Is it different for everyone? should I be alarmed at those numbers?

 

[Megatron28]

Anecdotally, guys see whole blood donations drop HCT by 3 points.

Have you thought about donating platelets? Look up some posts by Halfwit on his success with controlling HCT by donating platelets.

 

[symtex]

they asked if I wanted to do double red, I was not sure which would be better since you can do it less times a year.

 

[Megatron28]

they asked if I wanted to do double red, I was not sure which would be better since you can do it less times a year.

In theory it should be a wash. Check into platelet donations.

 

[synonymous]

I recently had my 3 month blood work completed. The doctor said everything was fine, but I was a little worried about the hgb and hct levs.
HGB was 17.3 range 13.5-18
HCT was 50.1 range 42.0-52.0

I donated blood 2 weeks ago and went back to my primary care doctor to see if he thought I needed to retest and he said wait a couple months. My question is, is there a percentage it would drop when donating blood? Is it different for everyone? should I be alarmed at those numbers?

My numbers were about the same. RBC was higher than the norm by a few though. This is talking with a cardiologist and a surgeon. Both said that in extremely active people, you will see a high number. I was on test 250mg x1 week and hcg 5000iu x1 a week and my levels were high. Donated blood. Still high. Went to test 65mg x2 a week and hcg 500iu x2 a week, adex 0.25 grams x2 a week (A big change in protocols) and still have the same numbers.

I'm in the gym 5 days a week. I have a job that has me psychically active most of the day. Doctors said if I took time off the gym that I would see a lowering of the numbers. They said their numbers were about the same and not to worry. 2 different doctors. Neither one of them would prescribe a phlebotomy (Not done in Japan unless extremely sick) and neither suggested blood donating as a means of control although they did say it would help with Red Cross if I did.

I'm going into surgery tomorrow. Was off the gym for 2 weeks prior and won't be allowed back for at least 6 weeks. Little blood loss is expected for the surgery (Abdominal hernia) and the doc said there might be a small drop in HCT RBC. So, before heading back into the gym, I'll see what my count looks like.

 

[Alpin]

Anecdotally, guys see whole blood donations drop HCT by 3 points.

Have you thought about donating platelets? Look up some posts by Halfwit on his success with controlling HCT by donating platelets.

It's alright if u like to be hooked up to apheresis machine's every 2 weeks for the rest of your life. Told my doc that I donated blood every 2-3 months while on TRT. He told me flat out if that is what you are doing to keep HB down you are taking too much T and its a b.s. lifestyle.
Lol

 

[symtex]

I have been on 200mg a week, total test came back at 1450. I figured that was a bit to much for therapy, so I lowerd my own dose down to 120mg. I was planning on a blast here soon, and am trying to do it as safe as possible. I really don't mind donating once every couple months, it is helping someone out so everyone wins.