Update on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) RBC and Hematocrit Therapeutic Phlebotomy

[visgoth]

Update on TRT RBC and Hematocrit Therapeutic Phlebotomy

Another issue that isn't mentioned as much with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) or "Blast and Cruise" is elevated blood levels. My last 6 month testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) regimen (including a 12 week Blast) increased my Hematocrit to 60. The ideal range is in the 40's. The doc said it was like I'm pumping sludge. He prescribed a continous 90 day cycle of medieval blood letting called Therapeutic Phlebotomy until my levels stabilized.

After the first pint donation my hematocrit dropped to 56, which is still high. My second was this week (60 days later) at first check it was 51. I'll find out the results next week after dropping the second pint. I'd expect it to drop another 3-4 points. That will put me in the normal range! My RBC was reduced to normal range after the first blood letting. Those of us on continuous cycles or testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) need to get your bloods check regularly! Now that I have an idea of where I'm situated I'll be able to drop a pint every 4-6 months and be in the normal range.

 

[animal00043]

I drop a pint every 56 days.

Mine was a 51.2 when i was suggested to go get a therapeutic phlebotomy.

A lot of people dont pay attention to their hemo and hematocrit levels, which could be what has been to blame for deaths related to AAS use in terms of Cardiac ailments.

 

[halfwit]

I've been a Red Cross regular ever since I started TRT. Glad to see your hematocrit numbers are starting to come down. Gotta love how docs don't mention RBC elevation until AFTER it becomes an issue and you have to pay for therapeutic phlebotomy sessions as you can no longer donate (or so I was told) once you've been diagnosed with high RBC/Hematocrit numbers. Speaking of which, I get to go in tomorrow to get jabbed with that lightpole they call a needle!

 

[visgoth]

I too was told I would be charged for the TP, but they've recently changed the policy and it's now free. My blood is tossed because of Propecia (effects pregnant women).

 

[boobiesinmygrill]

Hey guys, I just got bloods done for the first time yesterday. I came back with 51.5 hematocrit. Should I start donating blood to lower it? The top end normal range it says is 51 so I'm not too high over but still. Also I'm on 1g of test/1g of EQ. I rarely take my Aromatase inhibitor (AI), would that help lower it?

 

[3ct]

Hey guys, I just got bloods done for the first time yesterday. I came back with 51.5 hematocrit. Should I start donating blood to lower it? The top end normal range it says is 51 so I'm not too high over but still. Also I'm on 1g of test/1g of EQ. I rarely take my Aromatase inhibitor (AI), would that help lower it?

yes, it will keep increasing if you don't donate. especially EQ is known for increasing RBC more than other compounds. no, Aromatase inhibitor (AI) has nothing to do with that, only thing to do is donate blood.

 

[halfwit]

Hey guys, I just got bloods done for the first time yesterday. I came back with 51.5 hematocrit. Should I start donating blood to lower it? The top end normal range it says is 51 so I'm not too high over but still. Also I'm on 1g of test/1g of EQ. I rarely take my Aromatase inhibitor (AI), would that help lower it?

Yes, go donate while you still can. EQ is notorious for elevating RBC and if you're on 1g of test/wk that's going to pump out those cells too. Aromatase inhibitor (AI) doesn't effect blood cell construction as far as I know, but I'm curious what your E2 is without an Aromatase inhibitor (AI) at 1g of test...

Edit: HAH! Beaten by 3ct by mere seconds!

 

[Blackops77]

I have felt like hell for a while now and have had my blood checked several times by my endo who prescribed TRT. My hemoglobin and hematocrit have been high each and every time, yet the fucker never said anything about reducing them simply by giving blood. I have had brain fog, dizziness, and a general feeling of being unwell for what seems like forever. I went to Red Cross today and gave blood for the first time and am hopeful that it makes me feel better. Wish me luck! Btw, my hematocrit was in the mid 50's on my last draw...wtf? There really needs to be more education in the medical field obviously. I have no idea how a doctor with specific training in a field of medicine could possibly just let something like that go when there is such a simple solution. That 16 gauge needle was huge, but I would use a harpoon spear if it made me feel better. I had almost accepted feeling like hell as my fate...now I at least have some hope. Thanks so much to this board where I continue to learn soooo much!

 

[halfwit]

I have felt like hell for a while now and have had my blood checked several times by my endo who prescribed TRT. My hemoglobin and hematocrit have been high each and every time, yet the fucker never said anything about reducing them simply by giving blood. I have had brain fog, dizziness, and a general feeling of being unwell for what seems like forever. I went to Red Cross today and gave blood for the first time and am hopeful that it makes me feel better. Wish me luck! Btw, my hematocrit was in the mid 50's on my last draw...wtf? There really needs to be more education in the medical field obviously. I have no idea how a doctor with specific training in a field of medicine could possibly just let something like that go when there is such a simple solution. That 16 gauge needle was huge, but I would use a harpoon spear if it made me feel better. I had almost accepted feeling like hell as my fate...now I at least have some hope. Thanks so much to this board where I continue to learn soooo much!

Out of curiosity, does he have you on an Aromatase inhibitor (AI) too? You may be suffering from elevated estradiol based on your symptoms. A LOT of docs don't check for that either, which is asinine considering it's why we have to have them put a finger in our ass for prostate purposes. If he's not checking your estradiol, I'd have a word with him... Hope you feel better!

 

[Blackops77]

Out of curiosity, does he have you on an Aromatase inhibitor (AI) too? You may be suffering from elevated estradiol based on your symptoms. A LOT of docs don't check for that either, which is asinine considering it's why we have to have them put a finger in our ass for prostate purposes. If he's not checking your estradiol, I'd have a word with him... Hope you feel better!

Well, actually, no, when I brought up checking my Estradiol, he scoffed at the very idea and said he had never heard of using an Aromatase inhibitor (AI) for TRT. That being said, I took matters into my own hands and have been self-medicating with Anastrozole (Arimidex) at .25mg eod. I am no longer even seeing a doc...I need to find a better one that actually knows what in the hell he/she is doing. I need to have my blood drawn again and see where my levels are. I have contacted IncreaseMyT to see if they can get me dialed in. Thanks for the well wishes...I really appreciate it.