High hematocrit levels????

[bigt405]

Anyone else have problems with high hematocrit levels since starting trt? If so what have you done that has helped lowered these values?

[Bonaparte]

There are literally dozens of threads on this topic in this very section.
Donate blood regularly (or get a phlebotomy).

[austinite]

Make a habit of donating blood as often as a donation center will allow. Usually 2 to 3 months.

[FRDave]

My Hematocrit levels dropped from 50.3 (6/29/13) to 45.6 (8/24/13). My only change in protocol was changing HCG from 250IU every Mon/Wed/Fri to 375IU the day before test injections (twice per week). I have also been taking 2-3 81mg baby aspirins per day (ECA stack).

Being that I get blood work every 2 months, I was quite surprised as my levels are now lower than my 1st set of labs, in which I was planning to donate since they kept rising.

With the above in mind, I am curious myself as to how my levels dropped as I have read baby aspirin will not lower Hematocrit levels. I am assuming its due to the HCG since going from 3x a week to 2x a week also lowered my test levels a good 200 points and if I remember correctly, LowT Mike says lowering test levels will lower Hematocrit levels.

[austinite]

Hydration levels can fluctuate HCT levels.

[FRDave]

Hydration levels can fluctuate HCT levels.

Last time my liver values were a little elevated in which I thought it was due to dehydration so I drank a half gallon water before my labs this time. Think hydration can make that much of a difference?

[austinite]

Last time my liver values were a little elevated in which I thought it was due to dehydration so I drank a half gallon water before my labs this time. Think hydration can make that much of a difference?

Yeah. Depending on the level, you could test 52% today, and 49% tomorrow.

[FRDave]

Yeah. Depending on the level, you could test 52% today, and 49% tomorrow.

Oh wow. Goes to show how important hydration is.

[LowT Mike]

BigT 405...What do you consider high hematocrit for TRT?

10% of TRT patients have to undergo regular blood letting and thats the high end. Most practitioners say its even lower and around 4% is what is taught at A4m. This low percentage is largely due to the majority of guys out there doing creams and gels. This is the largest TRT patient group and as a whole the docs treating these guys dont get their serum T that high so there is no issues of high H. If you are doing appropriate amounts of T you shouldn't have high H at all unless you are part of the 10%. I think what you "have seen" has been from steriod boards and lets be honest most likely guys are doing more than what they need on those boards and for different reasons then what is medically intended and/or other anabolic ancillaries. Main reason for high H is super-physiological doses. 2 things you can do to lower H. Therapeutic phlebotomy and TITRATE DOSE LOWER. See the connection there. 56% is the cutoff. Im not counting the guys hovering around 52-53%. Now if you have sleep apnea thats a different story. This patient population you are almost guranteed depending on the severity of the apnea that you will have to get regular theraputic phlebotomy. If your protocol is perfect and you feel good always go for the phlebotomy...titrate dose lower as a last resort. This can often result in the reintroduction of andropausal symptoms. 500ML or a pint will generally drop H 8%.

[bigt405]

Low T Mike,
My hematocrit level has hovered between 52 and 58 ( the 58 was a few days after a stomach virus ). I have been doing one shot of test 100 ml a week.

[LowT Mike]

Like austinite said stay hydrated. If you start to have that "heavy" feeling of elevated H. SOB, elevated BP, heaviness in the chest. Go get a quick Hematocrit panel. Are you having any of these symptoms?

[bigt405]

Like austinite said stay hydrated. If you start to have that "heavy" feeling of elevated H. SOB, elevated BP, heaviness in the chest. Go get a quick Hematocrit panel. Are you having any of these symptoms?

Only possible side I have is slightly elevated bp other than that I feel great. I am trying to drink a lot more water because I am pretty sure after doing some reading that at a bw of 290 lbs I not getting enough water. I hope that will help. I am going to give blood this week and get a blood test the next week to see where I am. I am currently recovering from a detached retina so getting around has been a problem for the past two weeks, but hopefully life is getting back to normal now. Thanks for the advice.....

[bass]

I am on 120 mgs per week and still have to donate once every 3 months to keep hematocrit in check. everyone is different, but if I were you i'd just donate anyway, because if your levels get very high then no one will take your blood, and you have to get a script to do it, then they'll list you in the black book which means you will never be able to donate at that company. besides its good to donate, helps you and others!

[bigt405]

I am on 120 mgs per week and still have to donate once every 3 months to keep hematocrit in check. everyone is different, but if I were you i'd just donate anyway, because if your levels get very high then no one will take your blood, and you have to get a script to do it, then they'll list you in the black book which means you will never be able to donate at that company. besides its good to donate, helps you and others!

Yep that looks like the way to go. I guess I will be a regular donor from here on out. Thanks for the advice

[Headhunter1984]

Injecting caused my H and H to go through the roof. Now doing gels so no spike, and the values are lower. Would love to inject 3 or 4 times per week (lower dose each) to avoid the spike but doc won't go for it.

[bigt405]

Injecting caused my H and H to go through the roof. Now doing gels so no spike, and the values are lower. Would love to inject 3 or 4 times per week (lower dose each) to avoid the spike but doc won't go for it.

I might try splitting my dose in half and doing twice a week shots to see if that helps too.

[qkcam]

I tried splitting my dose in half and injecting 2x a week. it didn't help with hematocrit.

now i am trying some axiron gel..but it gives headache and itchy skin-

[bigt405]

Going tomorrow to donate.....how long should I wait to have my levels checked?

[austinite]

Going tomorrow to donate.....how long should I wait to have my levels checked?

HCT drops instantly. You can check right away. Just be sure to rest a while after donating and eat something.

[bigt405]

HCT drops instantly. You can check right away. Just be sure to rest a while after donating and eat something.

Ok. Thanks

[Bonaparte]

HCT drops instantly. You can check right away. Just be sure to rest a while after donating and eat something.

Not unless it's a double RBC donation (because they return the plasma).
With a regular pint donation, the total volume is reduced, but the values won't change until your body replenishes the lost plasma through rehydration (but this will only take a day or two).

[austinite]

Not unless it's a double RBC donation (because they return the plasma).
With a regular pint donation, the total volume is reduced, but the values won't change until your body replenishes the lost plasma through rehydration (but this will only take a day or two).

Absolutely it changes. I've never had a double RBC. 100% of the time HCT drops. A day is pretty instant considering how long it took to get there. Now we're just nit picking at words

[bigt405]

I donated my blood today. They commented on the high level of iron in my blood and how slow my blood flowed.
I am debating waiting another week or two to see if drinking grapefruit juice everyday helps any.

[Bonaparte]

I donated my blood today. They commented on the high level of iron in my blood and how slow my blood flowed.
I am debating waiting another week or two to see if drinking grapefruit juice everyday helps any.

It won't help.

[vere76]

do any of you have iron issues after you donate? I have to have an iron infusion due to low iron levels ?

[bigt405]

It won't help.

Ok.....so I guess I should just go ahead and get it checked Monday to see where I am at

[bigt405]

do any of you have iron issues after you donate? I have to have an iron infusion due to low iron levels ?

Not me..my iron levels are running high

[Bonaparte]

do any of you have iron issues after you donate? I have to have an iron infusion due to low iron levels ?

That would indicate that you had no need to donate in the first place because you are anemic.
Also, could you elaborate? Because your post was vague.

[gatornate97]

I am just a newbie to the TRT.

I have started out on 200mg once a week.
I have heard that may be a bit high. I am not scheduled to have a panel done for 60 days.

Should I have a panel done sooner being that my dosage may be high for a beginner? My H was at 38 if I remember correctly.

[austinite]

I am just a newbie to the TRT.

I have started out on 200mg once a week.
I have heard that may be a bit high. I am not scheduled to have a panel done for 60 days.

Should I have a panel done sooner being that my dosage may be high for a beginner? My H was at 38 if I remember correctly.

You'll be fine. CBC panels never hurt but if you were at 38, you're very far from having any issues. It's even possible that the 200mg would not affect you in this way.

On a side note, you might consider splitting that dose into two 100mg injections weekly.

[gatornate97]

I tried to get the Doc to go for the multiple week injections, but he seemed against it. Maybe I just show up and insist ?

I have heard that multiple times now and believe that to be the most effective given everyone's input.

[austinite]

I tried to get the Doc to go for the multiple week injections, but he seemed against it. Maybe I just show up and insist ?

I have heard that multiple times now and believe that to be the most effective given everyone's input.

Are you not self injecting? If not, that would be the conversation I would have with your doc. Are you using hCG ?

[FRDave]

I tried to get the Doc to go for the multiple week injections, but he seemed against it. Maybe I just show up and insist ?

I have heard that multiple times now and believe that to be the most effective given everyone's input.

Does he make you come in for injections? Could have sworn I read they made it a law where they can not make you come in or injections, thus you self inject...

[gatornate97]

Are you not self injecting? If not, that would be the conversation I would have with your doc. Are you using hCG?

I am getting 50mg of HCG one a week subcutaneous the same day as I take the Test ( every Friday)
I am not self injecting.

[gatornate97]

Does he make you come in for injections? Could have sworn I read they made it a law where they can not make you come in or injections, thus you self inject...

I will have that conversation with him the next time I go see him. ( next Friday )

I am not sure on the protocol for administration as I just started yesterday. You guys have been awesome with the knowledge and insight, and look forward to participating in this community and the much needed education I need to gain over the long haul.

[bigt405]

My hematocrit level dropped to 53.....still on the high side but much better. I will try splitting my dose and continue to donate regularly. Thanks for the help

[bass]

My hematocrit level dropped to 53.....still on the high side but much better. I will try splitting my dose and continue to donate regularly. Thanks for the help

find another blood drive that's not affiliated with the last one, and give another pint. this should put you within range. just make sure to answer NO when they ask you if you donated in the last 8 weeks

[austinite]

^ Chances of that is slim to none if he is in the US. They have donations in a national database. I've been rejected by different places due to recent donation. They know..

[bass]

^^^ this must be new! I was rejected by two blood drive companies but got excepted by the third one. I also remember member Harley who went to two different blood drive companies and donated with no problems. this is in California, not sure if its different from state to state. its worth a try though.

[qkcam]

could also have dr order a therapeutic phlebotomy. a few times a month to get numbers down.
what is the cut off on HCT for women anyone know? 50% maybe -