Erythrocytosis

[PATRICK FREE]

Good evening. In regard to TRT, when does one begin to become concerned about rising RBC levels? What level would you consider to be a threshold of concern, and would donating blood to reduce levels be a viable option that you would use?  Thank you.

[Miguel Bertonatti]

Patients who’ve been on therapy with our practice for 1+ years donate blood once or twice a year (250-500ml of whole blood) and we are able to maintain the HB and HCT under control. Some patients with erythrocytosis report feeling better and lighter after donating blood.

[Kristelle Reyes]

Thank you for that great input @michaelmedicalhealthinstitute-com ! 🙂

Hello @drkriswyahoo-com and @drhusaininterlinkedmd-com, would love to have your insights here as well. Thank you!

[Abid Husain]

Hello Patrick.

I start checking Hemoglobin/Hematocrit levels immediately upon starting TRT.  I check at 6, 12, 24 weeks and once testosterone levels are at desired range, every 6 months.    I find that the Hb/Hct levels will change within the 6-8 week window.  I aim to keep the Hb levels below 15 and do not recommend donating blood as a regular method to maintain a Hb window.  In my mind, if regular phelobotomy is being used, then the testosterone dose should be lowered.  Also, I find that phlebotomy centers do not accept blood if the patients are on TRT.   I use blood dontation in an isolated therapeutic manner when it is available and necessary.

That being said, there are a myriad of ways to practice TRT.  There is NO ONE correct method and a wide range of practitioner preferences, even within the like minds that participate in the SSRP.   Ultimately, it is about good patient outcomes and safety and there are a lot of ways to reach that.  More of those details can be found in the Hormone Foundations and Hormone Mastery courses.  I highly recommend them.

Hope that helps,

Abid

[Miguel Bertonatti]

You are welcome.,

[PATRICK FREE]

Thank you, everyone, for your information and expertise. It is much appreciated.

[Kristelle Reyes]

Claim your CME here: https://earnc.me/8Gv74S

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