question from a user
I have been on the same protocol (200mg/week; inject EOD) for two years now. I was told I am a “hyper-responder” as my total testosterone levels are consistently over 1500 total T. The only two lab results I’ve had consistently outside of recommended ranges are my total T (last result was 1654 ng/dL), SHBG (54.9 nmol/L) and RBC (6.09). My Free T was 188.2 pg/mL. I typically donate double-red every 4 months and my hemoglobin averages around 18 gm/dL. Physically and mentally I feel great. My question is: Should I be worried about the increased stroke risks associated with the high RBC and lower my dose as suggested? My doctor was only concerned about the fact that my Total T was outside the range (regardless of my Free T being in range).
AlphaMD's Answer
If you're happy with where you're at I'd say: If your RBC values are still high when donating every 4 months, the very first step before adjusting dosing would be to donate more frequently. I personally donate every 2 months for this reason, and we have ordered therapeutic blood draws for patients before to get them into normal ranges and on more regular donation cycles.
(Though having to donate blood on TRT is not very common, it does happen, as I personally experience.)
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