question from a user

What are your thoughts on high HCT? I've seen a paper where it didn't increase risk of death. Mine was on the high end before starting TRT and it is getting higher. If high levels are a problem, what steps besides donating blood and reducing dose would you recommend?

AlphaMD's Answer

We've encountered a few people who've had a hard time donating blood due to things like iron level or high HCT. Is there a reason you'd be adverse to donating, to combat the higher level of red blood cells? Sometimes, if people are high and can't get within the guideline ranges for donation, we order a therapeutic blood draw & then keep them on a regular donation schedule after that to keep it stable. Feel free to share more info about your levels.

I'll have another person hop in & edit this later who has some opinions on high HCT as a condition to share his thoughts.

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