An elevated hematocrit level on TRT does not require blood donation

When you understand the difference between primary and secondary erythrocytosis (aka polycythemia) you see that elevated hematocrit levels are only a concern in the former and not the latter.

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[willyhawkins]

Finally a Dr who keeps up with the current literature !The medical community as a whole is so inept now days especially with regards to TRT administration.it’s disgusting! Well done Sir!

[seanbocks]

Anecdotally of course, after my first blood donation I felt much better and my blood pressure is much lower. I will continue to donate on a regular basis.

[matchstickmen]

You don't know how I and the other ones on TRT appreciate your knowledge and expertise. I also used to live in CO for 26 years at a high altitude, and my hematocrit was close to 54 not on TRT. It tremendously helped to understand the differences between people on TRT and people with actual blood problems, and how the majority of health professionals bundle those groups together without understanding the underlying conditions. Thank you so much and keep your videos coming.

[michaelp]

This is one of the most informative and helpful videos I've seen on this topic.

[Braveheartman]

Just stumbled on this bit this doc knows his stuff and has great straight forward delivery style. Certainly not boring like most.
I’ve been giving blood 3-4x/year for the past 10 years since going on TRT. Imy hemoglobin can get as high as 19 but lately has been about 15 when I give blood. I also “blast” about 2x/year for about 10 weeks each cycle.
I’m 63 w 40 years of bodybuilding experience (just recreational w a few completions 30 years ago).
Guys like me need info like this.

[kingcarmichael]

Thank you for the great info. That was very easy to understand, and it made me feel better. I’ve been donating regularly and have been concerned.

[universmonsieur]

Very good video
Many thanks from France.
I am bodybuilder since 30 years and my hematocrit is high since 30 years.
I have never problems. On time after Mister univers my hematocrit was 61..very high. Naturally I have 48, my son the same.
For protect I drink a lot take pycnogénol and rutin with taurine and telmisartan.
Now at 62 I take testosterone in gel and I think it is better for hematocrit. I don't smoke low platelets like my son and father 140000 no more sometimes less.
Thanks for you video first time a fantastic doctor.
Many thanks from France
Eric

[ironballer]

Great info Doc…eased my mind tremendously and also confirmed what I suspected….a lot of clinics are scared and f the liability because they just crank out patients and medicine but don’t bother to stay abreast of science

[Mspooni]

Great video! This needs to be shared! I've also been told if your platelets and ferritin are normal there's also no reason to stress.

[Total_Body_Fitness_USA]

Great video! I agree 100% as an exercise physiologist trained in integrative functional medicine for over 27 years. As a matter of fact there is a study that was released on 11-9-21 titled Testosterone Therapy: Increase in Hematocrit is Associated with Decreased Mortality. There is also something called the Fahraeus–Lindqvist effect in which the body decreases hematocrit in blood vessels that are smaller than 0.3mm. If you are over the age of 40 then you could always do things to reduce/degrade fibrinogen and increase the activity of tissue plasminogen activator in the body. One example is taking 100mg/2000FU of Nattokinase NSK-SD every 12 hours for about 4-8 weeks. Get plenty of exercise that includes resistance training and aerobic exercise along with taking 2g of Omega 3s per day and this will help with RBC flexibility and reduce RDW. As long as you don't have true polycythemia vera and elevated ferritin levels then donation is not necessary. As a matter of fact if you donate blood and crash your ferritin then you will not only crash your energy levels, but you will also decrease thyroid function and those two combined can result in crushing fatigue. A lot more to this, but thought I would share some things as well. Lastly, consult with your physician before starting any of the supplements I recommended and if you haven't exercised in a while be sure to consult with your doc on that as well to get clearance!

[ryanmktaylor]

This video was incredible well made and informative, thank you! Earned a subscriber!

[agustinreyes]

I crashed my ferritin by donating too often. I found 30-40 min cardio helps keep my levels in the normal range.

[DarylOgalino]

Def a great video. Been on my blast and cruise cycle getting ready for my next show and my HCT, red blood cell count, and hemoglobin have been slightly elevated. I used to give blood, but now these studies and your video states otherwise which makes sense. Following your advise now bro. Thanks!

[JAYMUAYTHAI]

My blood levels were a little above 50% a couple weeks ago. I’m healthy, I workout daily, I eat proper no processed foods. My doctor took me off trt for 8 weeks and now I’m suffering. He told me stop taking it cold turkey. It caused me anxiety attacks and I am very irritable. He said I’ll be able to get back on as soon as they run more tests like a sleep study etc. I know I don’t have sleep apnea. I’m really upset about it because it has changed my mood, and sex drive. I wish there were more doctors like you. My doctor scared me. Eventually I’ll be back on but having to go through this process is the worst!

[randyjohnson]

Bless you for getting this out there...my hematocrit stays around 54-56 and they make me think I'm going to die

[robertlulek]

I am on the carnivore diet, so my iron levels are always high. I donate blood every two months and every time I donate blood I feel better.

[WJHandyDad]

my hematocrit has been 50 (before TRT) to 56.7 (today). I do physically feel "better" after a blood donation when I only do twice a year donations and keep my hematocrit in the low 50's

[donaldkilpatrick]

Thanks to Dr. Andrew Winge for this insightful and helpful review.

[jungillestt]

I'm on trt and I've been around 53-54 and just recently went up to 55 but I just started vaping nicotine but it is kind of annoying my doctor want to give blood and all this stuff. I'm 5'11 my blood pressure is 120/82 and my diet is mainly keto and now weight 165-167 on average. I feel great and healthy so I'm glad I came across this. They had me thinking all this crazy stuff. I also talked to another trt place and they said what you are saying which is very interesting.

[williampaulcoaching]

Great analysis! I was looking for exactly that and it was nowhere else to be found... thank you Doc!