#Hematocrit normal range Patch#

Many patients on testosterone replacement who experience polycythemia do not want to stop the therapy due to fears of re-experiencing the depression, fatigue and low sex-drive they had before starting treatment. They all agree about measuring hematocrit at month 3, and then annually, with some also recommending measurements at month 6 after starting testosterone (it is good to remember that there is a ban on gay blood donors in the United States). The following table shows the different guideline groups that recommend monitoring for testosterone replacement therapy. Switching from injectable to transdermal testosterone may decrease hematocrit, but in many cases not to the degree needed. Decreasing testosterone dose or stopping it are options that may not be the best for assuring patients' best quality of life, however. A hematocrit of over 52 percent should be evaluated. Hematocrit reflects the proportion of red cells to total blood volume.

As we all know, hemoglobin is the substance that makes blood red and helps transport oxygen in the blood. It's important to check patients' hemoglobin and hematocrit blood levels while on testosterone replacement therapy. Smoking has also been associated with polycythemia and may contribute to the effects of other risk factors.īelow is an excerpt from my book, Testosterone: A Man's Guide, further detailing the prevention and management of polycythemia.

#Hematocrit normal range Patch#

This hematopoietic (blood-building) effect could be a good thing for those with mild anemia.Īlthough all testosterone replacement products can increase the number of red blood cells, the study showed a higher incidence of higher hematocrit in those using intramuscular testosterone than topical administration (testosterone patch was the main option used - no gels). In addition to increasing muscle and sex drive, testosterone can increase the body's production of red blood cells. The association between testosterone replacement therapy and high hematocrit has been reported for the past few years as this therapy has become more mainstream. High blood pressure, strokes and heart attacks can occur. High hematocrit can cause the blood to become very viscous or 'sticky,' making it harder for the heart to pump. High hematocrit occurs when there is an excessive production of red blood cells. High Hematocrit Caused by Testosterone Replacement Therapy