Testosterone stimulates erythropoiesis, a fact which should
alert physicians to thinking about testosterone insufficiency as a
possible cause of anemia in male patients, especially in otherwise
unexplained anemia
[68,69]. Conversely, TRT can result in
increases in hemoglobin and hematocrit which may rise about the
upper limits of normal and put the patient at risk for an arterial
occlusive event. When the hematocrit exceeds 0.50 L/L the dose of
testosterone should be decreased. If the hematocrit continues to
be overstimulated regardless of dose readjustments or if reducing
the dose of testosterone re-introducessymptomsof hypogonadism,
then it is reasonable to return the patient to physiological (effective)
doses of testosterone and institute intermittent phlebotomies
to keep the hematocrit below 0.50. Polycythemia can be induced
by any form of testosterone administration but is most commonly
found with testosterone injections.
" I have been drinking lots of water, and stopped all caffeine, due to blood pressure issues and overall health.. This is not the first time in 12 years of hrt I have been told to give blood and questioned about water and caffeine intake" There are lazy asses and then there are smart asses.