Ferritin Levels beyond low...

[wig surf]

Hey guys,

I've been on TRT for about three years now and all of a sudden my ferritin is very low. I've noticed that in the last six months, my energy level is also very low. I also give blood every two months. I'm curious to know why all of a sudden my ferritin is so low. I do 120mg of Test Cyp. every week (Everyday injections of 20mg).

I have partial lab results back so I don't know what my Test levels are at, but I'm concerned about my ferritin and my cholesterol (which has always been high and I'm not in bad shape). And I didn't fast before the blood test if that makes a difference in levels.

Should I be on some iron supplement and how much should I take for it being so low?
Any recommendations on brand of supplement?
And should I stop giving blood?

I would appreciate any help!

 

[Systemlord]

I'm curious to know why all of a sudden my ferritin is so low.

I also give blood every two months.

^^^ That's why your ferritin is low, iron is blood, you're bleeding out iron/blood every two months!

There are all sorts of metabolic abnormalities with low iron/ferritin.

And should I stop giving blood?

You need to find another solution. No one knows at what level of hematocrit is dangerous. The guidelines say the cutoff is 54%, labs ranges are as follows, 49, 50, 51 and 52%.

If your lab ranges are 50%, and you're at 51%, go to another lab company with a 52% cutoff and now you're in range.

With a secondary erythrocytosis there is an increase in blood volume which enlarges the vascular bed, decreases peripheral resistance and increases cardiac output. Therefore, in a secondary erythrocytosis optimal oxygen transport with increased blood volume occurs at a higher hematocrit value than with a normal blood volume. A moderate increase in hematocrit may be beneficial despite the increased viscosity.

There are over 80 million people that live higher than 2,500 meters and they develop a secondary erythrocytosis. Men in parts of Bolivia for instance have a normal range of HCT from 45-61%. These men are not at an increased risk of thrombotic events nor do they have to undergo phlebotomies to manage their hematocrit.

Now for my next question, doctors often mismanage hematocrit for levels slightly over the ranges which is completely unnecessary, unless you're symptomatic as a result of higher hematocrit.

At what level of hematocrit did you or your doctor start blood donations?

 

[Systemlord]

For those with unmanageable secondary erythrocytosis or high hematocrit on TRT, the newer oral testosterone undecanoate, Jatenzo, Orlando, Kyzatrex are recommended because in the clinical trials, there were no cases of secondary erythrocytosis due to the PK profiles and shorter half lives of these newer oral testosterone undecanoate.

How to Lower High Hematocrit Caused by Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

High Hematocrit Caused by Testosterone Replacement Therapy By Nelson Vergel, B.S.Ch.E., M.B.A. High hematocrit occurs when there is an excessive production of red blood cells. High hematocrit can cause the blood to become very viscous or "sticky," making it harder for the heart to pump. High...

www.excelmale.com

 

[wig surf]

^^^ That's why your ferritin is low, iron is blood, you're bleeding out iron/blood every two months!

There are all sorts of metabolic abnormalities with low iron/ferritin.


You need to find another solution. No one knows at what level of hematocrit is dangerous. The guidelines say the cutoff is 54%, labs ranges are as follows, 49, 50, 51 and 52%.

If your lab ranges are 50%, and you're at 51%, go to another lab company with a 52% cutoff and now you're in range.

With a secondary erythrocytosis there is an increase in blood volume which enlarges the vascular bed, decreases peripheral resistance and increases cardiac output. Therefore, in a secondary erythrocytosis optimal oxygen transport with increased blood volume occurs at a higher hematocrit value than with a normal blood volume. A moderate increase in hematocrit may be beneficial despite the increased viscosity.

There are over 80 million people that live higher than 2,500 meters and they develop a secondary erythrocytosis. Men in parts of Bolivia for instance have a normal range of HCT from 45-61%. These men are not at an increased risk of thrombotic events nor do they have to undergo phlebotomies to manage their hematocrit.

Now for my next question, doctors often mismanage hematocrit for levels slightly over the ranges which is completely unnecessary, unless you're symptomatic as a result of higher hematocrit.

At what level of hematocrit did you or your doctor start blood donations?

I don't know what my hematocrit was when I started donating blood. I just canceled my blood donations, so I'll start there until my next blood workup in six months. Thank you!!

 

[DorianGray]

@wig surf Do you have labs before starting TRT? Iron saturation? You may have genetic factors with HFe gene that is contributing also. TRT can push up lipids, iron and lower ferritin.