Creatine and rbc H&h ?

[Rogue702]

So my question is basically does one on trt who has an elevated H&H hematocrit and hemoglobin around 54 and 18 and habitually works out with weights 4/5 days a week want to use creatine without causing any side effects . I know creatine does a lot of wonderful things like increase atp and strength and size but you also need to stay extra hydrated. Would using 5g a day of creatine cause the blood markers to increase even more ? Anyone have any experience

 

[Vince]

For me no, creatine did not affect my hematocrit and hemoglobin. There was no increase from my labs done 6 months ago without creatine.

 

[Systemlord]

Would using 5g a day of creatine cause the blood markers to increase even more ?

This amount of creatine dehydrated me and it took 6 weeks to reverse course.

 

[Nelson Vergel]

I take 5 grams per day and have not had any changes in blood makers. Not even creatinine.

 

[madman]

So my question is basically does one on trt who has an elevated H&H hematocrit and hemoglobin around 54 and 18 and habitually works out with weights 4/5 days a week want to use creatine without causing any side effects . I know creatine does a lot of wonderful things like increase atp and strength and size but you also need to stay extra hydrated. Would using 5g a day of creatine cause the blood markers to increase even more ? Anyone have any experience

No.

If you are not taking in enough fluids/electrolytes when supplementing with creatine then this can have an impact on hematocrit.

The key here is staying well hydrated!

I have been using creatine since phosphagen hit the market back in the 90s.

Been on trt for almost 7 years.

If you are running around with a hematocrit of 54% then you need to look at your TRT protocol (dose T/injection frequency) and how high of a trough FT level you are running.

Keep in mind that other factors such as sleep apnea, smoking, asthma, and COPD can have a negative impact on hematocrit.

Most on TRT that are struggling with elevated RBCs, H/H are running too high a trough FT level.

If you are not struggling with any sides then I see no issue with running slightly above the top-end.

You are hitting a high-end 54%.

Most doctors in the know would prefer to keep hematocrit <54%.

Whether through phlebotomies or in many cases lowering your weekly T dose and bringing down your trough FT.

Some will even address this once you hit 52%.

 

[EdinSFO]

No other changes to my protocol, just added creatine and my hematocrit went from 49 to 52. Nice to know it wasn't just me.

 

[USMC]

Yes, I was on 5 grams of Creatine for about 6 months. My Creatinine went up, my GFR went down, and my Hematocrit went from 48 to 53. I'm guessing I didn't hydrate properly. I stopped the Creatine a few months ago. I have a blood test in February and will see what happens.