Daily Injections Causing Huge RBC Spike? Why?

[Stpfan]

I've been using Vince's protocol (daily injections) for about 52 days now. I must say I feel the best mentally I've ever felt in 7 years since being on TRT. I like where the Testosterone and Estradiol is.... Not using any AI. The problem is I was absolutely in shock when I noticed the RBC, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit. Why on earth did it climb so high? And why are my iron labs so poor? I'm absolutely confused. First time ever I don't feel any heat sensations. I use to get a weird "hot" feeling from time to time with larger injections. But on this protocol never once did I ever get hot etc.

Like I said I feel absolutely amazing on daily injections. I'm injecting approx 17mg Test daily Right at the 8.5 on the syringe. My body doesn't even have an iron supply (which I don't understand?) I can't even donate blood right now if I wanted to. Why is my body making so many Red Blood Cells? 17mg X 7 = 119mg Weekly. I use to inject 140mg (weekly) split (70mg) every 4 days (taking more testosterone before) and made fewer Red Blood Cells and less Hematocrit? Does this make any sense? Why isn't this plan working for me? Why is my iron so low? Any ideas? I really thought I was onto something! Back to the drawing board I guess? I'm so disappointed in the way my body is processing this. Any advice... I greatly appreciate it.

I'm trying to copy and paste important labs but for some reason the website won't accept them.

 

[Stpfan]

Newest Labs - July 15, 2026
Testosterone (Trough) 814
Estradiol 36

Newest Labs - July 15, 2026
Iron 49
Iron Saturation 12%
Ferritin 13

Newest Labs - July 15, 2026
RBC 6.51 (Highest Lifetime)
Hemoglobin 18.4 (Highest Lifetime)
Hematocrit 54.8% (Highest Lifetime)

Previous Labs - (Before Donating Blood) April 6, 2026
RBC 6.16
Hemoglobin 17.9
Hematocrit 53.7%

After Donating Blood (Labs Drawn April 24, 2026)
RBC 5.74
Hemoglobin 16.8
Hematocrit 49.0%

 

[FunkOdyssey]

Why is my body making so many Red Blood Cells? 17mg X 7 = 119mg Weekly. I use to inject 140mg (weekly) split (70mg) every 4 days (taking more testosterone before) and made fewer Red Blood Cells and less Hematocrit? Does this make any sense? Why isn't this plan working for me? Why is my iron so low?

First, you are not injecting less. 70 mg every 4th day is 122.5 mg weekly, almost identical to your current 119 mg.

Tiny daily injections, especially if you have a less viscous carrier oil, can have major peak / trough variation in some guys. Disregard what you think you know about testosterone cypionate half-life in these cases - it doesn't apply to you. I bet if you take labs 6-8 hours after your injection, you will see levels that are much higher than your trough, maybe shockingly so. This all relates to the greater surface area relative to volume of a teeny tiny oil depot.

Assuming your iron stores were normal before starting this protocol, they are low now because you are in or just went through a period of rapid RBC and hemoglobin production, and compounded the insult by donating blood. This occurs when first starting TRT or when raising your dose and causes transient iron depletion. With time, and assuming you don't have other factors involved, like low dietary iron or poorly bioavailable dietary iron, use of a PPI, have celiac disease or another GI disorder, GI bleeding, etc, you will recover your iron stores without any intervention. This also assumes you don't keep donating blood which will obviously deplete iron further.

Why did this backfire, you ask? More stable levels are supposed to keep hematocrit down. Unfortunately, nothing is less reliable than the theories we have about how TRT is supposed to work. No great answer here, except that the daily injections may be less stable than you think and your time-averaged testosterone levels may be much higher than your trough suggests.

Reduce dose, or go back to what you were doing before, or do something else different. What you're doing now isn't sustainable. If you would humor me and get that peak lab done before you change anything though, I would be delighted.

Also, I would be remiss if I didn't point out that your labs are next to useless without SHBG so we can calculate your free T, and/or a direct and accurate measurement of free T like quest EqD.

 

[Melody68]

Try injecting 15mg daily. I'd keep reducing until I didn't have to donate blood anymore.

 

[madman]

I've been using Vince's protocol (daily injections) for about 52 days now. I must say I feel the best mentally I've ever felt in 7 years since being on TRT. I like where the Testosterone and Estradiol is.... Not using any AI. The problem is I was absolutely in shock when I noticed the RBC, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit. Why on earth did it climb so high? And why are my iron labs so poor? I'm absolutely confused. First time ever I don't feel any heat sensations. I use to get a weird "hot" feeling from time to time with larger injections. But on this protocol never once did I ever get hot etc.

Like I said I feel absolutely amazing on daily injections. I'm injecting approx 17mg Test daily Right at the 8.5 on the syringe. My body doesn't even have an iron supply (which I don't understand?) I can't even donate blood right now if I wanted to. Why is my body making so many Red Blood Cells? 17mg X 7 = 119mg Weekly. I use to inject 140mg (weekly) split (70mg) every 4 days (taking more testosterone before) and made fewer Red Blood Cells and less Hematocrit? Does this make any sense? Why isn't this plan working for me? Why is my iron so low? Any ideas? I really thought I was onto something! Back to the drawing board I guess? I'm so disappointed in the way my body is processing this. Any advice... I greatly appreciate it.

I'm trying to copy and paste important labs but for some reason the website won't accept them.

Newest Labs - July 15, 2026
Testosterone (Trough) 814
Estradiol 36

Newest Labs - July 15, 2026
Iron 49
Iron Saturation 12%
Ferritin 13

Newest Labs - July 15, 2026
RBC 6.51 (Highest Lifetime)
Hemoglobin 18.4 (Highest Lifetime)
Hematocrit 54.8% (Highest Lifetime)

Previous Labs - (Before Donating Blood) April 6, 2026
RBC 6.16
Hemoglobin 17.9
Hematocrit 53.7%

After Donating Blood (Labs Drawn April 24, 2026)
RBC 5.74
Hemoglobin 16.8
Hematocrit 49.0%

Nothing to chew on here without knowing where the most critical blood marker free testosterone sits.

Even when injecting daily your FT may still be too high which can easily drive up RBCs and H/H.

Your ferritin is in the gutter.

From what I remember you have always struggled with hematocrit and that donating too frequently merry go round.

You also had low SHBG 14 nmol/L at one point.

Need to test your FT using the most accurate assay the gold standard ED in order to know where it truly sits otherwise find out where your SHBG sits and use the next best testing method the go to calculated linear law-of-mass action Vermeulen (cFTV) which will give a good approximation.

L

Thread 'Injection Frequency vs Hematocrit & Testosterone Levels'

Jul 15, 2026

I've been on a twice weekly testosterone cypionate IM injection protocol for over 10 years. Latest protocol was 100mg (0.5ml) twice a week. My TT, FT and Estradiol, Sensitive numbers are great with this protocol, but eventually I need to donate blood when my Hematocrit gets too high.

My Doctor wants me to switch to reduced dose - daily SQ injections 20mg (0.1ml) for more stable Hematocrit and similar testosterone levels.

Has anyone switched to a daily injection protocol, and improved Hematocrit?

Can TT and FT levels stay the same by reducing dose and injecting daily?

• Lockout888
• daily injections hematocrit
• Replies: 5
• Forum: Testosterone Basics & Questions

 

[Stpfan]

I want to thank everyone who always chimes in and gives me their opinion. It is very much appreciated. I will do my best to respond to your comments.

I haven't posted in quite awhile at this forum and I wanted to either refresh everyone's memory on my conditions... and/or update everyone with newer confirmed health issues. I'm also not here to bore anyone with my story... just trying to give the quickest full details so you can give a better assessment or opinion on what I should do next.

I've been under the care of my 4th Endocrinologist for almost 2 full years now. He's done more for me than anyone else has. He has confirmed the Pituitary Gland is not functioning properly. There are no tumors. No Cancer. It is categorized as a form of Empty Sella. I can't remember the technical names for all these tests? I did some Cortisol Stimulation Test? Failed. I did an ACTH Test. Failed. I did a Growth Hormone Test (which he told me is very hard to get your insurance company to cover.) Failed. He explained to me that more than likely when your Testosterone was low 7 years ago... no one evaluated your Pituitary Gland. He said your Pituitary is causing all the problems.

Medications I'm Currently Taking
75mcg Daily Synthroid
7.5mg Daily Prednisone (Cortisol Replacement Therapy)
0.6 mg Daily Norditropin (Human Growth Hormone)
119mg Weekly (Testosterone Cypionate)

And what a lot of posters probably don't understand.... I do get what everyone is saying. What I thought was just a low testosterone issue is a bigger problem. My Endocrinologist told me what makes your case unusual and harder to assess is the low Cortisol combined with low Testosterone and low Human Growth Hormone. He said typically I've seen 2 out of the 3 (in any order) but not all 3.

So, what are my options? What am I thinking? Well... I've tried everything. I know I can't live without Testosterone but I can't even donate blood right now. I'm just quitting cold for a few days. I see my Endocrinologist Friday July 24. I'm already feeling weird skipping 2 daily injections. I'm just going to fight it off. My PCP did prescribe Ferrous Gluconate for Iron Replacement (sitting in front of me) but I'm sort of scared to take it. I hate taking medication. I've read some awful situations about GI issues when taking iron supplements.

Who in their right mind can get anywhere in life constantly thinking about their medical issues? Constantly changing things? Constantly feeling like garbage? Nobody. Like, the last 52 days I had the most momentum I've ever had in 7 years. I felt more alive than ever. Don't think... just inject your protocol and... off you go! Do your day! Nope.... thank you so much RBC. Thank you Hemoglobin. Thank you Hematocrit your such a gentleman and a scholar.

 

[Stpfan]

Try injecting 15mg daily. I'd keep reducing until I didn't have to donate blood anymore.

I appreciate the comment. I will definitely consider this. Thank you.

 

[FunkOdyssey]

So, what are my options?

Just take less testosterone. The high HCT is a dose-responsive problem and the decision matrix is not complicated.

Separately, try to address other health issues you have that are contributing to the high HCT, because a healthy man won't see HCT rise as high as yours did on a daily 120 mg weekly protocol. Common culprits are obesity, sleep apnea, insulin resistance / metabolic syndrome / pre-diabetes, and smoking. Get yourself sorted and you'll be able to handle more testosterone.

 

[Stpfan]

Just take less testosterone. The high HCT is a dose-responsive problem and the decision matrix is not complicated.

Separately, try to address other health issues you have that are contributing to the high HCT, because a healthy man won't see HCT rise as high as yours did on a daily 120 mg weekly protocol. Common culprits are obesity, sleep apnea, insulin resistance / metabolic syndrome / pre-diabetes, and smoking. Get yourself sorted and you'll be able to handle more testosterone.

I appreciate your response. I'm 5'11'' 196 lbs. Did a sleep study and it's confirmed I don't have sleep apnea. I never smoked in my life. I drink maybe twice a year. I'm really into nutrition etc. I try to be analytical and logical in majority of topics in life. One doctor indicated some of my problems resulted into too much stress in my life. Being too accurate. Laughable, I know.

I read your initial post in the thread and wanted to thank you. I will go over my labs and give you the most accurate results I have with SHBG.... hopefully figure out where the Free Testosterone is? Where exactly should Free Testosterone be at for it to be optimal? Are we searching for the best Free Testosterone marker?? Or how we feel? Because doing daily injections I experienced zero brain fog. I mean zero. Any other protocol.... (4 day injections or 3 day injections) brain fog would be off and on almost every single day. I couldn't focus. You have 1 great day!! And then 2 bad says. 1 Great day!!! And then 2 bad days. It shouldn't be like that.

 

[Stpfan]

Nothing to chew on here without knowing where the most critical blood marker free testosterone sits.

Even when injecting daily your FT may still be too high which can easily drive up RBCs and H/H.

Your ferritin is in the gutter.

From what I remember you have always struggled with hematocrit and that donating too frequently merry go round.

You also had low SHBG 14 nmol/L at one point.

Need to. test your FT using the most accurate assay the gold standard ED in order to know where it truly sits otherwise find out where your SHBG sits and use the next best testing method the go to calculated linear law-of-mass action Vermeulen (cFTV) which will give a good approximation.

L

Thread 'Injection Frequency vs Hematocrit & Testosterone Levels'

Jul 15, 2026

I've been on a twice weekly testosterone cypionate IM injection protocol for over 10 years. Latest protocol was 100mg (0.5ml) twice a week. My TT, FT and Estradiol, Sensitive numbers are great with this protocol, but eventually I need to donate blood when my Hematocrit gets too high.

My Doctor wants me to switch to reduced dose - daily SQ injections 20mg (0.1ml) for more stable Hematocrit and similar testosterone levels.

Has anyone switched to a daily injection protocol, and improved Hematocrit?

Can TT and FT levels stay the same by reducing dose and injecting daily?

• Lockout888
• daily injections hematocrit
• Replies: 5
• Forum: Testosterone Basics & Questions

Thank you madman for the post. I will go over my labs and try to post what you're looking for. I don't have the gold standard for lab work. It's whatever the doctor ordered. Hope that is somewhat helpful.

 

[Stpfan]

If anyone would like to try and figure out Free Testosterone level... feel free. I only have certain labs that have all the information necessary for it.

Labs From April 29, 2026
Testosterone 625
SHGB 16.8
Albumin 4.4
Estradiol 25

So according to this free testosterone calculator online. You plug in these numbers and you get an estimated Free Testosterone score? Calculator claims:

Free Testosterone: 183.15 pg/ml
Free Testosterone Percentage: 2.93%
Bioavailable Testosterone: 439.1 ng/dl
Bioavailable Testosterone Percentage: 70.26%

I don't know how accurate this is?? Or if I'm doing it right.

I have my injection list that I keep. How long did you want me to go back from a certain protocol? I started Vince's daily injection routine on April 17, 2026. I know it's only officially 12 injections prior to the labs.

From 04/17/26 - 04/28/26 Approx. 185mg (12 Days) = 15.41mg daily
Yes, I know the window is small.

 

[Melody68]

I appreciate the comment. I will definitely consider this. Thank you.

Stpfan, as you most likely know, there are men out there who do very well on smaller doses of T, I'm one of them. I take 9.5mg/day, total 63 mg/week. At that dose I feel definitely "OK"; certainly better than before T.

But, of course, I feel better than OK when I take more . . . I can start feeling good and even really good in the short term. But it comes at a cost; other factors get thrown out of whack, which then mean more risk - demanding more attention instead of less. I mean ultimately, like you, we should want to pronounce ourselves "well" and then get back to living. It's all about balance. I would try cutting back gradually, measuring and acting in 12 week blocks, and seeing how little I can take of T while maintaining an acceptable physiology. I think you'll find a sweet spot for yourself somewhere, which to me would mean acceptable RBC's and H&H, and also happily mean not having to donate blood anymore.

 

[Stpfan]

Stpfan, as you most likely know, there are men out there who do very well on smaller doses of T, I'm one of them. I take 9.5mg/day, total 63 mg/week. At that dose I feel definitely "OK"; certainly better than before T.

But, of course, I feel better than OK when I take more . . . I can start feeling good and even really good in the short term. But it comes at a cost; other factors get thrown out of whack, which then mean more risk - demanding more attention instead of less. I mean ultimately, like you, we should want to pronounce ourselves "well" and then get back to living. It's all about balance. I would try cutting back gradually, measuring and acting in 12 week blocks, and seeing how little I can take of T while maintaining an acceptable physiology. I think you'll find a sweet spot for yourself somewhere, which to me would mean acceptable RBC's and H&H, and also happily mean not having to donate blood anymore.

I appreciate the follow up. May I ask what are your Testosterone numbers that you feel "decent" at? Also, in regards to this protocol you claim you don't have to donate blood at all? Wow. What is typically your Hematocrit at?

How many consecutive days at 9.5mg did it take you to start feeling reasonable? I started at 14mg for like 5 days. I was still feeling off. So, I increased it to 17mg daily. I felt like that was perfect. Shocking to see CBC labs skyrocket as they did. Took the wind out of my sail. lol

Thanks for your advice. Greatly appreciated!

 

[Melody68]

I appreciate the follow up. May I ask what are your Testosterone numbers that you feel "decent" at? Also, in regards to this protocol you claim you don't have to donate blood at all? Wow. What is typically your Hematocrit at?

How many consecutive days at 9.5mg did it take you to start feeling reasonable? I started at 14mg for like 5 days. I was still feeling off. So, I increased it to 17mg daily. I felt like that was perfect. Shocking to see CBC labs skyrocket as they did. Took the wind out of my sail. lol

Thanks for your advice. Greatly appreciated!

I've always had stronger reactions to smaller doses of drugs than would be expected. I've also generally had Hematocrit and Hemoglobin that was considered mildly elevated. My last blood test at 9.5gms/day showed a hemoglobin of 177g/L (135-175) and hematocrit of .503 (.400-.500); those figures are not much different than before T. Testosterone is dramatically affected though; I was borderline too low before T, now it's at TT 24.1 nmol/L (8.4-28.8) and FT of 529 pmol/L (179-475). Not bad . . .

I've jumped around with my dose, but I learned early on (through Madman's wise guidance) that you can't judge anything until you give it 8-12 weeks. The body adjusts slowly; you simply can't make a snap judgement and change the dose because you don't like how you feel a week or a couple of weeks in. You shouldn't have moved off of your 14 mg/day after only being on it for 5 days.

I found that when I moved up, I would have a honeymoon period of feeling good for 7 to 10 days, but then after that I'd settle in with much fewer apparent benefits to the higher dose (and often with some negative H&H and RBC blood stats coming down the line). Similarly, when I reduced the dose I'd end up not feeling well for . . . 7-10 days (aha!) but then I'd settle in to a reasonable norm (often showing beneficial blood stats later). You have to be patient, and when it comes to T, err on the conservative dose side.

 

[madman]

If anyone would like to try and figure out Free Testosterone level... feel free. I only have certain labs that have all the information necessary for it.

Labs From April 29, 2026
Testosterone 625
SHGB 16.8
Albumin 4.4
Estradiol 25

So according to this free testosterone calculator online. You plug in these numbers and you get an estimated Free Testosterone score? Calculator claims:

Free Testosterone: 183.15 pg/ml
Free Testosterone Percentage: 2.93%
Bioavailable Testosterone: 439.1 ng/dl
Bioavailable Testosterone Percentage: 70.26%

I don't know how accurate this is?? Or if I'm doing it right.

I have my injection list that I keep. How long did you want me to go back from a certain protocol? I started Vince's daily injection routine on April 17, 2026. I know it's only officially 12 injections prior to the labs.

From 04/17/26 - 04/28/26 Approx. 185mg (12 Days) = 15.41mg daily
Yes, I know the window is small.

If anyone would like to try and figure out Free Testosterone level... feel free. I only have certain labs that have all the information necessary for it.

Labs From April 29, 2026
Testosterone 625
SHGB 16.8
Albumin 4.4
Estradiol 25

So according to this free testosterone calculator online. You plug in these numbers and you get an estimated Free Testosterone score? Calculator claims:

Free Testosterone: 183.15 pg/ml
Free Testosterone Percentage: 2.93%
Bioavailable Testosterone: 439.1 ng/dl
Bioavailable Testosterone Percentage: 70.26%




All that matters here is your FT not the percentage or BAT/percentage.

From your lab results 4/2026 with a robust TT 625 ng/dL, lowish SHBG 16.8 nmol/L and Albumin 4.4 g/dL then your cFTV 18.3 ng/dL would be healthy.


cFTV 18.3 ng/dL

Free & Bioavailable Testosterone calculator

Now your most recent labs on your daily protocol
Newest Labs - July 15, 2026
Testosterone (Trough) 814
Estradiol 36


Although we have no idea where your SHBG sits keep in mind if its still hovering around 16.8 nmol/L with a high-end trough TT 814 ng/dL and Albumin 4.4 g/dL then your trough cFTV 24.8 ng/dL would be high as in sitting at the upper limit of the reference range 6.5-25.0 ng/dL.


cFTV 24.8 ng/dL

I see no issue with one. hitting a high-end/high FT on dailies if you feel good, minus any sides and your. blood markers are healthy.

Unfortunately you are struggling with elevated hematocrit and running a high FT 24/7 steady-state is going to have a big impact on driving up RBCs, H/H.

You would easily have room to bring down your FT if need be but its easier said than done as you may not fare as well running a lower FT but one would need to bite the bullet and put in the time as in 12 weeks running a lower FT to truly gauge how you would feel overall.

Much easier going up than having to come down and the ride can be bumpy during the weeks leading up until your blood levels stabilize (4-6 weeks TC/TE) and even then once you have achieved. steady-state it will still take a few more months for the body to adapt to its new set-point.

Many tend to bail out early as they lack the understanding of how exogenous T works.

Patience is key and one needs to give the protocol enough time whether increasing or decreasing the dose of T in order to truly gauge the effectiveness of such.

Forget relying on your doctor as chances are he is not even testing your FT using an accurate assay.

The most sensible move would be paying out of pocket and using Nelsons discounted labs to order the most accurate assay the gold standard ED which will bedone through Quest Diagnostics.

$63

Testosterone, Free (Equilibrium Dialysis) and Total, MS | Discounted Labs

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Otherwise you need to test your SHBG and calculate your FT.

Would not even considered tweaking your weekly dose of T until you know where your FT truly sits.

 

[madman]

I've always had stronger reactions to smaller doses of drugs than would be expected. I've also generally had Hematocrit and Hemoglobin that was considered mildly elevated. My last blood test, on the 9.5mg/day showed a hemoglobin of 177g/L (135-175) and hematocrit of .503 (.400-.500); those figures are not much different than before T. Testosterone is dramatically affected though; I was borderline too low before T, now it's at TT 24.1 nmol/L (8.4-28.8) and FT of 529 pmol/L (179-475). Not bad on 9.5mg/day!

I've jumped around with my dose, but I learned early on (through Madman's wise guidance) that you can't judge anything until you give it 8-12 weeks. The body adjusts slowly; you simply can't make a snap judgement and change the dose because you don't like how you feel a week or a couple of weeks in. You shouldn't have moved off of your 14 mg/day after only being on it for 5 days.

I found that when I moved up, I would have a honeymoon period of feeling good for 7 to 10 days, but then after that I'd settle in with much fewer apparent benefits to the higher dose (and often with some negative H&H and RBC blood stats coming down the line). Similarly, when I reduced the dose I'd end up not feeling well for . . . 7-10 days (aha!) but then I'd settle in to a reasonable norm (often showing beneficial blood stats later). You have to be patient, and when it comes to T, err on the conservative dose side.

I was borderline too low before T, now it's at TT 24.1 nmol/L (8.4-28.8) and FT of 529 pmol/L (179-475). Not bad on 9.5mg/day!


Just remember your trough FT is not as high as you think.

Your trough FT 529 pmol/L would be 15.25 ng/dL which is healthy but far from high (25 ng/dL).

Post in thread 'Questions for the Men over 60 on TRT'

Apr 15, 2026

For the last 9 months I was taking 63mg/wk (9mg/day). I take enanthate and injected 36mg every 4 days. I like to inject in the morning and had a bit of a problem with 7 day weeks, so I just mark every 4 days on the calendar, and it works great. That got me a FT of 530 pmol/L (170-475). That FT is pretty high so 3 weeks ago I cut down to 8.5mg/day or 59.5mg/wk. I know it's a very low dose, but I've always been extra sensitive to any drugs (lucky me?). Anyway, it works pretty well . . .

MELODY!

That got me a FT of 530 pmol/L (170-475). That FT is pretty high so 3...

• madman

• 

 

[Vince]

I've been using Vince's protocol (daily injections) for about 52 days now. I must say I feel the best mentally I've ever felt in 7 years since being on TRT. I like where the Testosterone and Estradiol is.... Not using any AI. The problem is I was absolutely in shock when I noticed the RBC, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit. Why on earth did it climb so high? And why are my iron labs so poor? I'm absolutely confused. First time ever I don't feel any heat sensations. I use to get a weird "hot" feeling from time to time with larger injections. But on this protocol never once did I ever get hot etc.

Like I said I feel absolutely amazing on daily injections. I'm injecting approx 17mg Test daily Right at the 8.5 on the syringe. My body doesn't even have an iron supply (which I don't understand?) I can't even donate blood right now if I wanted to. Why is my body making so many Red Blood Cells? 17mg X 7 = 119mg Weekly. I use to inject 140mg (weekly) split (70mg) every 4 days (taking more testosterone before) and made fewer Red Blood Cells and less Hematocrit? Does this make any sense? Why isn't this plan working for me? Why is my iron so low? Any ideas? I really thought I was onto something! Back to the drawing board I guess? I'm so disappointed in the way my body is processing this. Any advice... I greatly appreciate it.

I'm trying to copy and paste important labs but for some reason the website won't accept them.

52 days may not be enough time for your HCT to adjust. I always have Labs every 6 months. You could just check your Hemoglobin and Hematocrit every 60 days and hopefully it will be going in the right direction.

 

[madman]

52 days may not be enough time for your HCT to adjust. I always have Labs every 6 months. You could just check your Hemoglobin and Hematocrit every 60 days and hopefully it will be going in the right direction.

Even though it can take 3-4 months to see the full impact his RBCs, hematocrit and hemoglobin should have come down some by now.

He has not even seen a big increase from April--->now but it is not moving in the right direction.

His ferritin is in the gutter too and once he replenishes it it will feed the RBC production.




Newest Labs - July 15, 2026
RBC 6.51 (Highest Lifetime)
Hemoglobin 18.4 (Highest Lifetime)
Hematocrit 54.8% (Highest Lifetime)

Previous Labs - (Before Donating Blood) April 6, 2026
RBC 6.16
Hemoglobin 17.9
Hematocrit 53.7%

After Donating Blood (Labs Drawn April 24, 2026)
RBC 5.74
Hemoglobin 16.8
Hematocrit 49.0%

 

[FunkOdyssey]

I appreciate your response. I'm 5'11'' 196 lbs. Did a sleep study and it's confirmed I don't have sleep apnea. I never smoked in my life. I drink maybe twice a year. I'm really into nutrition etc

Be that as it may, there's still something not right here. You don't get 55%+ hematocrit on daily injections at 120 mg a week in a normal healthy specimen. Keep digging. Reduce dose in the meantime and don't stress too much over it.

What's your fasting insulin? Add that to your next labs if you don't have it. Let's see a basic lipid panel also for HDL / triglycerides ratio.

 

[Stpfan]

Be that as it may, there's still something not right here. You don't get 55%+ hematocrit on daily injections at 120 mg a week in a normal healthy specimen. Keep digging. Reduce dose in the meantime and don't stress too much over it.

What's your fasting insulin? Add that to your next labs if you don't have it. Let's see a basic lipid panel also for HDL / triglycerides ratio.

I agree with you. It's mind boggling these daily injections of Test were causing tremendous spikes in RBC etc. I was hoping for a lab error. I will post the other labs you'd like to see.


What is interesting about these Lipid Profiles I was introduced Prednisone for my Cortisol Replacement Therapy and they started to slight increase in Cholesterol score. There was no change in Lipid Profile when introduced to Norditropin (HGH) This was with an IGF-1 Level of 287 ng/mL October 20, 2025.

Lipid Profile October 20, 2025 - Pre Prednisone. Been on HGH for about 6 months

Cholesterol 141
Triglyceride 94
HDL Cholesterol 37
LDL Cholesterol 86
VLDL 19
Non HDL Cholesterol 104 Desirable


Lipid Profile January 28, 2026 - On Prednisone For 3 Months, On HGH 9 months
Cholesterol 165
Triglyceride 107
HDL Cholesterol 43
LDL Cholesterol 102
VLDL 21
Non HDL Cholesterol 122 Desirable

Lipid Profile April 6, 2026 - On Prednisone For 5 Months, On HGH 11 Months

Cholesterol 182
Triglyceride 142
HDL Cholesterol 46
LDL Cholesterol 111
VLDL 28
Non HDL Cholesterol 136 Above Desirable


Lipid Profile July 15, 2026 - On Prednisone For 9 Months, HGH 15 Months
Cholesterol 174
Triglyceride 117
HDL Cholesterol 39
LDL Cholesterol 114
VLDL 23
Non HDL Cholesterol 135 Above Desirable


You asked for a fasting insulin lab? I was going through my lab work... and the only lab I have is Insulin Serum? I was only tested twice. I hope that's what you needed.


Insulin Serum Lab April 16, 2025 - Pre Prednisone, On HGH 1 Month
Value 4

Insulin Serum Lab July 10, 2025 - Pre Prednisone, On HGH 3 Months
Value 3


One thing I've noticed while being on Prednisone and HGH the time it takes to donate 1 pint of blood is at 10 minutes - 11 minute marker. I've officially donated 26 times since being on TRT lifetime. Typically, it only takes me 6 minutes or 6 minutes 20 seconds to donate 1 pint of blood. I believe being on Prednisone and HGH screws up the flow of blood. The last 2 times I donated the blood simply wouldn't come out with proper and consistent flow. The machine beeped several times. I have nearly fainted both times donating blood. They quickly had to put a cold rag over my head and put several fans surrounding my body. They asked me not to get up. Brought me apple juice and snacks. I don't like being on Prednisone. I don't like taking Cortef (Hydrocortisone). I wake up with a Cortisol level of about 5 (naturally). I end the day with a Cortisol level of about 4 or 5. Somehow the pituitary makes only that amount for me daily. It never goes past 6. I've been tested several times. He said I'm trying to protect you from a cardiac event... you could reach 2 or 1. So yeah... do I ever feel like I'm going to collapse? No. Does taking Prednisone somehow help with the Cortisol? I would say yes. There seems to be somewhat of a better response. I would say I feel better than without. But the Prednisone seems to be screwing everything else up. How on earth can you take this lifetime without GI issues?