Intramuscular injections and hematocrit

[Palermitano]

Any comments on this?


"Intramuscular testosterone is the only form that significantly increases hematocrit above normal levels. However, it does so strongly, with up to a 6% change from baseline. The runner-up is testosterone gel, with an average increase of 2.5% over baseline levels

Source: http://www.peaktestosterone.com/Ways_To_Lower_Hemoglobin.aspx

 

[Nelson Vergel]

All forms of TRT increase hematocrit.

These factors that tend to affect hematocrit:

1- Dose (testosterone peaks)
3- Genetics
4- Length of treatment (hematocrit can stabilize after 12-18 months on TRT)
5- Age (younger men tend to have larger hematocrit increases)
6- DHT seems to be the metabolite with the biggest effect on hematocrit

 

[Ardoc]

DHT having the biggest effect on Hematocrit seems strange considering transdermal testosterone supposedly increases DHT more than IM? I've only tested my DHT once, after being on TRT for a while (unfortunately no baseline), and it was out of range to the high side. I have not continued to test it because I'm not sure what to do about it. I am benefiting greatly from TRT and am unwilling to take any of the prescription 5AR blockers due to the prevalence of side effects which can continue after ceasing the medication. Maybe this should be a new thread but does anyone have any advise for dealing with high DHT? Of note I am 50 years old and am bald/shaved head and have no prostate issues.
Is high DHT in and of itself a problem?

 

[Ardoc]

...oh and i give blood every 56 days due to my hematocrit being in the 50 - 51% range when i don't. I know that this is seen as an ok number by some but my doctor doesn't like it reaching 50%.

 

[Gene Devine]

DHT having the biggest effect on Hematocrit seems strange considering transdermal testosterone supposedly increases DHT more than IM? I've only tested my DHT once, after being on TRT for a while (unfortunately no baseline), and it was out of range to the high side. I have not continued to test it because I'm not sure what to do about it. I am benefiting greatly from TRT and am unwilling to take any of the prescription 5AR blockers due to the prevalence of side effects which can continue after ceasing the medication. Maybe this should be a new thread but does anyone have any advise for dealing with high DHT? Of note I am 50 years old and am bald/shaved head and have no prostate issues.
Is high DHT in and of itself a problem?

Elevated DHT does not pose any real health problems but it can have some negative side effects in some men like male pattern baldness.

DHT is converting from Testosterone by the 5 alpha reductase enzyme that largely resides in adipose tissue and why men on TD's convert higher to DHT then men on IM.

DHT is 7 to 10 time more androgenic then Testosterone and is what makes us a man...and it really drive libido as well.

Unless you are presenting with negative sides I wouldn't worry about elevated DHT...just hit the gym and take advantage of it!!!