Understanding Polycythemia

[madman]

Understanding Polycythemia

 

[madman]

Got a lab result showing high hemoglobin or hematocrit?

Most mild elevations are not dangerous and do not mean you have cancer

 

[madman]

1. Unexpected Lab Result

What Do These Numbers Mean?

Hemoglobin (Hgb)

* The concentration of the oxygen-carrying protein inside your red blood cells

Hematocrit (Hct)

* The percentage of your blood volume that is made up of red blood cells

Red Blood Cell Count (RBC)

 

[madman]

2. Relative vs. True

The First Big Question

Relative Polycythemia vs True Polycythemia

 

[madman]

The Usual Suspects

Causes of True Polycythemia

Oxygen-Related Causes

Hormones & Medications

* Testosterone therapy, for example, is a super well known cause. It has a direct effect on the bone marrow, stimulating it to make more red cells. It's a predictable side effect, and it's one of the first things your doctor will ask about if you're on these kind of treatments.

Kidneys

* Your kidneys are kind of like the factory foreman for red blood cells. They produce a hormone called EPO. An EPO is the direct signal that shouts at your bone marrow to make more red cells.

 

[madman]

The Rare Exception

Polycythemia Vera

Most people with high hemoglobin or hematocrit do NOT have Polycythemia Vera (PV).

Clues Suggesting PV

* This is such a critical takeaway. High counts from, say, sleep apnea or dehydration. They don't actually feel symptoms from the blood count itself. They feel symptoms from the underlying cause, like feeling exhausted from bad sleep because of apnea. The very specific symptoms we just talked about, those are much more unique to PV itself.

 

[madman]

Your Path Forward

What Happens Next?

Evaluation Process

high red blood counts

Stay well hydrated (fluids/electrolytes) all day/everyday otherwise your results will be skewed!

 

[madman]

* Let's quickly recap the most important things to remember

 

[madman]

Thread 'Understanding Erythropoiesis'

Jun 22, 2025

Understanding Erythropoiesis​

Erythropoiesis is the scientific term for the production of red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes. These essential cells are responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. They originate from stem cells in the bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside bones that serves as the body's blood cell factory.


Red blood cells are vital to human health, making up nearly half of the blood and accounting for eight out of every ten cells in the body. Because of their importance, red blood cells can be collected...

• madman
• erythrocytes; hematocrit; hemoglobin; stem cell
• Replies: 8
• Forum: Health & Wellness

 

[madman]

Thread 'Testosterone Therapy and Erythrocytosis - the most common dose-limiting effect of testosterone therapy'

Apr 21, 2024

Testosterone Therapy and Erythrocytosis • The Blood Project

Introduction Androgens play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of: Male reproductive and sexual functions Body composition Erythropoiesis

www.thebloodproject.com

Introduction

• Androgens play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of:
  
  • Male reproductive and sexual functions
  • Body composition
  • Erythropoiesis
  • Muscle and bone health
  • Cognitive function
• Testosterone falls progressively with age and a significant percentage of men over the age of 60 years have serum testosterone levels that are below the lower limits of young...

• madman
• hypogonadism; testosterone; hematocrit; cvd
• Replies: 21
• Forum: Testosterone Side Effect Management

•