Understanding Therapeutic Phlebotomies to Lower High Hematocrit

What is High Hematocrit?

High hematocrit occurs when your body produces an increased number of blood cells, leading to thicker, more "viscous" blood. This condition strains the heart's ability to pump blood effectively, increasing the risk of blood pressure issues, strokes, and heart attacks.

Testosterone Therapy and Hematocrit Levels

Testosterone replacement therapy, often used to boost muscle mass and sex drive, can increase blood cell production. This is beneficial for those with anemia but risky in terms of hematocrit levels, especially with intramuscular testosterone, which may increase hematocrit more than other methods like patches. Factors like smoking can exacerbate the condition, leading to high hematocrit, also called polycythemia or high red blood cell count (RBC).

Preventing and Managing Polycythemia

Importance of Monitoring

Monitoring hemoglobin and hematocrit levels is essential during testosterone therapy. Hemoglobin carries oxygen, while hematocrit indicates blood cell volume percentage. Concern arises if hematocrit levels exceed 52 percent.

Adjusting Therapy

Adjusting testosterone dosage or delivery form may help manage hematocrit levels. However, these changes may not always be sufficient.

Therapeutic Phlebotomy: A Solution

Therapeutic phlebotomy, also known as bloodletting, is a medical procedure that involves the controlled removal of blood to reduce red blood cell levels. 

Therapeutic phlebotomy, akin to blood donation, can lower hematocrit levels by approximately 3 percent per pint of blood withdrawn. It's important to balance the frequency and volume of blood extraction to avoid iron and ferritin depletion, which can lead to fatigue.

After the procedure, you should: 

 
  • Stay for at least 15 minutes
  • Eat and drink something
  • Drink more fluids than usual over the next 4 hours
  • Raise your arm and apply pressure to the area if there is bleeding from the site of the blood draw
Before having the procedure, you should: 
 

  • Drink plenty of fluids to replace the fluid that will be removed

  • Eat a substantial snack 1 hour before you come (for example, a muffin or a sandwich)

 

Recommended Reading:

High Hematocrit Caused by TRT: How to Lower It?

 

Guidelines for Monitoring and Donations

Regular blood count tests, including hematocrit and ferritin levels, are recommended post-donation. Typically, a phlebotomy session every 2-3 months is sufficient, with caution, to prevent iron and ferritin depletion.

If you donate blood frequently due to high hematocrit, you can buy a blood donation panel that includes lab tests that can inform you if you are ready for the next phlebotomy.  These tests are: hematocrit, iron and total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and ferritin.This panel is designed to determine if: 1. Your blood donation or therapeutic phlebotomy was effective in lowering your high hematocrit without negatively affecting ferritin or iron. 2: It is safe to do another blood donation or therapeutic phlebotomy, depending on ferritin or iron levels.

Cautionary Measures for Maintaining Health

Risks of Excessive Donation

Excessive blood donation can decrease iron and ferritin levels, leading to fatigue. It's usually advised to start donating blood when hematocrit levels are around 51–52 percent.

Complementary Health Practices

While baby aspirin and omega-3 fatty acids might reduce blood viscosity and related heart risks, they should not replace phlebotomy in managing polycythemia.

 

Where to Get a Therapeutic Phlebotomy in the United States?

Important note: Most of these blood centers require an order from a physician if your hematocrit is too high for a regular blood donation. The Red Cross has a list of exclusions to determine who can donate blood.

National Organization

  1. American Red Cross: Website
  2. America's Blood Centers: Website
  3. Blood Centers of America: Website
  4. Blood Emergency Readiness Corps: Article

Alaska

Arkansas

  • Arkansas Blood Institute: Website

California

  • Central California Blood Center: Website
  • LifeStream Blood Bank: Website
  • Northern California Community Blood Bank: Website
  • San Diego Blood Bank: Website
  • Stanford Blood Center: Website
  • UCLA Blood & Platelet Center: Website

Delaware

Florida

  • OneBlood: Website
  • SunCoast Blood Centers: Website
  • Winter Haven Hospital Community Blood Center: Website

Georgia

Hawaii

Illinois

  • Versiti Blood Center of Illinois: Website
  • Rock River Valley Blood Center: Website
  • South Bend Medical Foundation: Website

Indiana

  • Versiti Blood Center of Indiana: Website

Iowa

Kentucky

  • Kentucky Blood Center: Website
  • Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center: Website

Louisiana

Michigan

  • Versiti Blood Center of Michigan: Website

Mississippi

  • Mississippi Blood Services: Website

Missouri

  • Community Blood Center of Greater Kansas City: Website

Nebraska

  • Nebraska Community Blood Bank: Website

New York

Ohio

  • Hoxworth Blood Center: Website
  • Versiti Blood Center of Ohio: Website

Oklahoma

  • Oklahoma Blood Institute: Website

Pennsylvania

  • Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank: Website
  • Miller-Keystone Blood Center: Website

Rhode Island

  • Rhode Island Blood Center: Website

South Carolina

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Virginia

  • Inova Blood Donor Services: Website

Washington

Wisconsin

  • Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin: Website

Multiple States or Regions

  • ImpactLife: Website (Serving Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin)
  • LifeSouth Community Blood Centers: Website (Serving multiple states)
  • Alliance for Community Transfusion Services: Website
  • Lifeline Blood Services: Website
  • MEDIC Regional Blood Center: Website

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding and managing high hematocrit levels are crucial for individuals undergoing testosterone therapy. Regular monitoring, therapeutic phlebotomy, and careful therapy management reduce risks and contribute to a safer treatment experience. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.