What does raised Haematocrit mean?
Your blood results have returned, and they have shown that you have a raised Haematocrit (HCT) level.
Haematocrit levels, among other markers within the full blood count, measure the percentage of red blood cells in your blood—this gives us an indication of the thickness/viscosity of blood.
A raised Haematocrit is a common side effect of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). However, other processes which result in persistently low blood oxygenation (e.g. heart or lung diseases, sleep apnoea, carbon monoxide poisoning), smoking, dehydration or kidney disease may all contribute towards a raised Haematocrit.
This increase in Haematocrit can increase your risk of blood clots and thrombotic events.
What should I do now?
If your doctor has advised you to book a blood donation or therapeutic venesection, it is important to do so as soon as possible, ideally within the next 2 to 4 weeks.
Alongside this, you may be advised to pause your Testosterone.
Before then, if you develop any headaches, visual changes, chest pain, or breathing difficulties, you must attend A&E.
In rare cases, the doctor may advise that you go to A&E straight away, if this has been recommended, you must go as soon as possible.
Here are some useful links:
Getting an appointment to give blood
Testosterone and Cardiovascular Risk Factors
General Information:
Here is some more useful information for when you are on TRT:
It is advised that you monitor your blood pressure while you are receiving treatment. The British Heart Foundation provides helpful information about how to effectively monitor your blood pressure and a template for you to use to log your readings.
If your blood pressure is greater than 140/90 mmHg, we recommend letting us know and also speaking to your GP. If your blood pressure is greater than 180/110 mmHg, we recommend you seek immediate medical attention.
Your doctor may also advise that you register to become a blood donor, and it can be recommended that you donate blood every three months. Some TRT users choose to wait until their first three-month blood test to see how the treatment is affecting them.
If you cannot donate blood for any reason, you may be advised to undergo therapeutic venesection (removing blood).