Inquiry About Lab Results and TRT

dianec5.74RPOriginal post

1mo ago

A couple of weeks ago, my primary care provider and Nurse Practitioner conducted my annual lab tests. My hemoglobin and/or hematocrit levels came back elevated, which I somewhat anticipated. She reached out to my TRT prescribing doctor and informed them of my high levels, leading to a call from their office advising me to discontinue testosterone and prepare for lab tests ahead of our six-month appointment. I had to strongly advocate for a hormone panel from my Nurse Practitioner a few years back, and I can’t shake the feeling that she’s been trying to undermine my TRT. Yesterday, she called me directly to tell me to stop the testosterone. When I inquired about my levels, I mentioned I couldn't access my lab portal due to an outdated number. She informed me my hemoglobin was at 18, while the normal range is 13-17. That doesn't seem overly high to me. I asked my girlfriend, who is a nurse, and she was surprised they even notified my TRT doctor. This makes me suspect her intentions even more. I respect that doctors prioritize my health and provide honest feedback, but I wanted to hear your thoughts on this situation. I donated blood yesterday, removing a pint. I have an appointment with my TRT doctor on the 30th and can submit my lab results anytime before the 23rd. I think I should be fine now since I've only taken half a ml of suspension once last week and haven’t had my TRT in a couple of weeks. Before that, I was on 200mg a week for a few weeks. It has been a couple of months since I used higher doses of anything.

5 replies

edwardo10.54RP

1mo ago

What exactly are you looking to find out? If you want to know how to lower your levels for the next tests, just drink a lot of water and donate blood about 3-4 days before your labs. That’s pretty much all you can do. As for the nurse, unless she works at a TRT clinic, they often want to get you off testosterone. Modern medicine can be really misguided and uninformed. They’ll take you off testosterone but then criticize you for not being vaccinated. It’s frustrating.

pilothungry13.3RP

1mo ago

A hemoglobin level of 18 is indeed elevated, but have your primary care or TRT doctor taken any steps to address this? If they haven't, a better approach would be to manage this marker through therapeutic blood donation and supplementation instead of stopping a necessary hormone treatment. This is assuming you don’t have any underlying health issues that would make you more vulnerable to complications from elevated hemoglobin. My hemoglobin has been high as well, and I just donated blood to help bring my levels down. LifeSouth even has a therapeutic blood donation program for TRT patients, allowing for more frequent donations than their usual guidelines. You just need a doctor to sign off on it. I’ve also started taking Naringin and Nattokinaise as part of my regimen. I’ll be doing blood tests in about 4-6 weeks to see how effective they are. My point is, you have various options for lowering your hemoglobin. If your primary care provider isn't willing to collaborate and consider your input, it might be time to find a new doctor because they work for you!

nova_explorer11.29RP

1mo ago

My "TRT" doctor is actually an infectious disease specialist I was referred to for Hep C treatment a couple of years back. I’m not sure how many TRT patients they typically treat; I might be their only one. They don’t seem very knowledgeable about the subject. I have a good relationship with that doctor, and they’re quite supportive. However, my primary care provider seems to be the one who keeps trying to trip me up. But I understand she’s just doing her job. I’m not upset; I appreciate the care and lab tests. I just know that elevated lab results can be a side effect of cycling, and mine have always returned to normal. Since they're treating me for liver disease, I’m sure they’re concerned about my lab results. I plan to discuss the possibility of regular donations with my TRT prescriber in a couple of weeks. If they are genuinely concerned, I’ll bring that up. I’ll also look into those supplements. Thanks! I’ve been taking citrus bergamot and TUDCA when I can afford it or whenever I’m using higher doses than TRT.

pale_fire4.21RP

1mo ago

I’m just feeling a bit lonely and wanted to share my thoughts, haha. I know I could have simply asked, "Is 18 a high hemoglobin level?" I’ll be getting my labs done next week. I’ll make sure to hydrate this coming week. Is it okay to do my labs next week, or should I wait for 3-4 days? I could go in on Friday. Those few days shouldn’t make a huge difference, right?

goldensunrise12.65RP

1mo ago

I always donate blood before getting my labs done... I could be mistaken, but I think it takes at least 10 days for your blood levels to return to normal after donating. I found this out and it worried me until I remembered I had donated blood. When I do labs after donating, my ferritin (iron) levels are usually low, which is unfortunate because I need to know my actual ferritin levels BEFORE donating. Ferritin is crucial for AAS and GH. So, donating can be a double-edged sword. Just keep in mind that TRT labs will include blood donations, but my health check labs won’t reflect any donations.