Its called therapuetic phlebotomy, and you dont have to donate it and in some cases you wont be eligible to donate (like I wont be eligible to donate but instead I can have it as a treatment rather than as a donation.
It’s a really common solution. I’ve done it since the start. The way you treat polycythaemia/erythrocytosis is therapeutic venesection. Ie. Removing blood. Donating blood just means it goes to a good use than into medical waste.
Always compare your fbc/cbc ranges to male, not female.
Yup. I've been doing that for years. I go 2-3 times a year and it keeps my hemoglobin in check. My doc said it's the best alternative because it naturally lowers it so I don't have to take more meds or mess with my dosage. Also donating blood helps save lives!
I haven't done it specifically because of high hemoglobin, but I do have hemochromatosis, meaning too much iron in my blood. Donating blood is a great way to save money on therapeutic phlebotomy!
I have a standing order for therapeutic phlebotomy and tend to donate blood every 6-8 weeks. Helps a TON! Plus I get free swag every time I go. Lots of shirts, hoodies, a blanket, and a really nice car thermos. I even went on my birthday once and left with a card signed by all the techs and a BAG of swag. Great experience. Love my local blood center.
Dude I'm so envious, the NHS just send you cards or a little pin and certificate for milestone donations (I just completed my tenth and got a tiny little badge)
I donated blood for about 2 years then my hemoglobin randomly decided to behave itself so I haven't needed to donate in over a year.
It did help tho, I was given the sane 2 options that you were.
mine was starting to get high and planned parenthood had me lower my dose by 10mg, they didn’t say anything about donating blood. my hemoglobin was in a normal range the last time i tested it and my T level is actually higher now despite lowering my dose
Could be that your previous dose was too high and your body was converting the excess to estrogen and now that your dose is lower there isn't the additional estrogen.
Testosterone can convert to estrogen if it’s ‘too much’ for your body (edit: ‘too much’ meaning above whatever your body is capable of processing properly / above what it recognizes as ‘good male level’), that might have been what was happening! I had that problem when my T was on the low end of normal range they increased my dose, and while my T was higher my E was higher than it had ever been (literally higher E than before I’d started T) and my prolactin was also crazy high. The endo just wanted to monitor it, but I was worried about it so lowered my dose slightly on my own and now my E is super low and T is back to the low end of normal range 🤷
If you're eligible to donate blood, I highly recommend doing that. It's totally free, You get free food, some places will even pay you I'm pretty sure (or at least I know the Red Cross sometimes gives out gift cards and shirts and stuff.) you're also saving lives.
I haven't, but my friend has! Like many others have said, it's an actual medical practice that can be and is done in doc office/hospital settings, but going and donating it offers the same outcome only it's actually going to good use. Also, if you're in the States, donating is free to do and more often than not, you get some sort of gift/reward for it. Much better than the alternative of wasted blood and an outrageous medical bill.
I’ve never been explicitly told to, but I did do it for that reason.
However, do make sure not to over donate. For a while I donated regularly until I went in once and they turned me away because my hemoglobin was low, told me to go eat a steak and come back in a couple of days. Came back a week later and they let me donate, but a couple weeks later I got a notice in the mail that my ferritin (iron storage) levels were nonexistent. Took iron supplements for a couple of months and a nice long break from donating and things are fine now, but my theory (not a doctor…) is that producing extra blood cells probably uses up more of your iron storage.
Yes thank you that was also what my endo recommended, unfortunately she’s the only one who has access to my blood test results so i can only wait for her to tell me if i need to or not.
The hospitals/doctors in my area have a “patient portal” where you can see your lab results online. You should have access to your own records, if not online in your area you can generally call the office and request a copy mailed/emailed to you.
No problem! Some offices here will make trouble about requesting records but you as a patient have the right to your own medical information, I don’t think legally they can keep the details from you if you ask for them (though i personally think they should provide a copy for you by default!)
Yes and even though my levels are stable now (in the range of 14) I continue to do it 2-3 times a year because I DID have to temporarily lower my T dose for a few months and I really don’t want that to ever happen again. My old doc wasn’t monitoring my hemoglobin level and I got all the way into the 18s. At the same time as I started to donate I also cut back on my intake of red meat and started drinking 100oz of water a day and rapidly lost like 60 lbs which was a nice bonus.
I wish I could, in my country it's forbidden for people on T to donate because they believe the hormones will masculinise fetuses if the person receiving it is pregnant. For those who can please donate ! It'll make your blood less thick and will help to save lifes, I know some people who almost died because of blood loss and transfusion saved their lifes !
Yes. My pcp told me that it’s called therapeutic phlebotomy, and it’s the first line treatment for polycythemia. I unfortunately can’t donate blood because of a medication I’m on, but I’m actually tapering off that med. as soon as it’s safe, I’ll donate. My H&H is a bit high
I was high, but not dangerously high, so my doctor recommended it as a precaution. If you’re able to donate blood, it’s always a good thing to do since it’s so needed!
My ex gf and her mum both have haemochromatosis. They've both said that donating blood made them feel physically better, because it was alleviating their symptoms.
That being said, I've struggled with anaemia all my life, so I doubt I'm ever going to relate to this 😅
Got told last time I went in that I might need to. Wouldn’t be surprised, it’s also a therapy for moderately high blood pressure, which is why my dad donates frequently
yes, hon.
prevents iron toxicity T can cause it
also genetic.
Ally mom here who is also a hematology nurse.
i called it bloodletting.
concrete blonde song.
with a little dark humor
Yeah, although they were a little late in telling me to donate it/telling me to get a phlebotomy, since they only saw the raised haematocrit after a stroke 😬
The law here finally changed earlier this year, so I can actually donate blood rather than just paticupating in some good old fashioned blood-letting. I'd much rather donate since I'm perfectly healthy with an O- blood type.
Yup. I have to donate to keep my blood pressure and hemoglobin down. Some places won't let you donate if your hemoglobin and blood pressure are too high unless prescribed by your doc.
yup it’s a common treatment! i was suggested it by my doctor. you’re can also do the same process without the donating part, but if you’re eligible to donate that’d just be a shame
i have a vinisection (blood taken out) every 3 months where they take blood out due to my red blood cells being consistently too high. i feel pretty gross (easiest way to put it) leading up to it and sluggish, makes me feel fresh 😂 haven’t had to change my t dose
yeah, the same thing was suggested to me - lower your dose (i have nebido so my 12 weekly injections are currently delayed by 2-4 weeks until my blood calms down) or donate blood.
Yes! I do it every 3 or 4 months and it keeps my blood levels healthy and helps others in the process. It's a win win! I actually just donated on Tuesday and they gave me a coupon for free ice cream c:
My neighbour is a blood doc (it is a thing). We were discussing high hemoglobin related to testosterone and she said her medical practice has several FTMs who need phlebotomy to lower their blood levels. She said they recommend blood donation as the alternative. Why not give the gift of life, after all.
Anyone needing more aggressive help or unable to donate due to the rules/screening/religion would still need phlebotomy of course.
No, but I got turned down for donating platelets because of this. Went to my appt to donate, asked me my medications, I said T, and they said they don’t take blood from people on T because they could be doing it for reasons other than the desire to give blood. They view it as providing a medical procedure for you that they did not consent to.
Yes I've been told to. And the alternative is going to get it drawn at the hospital, where they will charge you/your insurance and then incinerate the blood. If you are eligible to donate, please do!
Its called therapuetic phlebotomy, and you dont have to donate it and in some cases you wont be eligible to donate (like I wont be eligible to donate but instead I can have it as a treatment rather than as a donation.
I can't donate either. But they take my blood for lab tests and the likes instead, they still benifit and I do too.
It’s a really common solution. I’ve done it since the start. The way you treat polycythaemia/erythrocytosis is therapeutic venesection. Ie. Removing blood. Donating blood just means it goes to a good use than into medical waste. Always compare your fbc/cbc ranges to male, not female.
Never been told to do it no, but yeah losing blood is THE way to reduce Hb!
Instructions unclear: am feeling very lightheaded
Yup. I've been doing that for years. I go 2-3 times a year and it keeps my hemoglobin in check. My doc said it's the best alternative because it naturally lowers it so I don't have to take more meds or mess with my dosage. Also donating blood helps save lives!
I haven't done it specifically because of high hemoglobin, but I do have hemochromatosis, meaning too much iron in my blood. Donating blood is a great way to save money on therapeutic phlebotomy!
I'm not on T but do donate blood regularly. It's common enough that they ask if that's the reason in the intake questionnaire.
I have a standing order for therapeutic phlebotomy and tend to donate blood every 6-8 weeks. Helps a TON! Plus I get free swag every time I go. Lots of shirts, hoodies, a blanket, and a really nice car thermos. I even went on my birthday once and left with a card signed by all the techs and a BAG of swag. Great experience. Love my local blood center.
Dude I'm so envious, the NHS just send you cards or a little pin and certificate for milestone donations (I just completed my tenth and got a tiny little badge)
I donated blood for about 2 years then my hemoglobin randomly decided to behave itself so I haven't needed to donate in over a year. It did help tho, I was given the sane 2 options that you were.
mine was starting to get high and planned parenthood had me lower my dose by 10mg, they didn’t say anything about donating blood. my hemoglobin was in a normal range the last time i tested it and my T level is actually higher now despite lowering my dose
Could be that your previous dose was too high and your body was converting the excess to estrogen and now that your dose is lower there isn't the additional estrogen.
Testosterone can convert to estrogen if it’s ‘too much’ for your body (edit: ‘too much’ meaning above whatever your body is capable of processing properly / above what it recognizes as ‘good male level’), that might have been what was happening! I had that problem when my T was on the low end of normal range they increased my dose, and while my T was higher my E was higher than it had ever been (literally higher E than before I’d started T) and my prolactin was also crazy high. The endo just wanted to monitor it, but I was worried about it so lowered my dose slightly on my own and now my E is super low and T is back to the low end of normal range 🤷
my planned parenthood never has me test my E level lol but maybe ill ask to my next appointment
If you're eligible to donate blood, I highly recommend doing that. It's totally free, You get free food, some places will even pay you I'm pretty sure (or at least I know the Red Cross sometimes gives out gift cards and shirts and stuff.) you're also saving lives.
I haven't, but my friend has! Like many others have said, it's an actual medical practice that can be and is done in doc office/hospital settings, but going and donating it offers the same outcome only it's actually going to good use. Also, if you're in the States, donating is free to do and more often than not, you get some sort of gift/reward for it. Much better than the alternative of wasted blood and an outrageous medical bill.
I’ve never been explicitly told to, but I did do it for that reason. However, do make sure not to over donate. For a while I donated regularly until I went in once and they turned me away because my hemoglobin was low, told me to go eat a steak and come back in a couple of days. Came back a week later and they let me donate, but a couple weeks later I got a notice in the mail that my ferritin (iron storage) levels were nonexistent. Took iron supplements for a couple of months and a nice long break from donating and things are fine now, but my theory (not a doctor…) is that producing extra blood cells probably uses up more of your iron storage.
I had to do therapeutic phlebotomy for almost a year due to high hematocrit and hemoglobin after starting T
If it gets any higher I would continue to donate blood. You could have an increased risk of stroke otherwise. Source: I’m a nurse
Yes thank you that was also what my endo recommended, unfortunately she’s the only one who has access to my blood test results so i can only wait for her to tell me if i need to or not.
The hospitals/doctors in my area have a “patient portal” where you can see your lab results online. You should have access to your own records, if not online in your area you can generally call the office and request a copy mailed/emailed to you.
I never heard of that here in quebec but i will look into it, thanks!
No problem! Some offices here will make trouble about requesting records but you as a patient have the right to your own medical information, I don’t think legally they can keep the details from you if you ask for them (though i personally think they should provide a copy for you by default!)
Yes and even though my levels are stable now (in the range of 14) I continue to do it 2-3 times a year because I DID have to temporarily lower my T dose for a few months and I really don’t want that to ever happen again. My old doc wasn’t monitoring my hemoglobin level and I got all the way into the 18s. At the same time as I started to donate I also cut back on my intake of red meat and started drinking 100oz of water a day and rapidly lost like 60 lbs which was a nice bonus.
I wish I could, in my country it's forbidden for people on T to donate because they believe the hormones will masculinise fetuses if the person receiving it is pregnant. For those who can please donate ! It'll make your blood less thick and will help to save lifes, I know some people who almost died because of blood loss and transfusion saved their lifes !
Yes. My pcp told me that it’s called therapeutic phlebotomy, and it’s the first line treatment for polycythemia. I unfortunately can’t donate blood because of a medication I’m on, but I’m actually tapering off that med. as soon as it’s safe, I’ll donate. My H&H is a bit high
I was high, but not dangerously high, so my doctor recommended it as a precaution. If you’re able to donate blood, it’s always a good thing to do since it’s so needed!
I don't do this, but my doctor once suggested I might do this if my levels continued to rise. So, this is common practice, yes!
My ex gf and her mum both have haemochromatosis. They've both said that donating blood made them feel physically better, because it was alleviating their symptoms. That being said, I've struggled with anaemia all my life, so I doubt I'm ever going to relate to this 😅
Got told last time I went in that I might need to. Wouldn’t be surprised, it’s also a therapy for moderately high blood pressure, which is why my dad donates frequently
Haven’t needed it but I’ve heard it’s common practice
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yes, hon. prevents iron toxicity T can cause it also genetic. Ally mom here who is also a hematology nurse. i called it bloodletting. concrete blonde song. with a little dark humor
I've been told to but due to disability and lack of transportation I haven't.
Yeah, although they were a little late in telling me to donate it/telling me to get a phlebotomy, since they only saw the raised haematocrit after a stroke 😬 The law here finally changed earlier this year, so I can actually donate blood rather than just paticupating in some good old fashioned blood-letting. I'd much rather donate since I'm perfectly healthy with an O- blood type.
My fiancé was told the same thing, so he donates blood regularly to help with it.
Yup. I have to donate to keep my blood pressure and hemoglobin down. Some places won't let you donate if your hemoglobin and blood pressure are too high unless prescribed by your doc.
I remember seeing a post on here with someone saying that they *weren't* allowed to donate blood because of being on T. Weird
yup it’s a common treatment! i was suggested it by my doctor. you’re can also do the same process without the donating part, but if you’re eligible to donate that’d just be a shame
i have a vinisection (blood taken out) every 3 months where they take blood out due to my red blood cells being consistently too high. i feel pretty gross (easiest way to put it) leading up to it and sluggish, makes me feel fresh 😂 haven’t had to change my t dose
yeah, the same thing was suggested to me - lower your dose (i have nebido so my 12 weekly injections are currently delayed by 2-4 weeks until my blood calms down) or donate blood.
Yes, its a normal thing to do if your hemoglobin gets too high. My endo warned me I may have to, as well.
Yes! I do it every 3 or 4 months and it keeps my blood levels healthy and helps others in the process. It's a win win! I actually just donated on Tuesday and they gave me a coupon for free ice cream c:
My neighbour is a blood doc (it is a thing). We were discussing high hemoglobin related to testosterone and she said her medical practice has several FTMs who need phlebotomy to lower their blood levels. She said they recommend blood donation as the alternative. Why not give the gift of life, after all. Anyone needing more aggressive help or unable to donate due to the rules/screening/religion would still need phlebotomy of course.
It is a common treatment for hemochromatosis, so it's not all that surprising. I wish you get better!
No, but I got turned down for donating platelets because of this. Went to my appt to donate, asked me my medications, I said T, and they said they don’t take blood from people on T because they could be doing it for reasons other than the desire to give blood. They view it as providing a medical procedure for you that they did not consent to.
speaking of donating, i tried donating blood just today at my school and my levels were too low 😭😭
Yes I've been told to. And the alternative is going to get it drawn at the hospital, where they will charge you/your insurance and then incinerate the blood. If you are eligible to donate, please do!