Slightly elevated hemoglobin, normal hematocrit...should I be concerned?

GeauxBears · Sep 3, 2016

I had a regularly scheduled blood draw with my PCP earlier this week. I am always on the lookout for elevated hematocrit being on TRT. This time around, my hemoglobin was slightly elevated, but hematocrit was normal. Is this diagnostically significant?

Hemoglobin: 17.8 (13.0-17.0)
Hematocrit: 47.0% (37.0-49.0%)

Here's the only other one that was out of range:

MCHC: 36.1 (32.0-35.5)

Everything else looked great on CBC/CMP. Curious as to your thoughts and if I need to take any action here.

Current protocol:
24mg T ED, 150iu HCG ED, 0.15mg anastrozole EOD

Vince · Sep 3, 2016

Nelson, has a good post, you may have already read. How to Manage Polycythemia Caused by Testosterone Replacement Therapy https://www.excelmale.com/forum/sho...ia-Caused-by-Testosterone-Replacement-Therapy

Nelson Vergel · Sep 3, 2016

Nothing to worry about.

Have you ever donated blood?

GeauxBears · Sep 3, 2016

Yes, I donate every year or so (even before TRT).

Everyone seems to mention elevated hematocrit, so I've been watching for that. Haven't seen much on hemoglobin rising without subsequent rise in hematocrit.

Nelson Vergel · Sep 3, 2016

Your MCHC and hemoglobin are slightly high while your hematocrit is OK. This is telling me that your body is adjusting into a steady state in which you will no longer need to donate blood.

MCHC stands for mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration.

And what does your MCHC level mean?

It is an evaluation of your hemoglobin levels in your red blood cells. The test looks at the average amount of hemoglobin per red cell.

MCHC starts going up while the body adjusts. In some men, this process lasts 18 months or more. Then no hematocrit increases are seen (assuming you do not increase your T dose)