High red blood cell count

Covers what a high red blood cell count (erythrocytosis) means, common causes like TRT, sleep apnea, dehydration, and smoking, and when it becomes a performance and cardiovascular risk. Learn what to look for on labs (Hgb/Hct), symptoms to watch, and practical next steps to address it safely.

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The essentials for high red blood cell count — then explore the latest posts below.

How to lower hematocrit on trt safely and effectively

How to lower hematocrit on trt safely and effectively

Dr. Alexander Grant, MD, PhD avatar
Dr. Alexander Grant, MD, PhD: Urologist & Men's Health Advocate
Dec 11, 2025 · 10 min read

The safest way to lower hematocrit on TRT is to reduce testosterone peaks—by lowering the dose and/or switching from infrequent injections to more frequent micro-dosing or a steadier transdermal method—because testosterone increases red blood cell production through kidney-driven erythropoietin (EPO) signaling. Since elevated hematocrit affects roughly 5% to 66% of men on therapy, the goal ...

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