One of the effects of testosterone replacement therapy is an increase in your hemoglobin and hematocrit.
What is hemoglobin and hematocrit? And why worry about them?
Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Testosterone can increase the production of hemoglobin within your system. Why is it bad? Too much hemoglobin causes the blood to be thicker than usual which can lead to clots, heart attacks, and strokes. It is a serious lifelong condition that can be fatal if it is not treated.
Hematocrit is the percentage by volume of red cells in your blood. Blood is made up of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, suspended in plasma. Too high of a hematocrit can cause headaches, blurred vision, red skin – particularly in the face, hands and feet, tiredness, high blood pressure, dizziness, discomfort in the tummy, or confusion. We monitor both of these labs closely when we are utilizing testosterone replacement therapy.
One way to reduce both of these lab values is by simply donating blood. This is usually the easiest way to combat high levels. This sometimes needs to be done 4-6 times per year. However, donating blood is not for everyone. Some people have conditions that prevent them from donating, others just don't like needles. For both these groups there is another option, supplements.
Research suggests that grapefruits extract can lower your hematocrit. There are many ways to obtain grapefruit extract. Eat a grapefruit daily. Take a grapefruits extract tablet. Take a naringin tablet, which is an over the counter supplement that you can purchase. It is basically concentrated grapefruit extract.
Research suggest eating 1-2 grapefruit per day. You can also take 500mg-1000mg or naringin per day, depending on how high your hematocrit is. You can get your supplements HERE! Supplements
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