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MuscleMussel
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+ 2 H&H (Hemoglobin and Hematocrit)

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I wanted to provide a brief write up and H&H (Hemoglobin and Hematocrit) since both levels can be impacted by exogenous testosterone administration.

Definitions:
Hemoglobin (Hb) is the protein contained in red blood cells that is responsible for delivery of oxygen to the tissues. The amount of hemoglobin in whole blood is expressed in grams per deciliter (g/dl). The normal Hb level for males is 14 to 18 g/dl; that for females is 12 to 16 g/dl. Adequate tissue oxygenation requires a sufficient hemoglobin level.

Hematocrit (Hct) measures the volume of red blood cells compared to the total blood volume (red blood cells and plasma). Normal hematocrit for men is 40 to 54%; for women it is 36 to 48%. Polycythemia is the consequence of too many red cells. In addition, this results in hemoglobin levels above normal.

Increasing red blood cell count and therefore oxygenation of tissue (specifically muscle tissue for effective muscular development) is an additional positive side affect of testosterone which is often overlooked. However it is important to keep in mind the potentially harmful affects of elevated H&H: Polycythemia. In addition to increased blood pressure, increased levels of circulating red blood cells increase the thickness or viscosity of the blood. This can be associated with higher risk of thrombus or clot formation leading to strokes, heart attacks, pulmonary embolism, and possibly death. Symptoms or side affects of Polycythemia can include weakness, fatigue, headache, itching, bruising, joint pain, dizziness, abdominal pain or vertigo (additional signs on physical examination could include an abnormally enlarged spleen and/or liver)

It is important to routinely check H&H levels which is part of the CBC (complete blood count) and can be done by your doctor. An indication of polycythemia is an elevated hematocrit (Hct) > 54%. Your doctor may recommend a simple phlebotomy for treatment.

Sources:
Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition.
http://www.steadyhealth.com/articles/elevated-hemoglobin-risks-symptoms
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycythemia
http://www.medicinenet.com/polycythemia_high_red_blood_cell_count/articl...
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK259/

CBBurrr's picture

These are some of the items we check with blood work before, during and after a cycle.
You can get these done yourself by using labsmd.com, or one of the other do it your self bloodwork websites.

You can also check your hemoglobin by donating blood, they always give you a fingerprick test before you donate.

As a rough estimate, hematocrit can be calculated by multiplying the hemoglobin number x 3

CBBurrr's picture

nice little write by our ripped crustacean friend. +1

MuscleMussel's picture

Thanks!

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