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Suggest Treatment For High Red Blood Cell Count
Question: just got blood work done and my red blood cell count was high. I am on testostorone replacement. what should I do next?
Brief Answer:
Testosterone
Detailed Answer:
Sorry to hear about the high red cell count.
Such elevations are well reported with testosterone treatment. However, what is important is to assess if the rise is to a significant degree to warrant stopping or reducing the dose of testosterone treatment.
Laboratory tests called Hematocrit and hemogloglobin levels are helpful in making this determination as to whether or not you have 'polycythemia', a medical term describing this condition.
May I know if you smoke, and if you have sleep apnea/other lung problems, because these conditions can cause polycythemia too
If the hematocrit exceeds 54% then testosterone must be stopped until it decreases to a safe level, and it can be reinitiated later at a reduced dose, after ruling out other potential causes of high red cell count
Testosterone
Detailed Answer:
Sorry to hear about the high red cell count.
Such elevations are well reported with testosterone treatment. However, what is important is to assess if the rise is to a significant degree to warrant stopping or reducing the dose of testosterone treatment.
Laboratory tests called Hematocrit and hemogloglobin levels are helpful in making this determination as to whether or not you have 'polycythemia', a medical term describing this condition.
May I know if you smoke, and if you have sleep apnea/other lung problems, because these conditions can cause polycythemia too
If the hematocrit exceeds 54% then testosterone must be stopped until it decreases to a safe level, and it can be reinitiated later at a reduced dose, after ruling out other potential causes of high red cell count
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I have thought I may have sleep apnea for a long time. I wake up several times per night.
one last question. I am taking a statin drug and just started this week for high cholesterl. the last few days i have been a little dizzy and I am noticing a pain in my right side where my kidneys are. should i stop taking the drug?
one last question. I am taking a statin drug and just started this week for high cholesterl. the last few days i have been a little dizzy and I am noticing a pain in my right side where my kidneys are. should i stop taking the drug?
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
It would be prudent to report both the symptoms of dizziness and flank pain after starting the statin drug, to the prescribing physician to see if the medication needs to be stopped while a work up is initiated for the two new symptoms
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
It would be prudent to report both the symptoms of dizziness and flank pain after starting the statin drug, to the prescribing physician to see if the medication needs to be stopped while a work up is initiated for the two new symptoms
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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