Recent meta‐analyses have revealed that increases in hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) are the variants most commonly encountered. Men with low to low‐normal levels of testosterone have documented benefit from hormone replacement. A literature review was performed through PubMed regarding TRT and erythrocytosis and polycythemia. This study assessed the prevalence of polycythaemia in males receiving testosterone replacement and compared prevalence rates between different treatment preparations. The remaining 61 (28%) men were treated with transdermal testosterone gel. Confusion 11. The risks associated with androgen replacement need further examination. Further trials are needed to fully evaluate the hematological side effects associated with TRT. Causes Dehydration is a common cause of relative polycythemia. Overall there was a positive correlation between peak haemoglobin concentration and mean total testosterone level (r(214)=0.138, P<0.05). Men with low to low‐normal levels of testosterone have documented benefit from hormone replacement. Clinically, this response is described as erythrocytosis or polycythemia secondary to TRT. Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. or its licensors or contributors. The author(s) report no conflicts of interest. ScienceDirect ® is a registered trademark of Elsevier B.V. ScienceDirect ® is a registered trademark of Elsevier B.V. Erythrocytosis and Polycythemia Secondary to Testosterone Replacement Therapy in the Aging Male. With polycythemia the blood becomes very viscous or "sticky," making it harder for the heart to pump. Lightheadedness 5. Secondary Polycythemia. Biosci Abstracts Implantable T pellets have been used since 1972, and secondary polycythemia has been reported to be as low as 0.4% with this administration modality. Medical Care Correction of the underlying cause of secondary polycythemia is the most important element of managment. In addition to increasing muscle and sex drive, testosterone can increase the body's production of red blood cells. Severe, chronic polycythemia secondary to increased blood viscosity can raise pulmonary arterial pressure and cause increased pulmonary resistance with potential hypoxia, resulting in cor pulmonale. Clinically, this response is described as erythrocytosis or polycythemia secondary to TRT. A: This is something that is sure to come up with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Secondary polycythemia - also called reactive polycythemia - is characterized by excessive production of circulating red blood cells (RBCs) due to hypoxia, tumor, or disease.It occurs in about 2 out of every 100,000 persons who live at or near sea level; incidence increases among people who live at high altitudes. Burning sensations of the hands or feet Privacy policy | TRT does have side effects. Recent meta‐analyses have revealed that increases in hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) are the variants most commonly encountered. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Recent meta‐analyses have revealed that increases in hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) are the variants most commonly encountered. Background: Testosterone replacement is the mainstay of treatment for male hypogonadism. This risk should be weighed against the potential benefits prior to initiating therapy. Copyright © 2015 International Society for Sexual Medicine. Shortness of breath 6. The association between testosterone replacement therapy and polycythemia has been reported for the past few years as this therapy has become more mainstream. This is an additional reason why I suggest individuals who are on TRT for low normal testosterone come off once every 12-18 months. Weakness 2. Men with low to low‐normal levels of testosterone have documented benefit from hormone replacement. Recently, Lareb received a report concerning the development of secondary polycythemia while using testosterone therapy in a female-to-male (FTM) transgender patient. Men receiving testosterone treatment should have their haematological variables monitored regularly and testosterone dose adjusted accordingly. KEY POINTS Testosterone therapy can cause secondary erythrocytosis. Erythrocytosis and polycythemia secondary to testosterone replacement therapy in the aging male. We use cookies to help provide and enhance our service and tailor content and ads. Polycythemia refers to an increased hemoglobin concentration and/or hematocrit in peripheral blood. Absolute polycythemia occurs when more RBCs are produced than normal and their count is truly elevated. Some take testosterone to manage symptoms like low libido, moodiness, and fatigue. It’s also suggested that the concurrent suppression of hepcidin via Testosterone, and elevated EPO, can lead to increased HCT 20; Testosterone lowers hepcidin, a regulator of iron bioavailability. However, TTh can be limited by its side effects, particularly erythrocytosis. This may include cessation … Polycythemia is sometimes called erythrocytosis, but the terms are not synonymous because polycythemia refers to any increase in red blood cells, whereas erythrocytosis only refers to a documented increase of red cell mass. Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology. Symptoms of secondary polycythemia are the same as those for primary polycythemia and may include: 1. Data suggest that testosterone therapy has effects that may counteract the potentially increased risk of venous thromboembolism. The association between TRT‐induced erythrocytosis and subsequent risk for VTE remains inconclusive. Abstract Introduction: Secondary polycythemia is a known adverse effect of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Pain in the chest or leg muscles 9. Secondary causes of increased red blood cell mass (e.g., heavy smoking, chronic pulmonary disease, renal disease) are more common than polycythemia vera and must be excluded. Itching (pruritus) 8. Clinically, this response is described as erythrocytosis or polycythemia secondary to TRT. No relationship was found between PSA and mode of treatment or total testosterone concentration. This topic discusses the causes of polycythemia and our approach to evaluation and diagnosis. Clinically, this response is described as erythrocytosis or polycythemia secondary to TRT. © Bioscientifica 2021 | Jones SD Jr, Dukovac T, Sangkum P, Yafi FA, and Hellstrom WJG. The risk of developing polycythemia secondary to exogenous testosterone (T) has been reported to range from 0.4% to 40%. 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