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Have Elevated Haemoglobin And Hematocrit Level. Can This Be Due To Heavy Drinking?

Posted on Tue, 16 Apr 2013

Question: Can u have a hemoglobin count of 18.5 and a Hemacrit count of 55 with dehydration and to much aclohol over a few week period? How long to reverse?

Answered by Dr. Akhilesh Dubey (4 hours later)

Hi XXXXXX,

Thanks for your query to this forum,

It is possible to have high Hemoglobin level (18.5) and high hematocrit 55% with severe dehydration but it is falsely raised due to contracted plasma volume.
Alcohol use can predispose to dehydration by inadequate intake of fluids and/or loss due to diarrhea and vomiting.
Good thing is that it can be corrected rapidly with adequate correction of fluid and treating the cause like diarrhea.
Moderate dehydration can be corrected by oral fluids and in severe cases we may have to give intravenous fluids.
It can take a few days.
If not then other causes of high Hemoglobin level (Polycythemia) should be considered.

Hope this information helps you, if there are any more queries, I will be available for clarification if any.

Regards.
Dr. A. Dubey M.D.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Akhilesh Dubey (10 hours later)

Thank you. I started testostrone therapy about two years ago...could that likely be the culprit? If so, do you change anything?

Answered by Dr. Akhilesh Dubey (1 hour later)

Hi XXXXXX,
Thanks for your follow up.
Yes, Testosterone replacement therapy is known to cause increase in Hematocrit and Red cell mass (Polycythemia), it is seen in 5%to 40%cases.
I would like to know why this replacement was prescribed to you.
We need to monitor Hemoglobin level and Hematocrit every 6 months and if Hematocrit >50% one need to reduce the dose or possibly stop the therapy.
It increases Viscosity of blood flow with many health risks.
Please consult your Physician and discuss about stopping the replacement.
Phlebotomy (donating blood) helps to reduce viscosity of blood.
Hope I have answered your query, still if you have any further query please feel free to ask me, I will be happy to help.
Regards.
Dr. A. Dubey M.D.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Akhilesh Dubey (27 minutes later)

Lack of sex drive and low testostrone level at about 300.

Answered by Dr. Akhilesh Dubey (57 minutes later)

Hi XXXXXX,

Thanks for your prompt response,

Usually we have to stop the Testosterone replacement when hematocrit is more than 50%.

Please consult your Physician and discuss about donating blood to reduce Hematocrit and stopping Testosterone.
You can continue with Vitamin supplements and Physical exercise to keep fit.
Please inform me about progress.
Hope I have answered your query, if there is no more doubts please rate my answer and we can close this discussion.
Regards.
Dr. A. Dubey M.D.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad