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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Testosterone Injection Cause High Hemoglobin Level?

I am a 45 year old male. My hemoglobin level is 18.1. I have been taking injectable testosterone. I have not taken any in the past month or so. Could this be the cause? I was dehydrated when tested. I also had an ultrasound...the liver and kidneys appeared fine.
Fri, 7 Nov 2014
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hello,

Welcome to HCM and thank you for the query.
Testosterone has an erythropoietic stimulating effect that can cause an increase in hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit, or red blood cell count. The incidence of polycythemia secondary to testosterone use ranges from 2.5% to 40% depending on the testosterone dose and formulation and is less common with transdermal than with injectable form.
Marginal increase in Hb can occur with dehydration but in your situation, the testosterone is the most likely cause. You could check it again and verify.
Now that you are off testosterone, the Hb would come down gradually. Once it is normal, you could try dermal patches which may not raise the Hb as much.

You are welcome to ask further query, if any
Take Care
Dr Noble Zachariah
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Does Testosterone Injection Cause High Hemoglobin Level?

Hello, Welcome to HCM and thank you for the query. Testosterone has an erythropoietic stimulating effect that can cause an increase in hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit, or red blood cell count. The incidence of polycythemia secondary to testosterone use ranges from 2.5% to 40% depending on the testosterone dose and formulation and is less common with transdermal than with injectable form. Marginal increase in Hb can occur with dehydration but in your situation, the testosterone is the most likely cause. You could check it again and verify. Now that you are off testosterone, the Hb would come down gradually. Once it is normal, you could try dermal patches which may not raise the Hb as much. You are welcome to ask further query, if any Take Care Dr Noble Zachariah