Testosterone & The “Thick Blood” Myth. The Confusion Between Secondary Erythrocytosis & Polycythemia Explained.

On today’s show I have Lauren Finnerty, a nurse practicer at Victory Men’s Health here to discuss yet another misconception of testosterone therapy and that is the thought that testosterone can cause “thick blood” which can in turn cause a heart attack, stroke or blood clot.  This is misinformation.  Evidence shows the link between testosterone replacement therapy and the increase of hematocrit doesn’t lead to more cardiac or thrombotic events in men.  If you have been told this by a medical provider there is confusion around the difference between erythrocytosis and polycythemia vera. The two conditions are completely different but many medical providers don’t know that increased levels of hematocrit and hemoglobin (blood counts) from testosterone (secondary erythrocytosis) doesn’t cause the same medical issues as polycythemia vera.   This misunderstanding could lead to medical providers taking patients off of their testosterone or cause them to over phlebotomize the patient that could cause the patient to become iron deficient or anemic.  Today we want to arm you with the facts! Studies To Support Today's Conversations:  Adverse effects of testosterone replacement therapy: an update on the evidence and controversy Hemoglobin and testosterone: importance on high altitude acclimatization and adaptation Blood doping and its detection AUA: Testosterone may not deserve its reputation as a cardiovascular culprit Clinical review 1: Adverse effects of testosterone therapy in adult men: a systematic review and meta-analysis Fundamental Concepts Regarding Testosterone Deficiency and Treatment: International Expert Consensus Resolutions A Psychosocial Approach to Erectile Dysfunction: Position Statements from the European Society of Sexual Medicine (ESSM) Dr. Eric and Neal Rouzier, MD discuss all things related to hormone optimization! Episode 5 Hormonal Health with Dr. Neal Rouzier (Part 1) is an introduction to the concepts that everyday people need to know and understand regarding the critical role hormones play in our optimal health. Email me at [email protected]   Victory Men's Health