It's common knowledge that exogenous testosterone/AAS have a tendency to increase red blood cell count, hemoglobin and hematocrit. Test is well known to increase the risk of polycythemia. It's a consequence of TRT which I deal with.
The greater number of red blood cells also tends to affect serum ferritin (iron homeostasis), which can affect oxygen transport in the blood, but can also contribute to numerous health issues, i.e. too much iron in the blood (hemocromatosis). This is one that anyone on test should be mindful of. Always make sure to get your ferritin tested when you give blood. These effects are all possible outcomes of the body's attempt to maintain homeostasis.
An excellent way to ameliorate these potential issues is for regular blood donations.
With respect to donating blood there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, visit the Canadian Blood Services website to view the listed medications that do not affect or require a wait. There is another list which states the amount of time since last administration of that particular medication.
Anyone who views this list will notice that there are many medications that are not listed. Because they are not listed that does not mean they are NOT relevant. This is important. If you are taking something and need to know the wait time contact the Canadian Blood Services anonymously. They will provide that information. Why is this so important? Let's say you are taking an AI, or a SERM, and your blood donation is given to a pregnant woman or newborn. The existence of those compounds can have seriously harmful effects to a pregnant woman, the developing fetus, or newborn.
Imo, donating blood should be a regular part of anyone's protocol. It helps maintain homeostasis, is beneficial to health, and is a net social benefit. Being on testosterone is not an issue whatsoever. So, that's one you don't have to declare. If you say you are using non-prescribed AAS you will not be able to donate. But, that's where the line is drawn. Other compounds, as mentioned, can be harmful, and everyone should be mindful of that fact. I would encourage you to simplify your protocol, to ensure your donation is as clean as possible.
There is one additional consideration. Let's say you donate and for whatever reason you decide your blood should not be used. You have the right to contact CBS and request that it be destroyed.
I recently gave blood, hence the motivation for the post, and had contacted CBS prior to donating to make sure my medication administration did not conflict with my donation. That is how I learned about the potential detrimental effects of an AI or a SERM, and I thought it useful info to pass along.
I would like to add that CBS does not maintain a database/profile of a donor's medications, so it's something you must declare/be mindful of every visit.
The greater number of red blood cells also tends to affect serum ferritin (iron homeostasis), which can affect oxygen transport in the blood, but can also contribute to numerous health issues, i.e. too much iron in the blood (hemocromatosis). This is one that anyone on test should be mindful of. Always make sure to get your ferritin tested when you give blood. These effects are all possible outcomes of the body's attempt to maintain homeostasis.
An excellent way to ameliorate these potential issues is for regular blood donations.
With respect to donating blood there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, visit the Canadian Blood Services website to view the listed medications that do not affect or require a wait. There is another list which states the amount of time since last administration of that particular medication.
Anyone who views this list will notice that there are many medications that are not listed. Because they are not listed that does not mean they are NOT relevant. This is important. If you are taking something and need to know the wait time contact the Canadian Blood Services anonymously. They will provide that information. Why is this so important? Let's say you are taking an AI, or a SERM, and your blood donation is given to a pregnant woman or newborn. The existence of those compounds can have seriously harmful effects to a pregnant woman, the developing fetus, or newborn.
Imo, donating blood should be a regular part of anyone's protocol. It helps maintain homeostasis, is beneficial to health, and is a net social benefit. Being on testosterone is not an issue whatsoever. So, that's one you don't have to declare. If you say you are using non-prescribed AAS you will not be able to donate. But, that's where the line is drawn. Other compounds, as mentioned, can be harmful, and everyone should be mindful of that fact. I would encourage you to simplify your protocol, to ensure your donation is as clean as possible.
There is one additional consideration. Let's say you donate and for whatever reason you decide your blood should not be used. You have the right to contact CBS and request that it be destroyed.
I recently gave blood, hence the motivation for the post, and had contacted CBS prior to donating to make sure my medication administration did not conflict with my donation. That is how I learned about the potential detrimental effects of an AI or a SERM, and I thought it useful info to pass along.
I would like to add that CBS does not maintain a database/profile of a donor's medications, so it's something you must declare/be mindful of every visit.
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