Rates of Erythrocytosis in Trans Males Consistent with Cis Males
New research found that the greatest increases in hematocrit occurred during the first year of treatment but levels continue to increase over time until around the 20 year mark
With Milou Madsen MD and Alex Pastuszak MD
In the decade between 2001 and 2011, the number of prescriptions for testosterone for men over 40 tripled. It quadrupled for those 18-45. These sharp increases in men starting hormone therapy after reporting symptoms of hypogonadism has led some to speculate on the side effects of testosterone therapy, including erythrocytosis. This increase in the red blood cell population can result in symptoms that can be health or life-threatening, including obstructive sleep apnea, kidney stones, stroke, deep vein thrombosis or heart attack.
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WASHINGTON A potentially dangerous side effect of testosterone therapy for transgender men is an increase in red blood cells that can raise the risk of blood clots, heart attack or stroke, according to a new study published in the Endocrine Society s
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
Gender diverse people make up an estimated 0.6% of the U.S. population and are defined as having gender identity that is not aligned with their sex recorded at birth. Transgender men often undergo testosterone therapy as part of their gender-affirming treatment. Erythrocytosis, a condition where your body makes too many red blood cells, is a common side effect of testosterone therapy that can increase the risk of blood clots, heart attack or stroke.