Women Want Strong Men

Welcome to the Women Want Strong Men podcast. I’m your host Amy Stuttle. I believe it takes a strong man to appreciate a strong woman and I’m here t…
Jun 30th, 2022 | 16:11

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 podcast@amystuttle.com 

 Victory Men's Health

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!

We discuss why high performing athletes and men that live at high altitudes have higher levels blood counts and why they aren’t lined up to get unnecessary phlebotomies. 

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)

Email me at podcast@amystuttle.com 

 Victory Men's Health