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How do you manage testosterone replacement therapy-induced erythrocytosis?

Do you recommend therapeutic phlebotomy to a certain Hct goal? Any strong evidence for thromboembolic risk related to erythrocytosis or if this is mitigated by phlebotomy?
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Do you recommend phlebotomy in patients who are unwilling or unable to discontinue testosterone who develop erythrocytosis?

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3 Answers
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Hematology · Mayo Clinic
Answered on

Testosterone is a known risk for thromboembolism. What is not known is whether it is the hematocrit or the testosterone itself that is the trigger for thrombosis. Note also that epidemiologically, the age group that generally is prescribed testosterone also has a high prevalence of thrombosis.

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Medical Oncology · Hartford HealthCare Medical Group
Answered on

I recommend discontinuing testosterone, treating the underlying cause in patients with secondary testicular failure, and using PDE inhibitors.

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Medical Oncology · Riverside Methodist Hospitals/OhioHealth
Answered on

I would strongly urge patients to discontinue testosterone. It has no proven health benefit and the symptomatic improvement is likely functional. I would urge patients to try PDE inhibitors if sexual performance is an issue; they are much more safe and efficacious in that regard. I agree that the da...

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