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Polycythemia Monitoring

Meaning

Polycythemia monitoring is the clinical practice of regularly assessing an individual’s hematological parameters, primarily hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, to detect and manage the development of polycythemia, a condition characterized by an abnormally high concentration of red blood cells. This surveillance is particularly critical for patients undergoing testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), as exogenous androgens can stimulate erythropoiesis, potentially leading to hyperviscosity and increased risk of thrombotic events. Timely monitoring allows for dose adjustment or therapeutic phlebotomy.