Skip to main content

Testosterone and Erythrocytosis

Meaning

Testosterone and Erythrocytosis describes the clinically significant relationship where the administration of exogenous testosterone, particularly at doses that achieve high serum concentrations, can stimulate the bone marrow to produce an excess of red blood cells, a condition known as erythrocytosis or polycythemia. This hematological change is a well-documented potential side effect of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) that requires careful clinical monitoring. The resulting increase in red cell mass elevates blood viscosity, which is a clinical risk factor.