Managing High Hematocrit: Hydration vs Phlebotomy

ColombiaPower87 · Post by **ColombiaPower87** » Sun Jan 25, 2026 2:30 am

My HCT hit 54%. I am feeling sluggish and getting headaches. Is it time to donate or can I water this down?

CoachIronwell · Post by **CoachIronwell** » Sun Jan 25, 2026 3:15 am

54 is borderline. Drink at least 4 liters a day before donating. Giving blood can crash ferritin.

SafeLiftAdvisor · Post by **SafeLiftAdvisor** » Sun Jan 25, 2026 3:50 am

I agree with Viking. If your ferritin is already low, phlebotomy will make you feel like a zombie.

ForumGuardian · Post by **ForumGuardian** » Sun Jan 25, 2026 4:40 am

Try Grapefruit Seed Extract. Some anecdotal evidence suggests it helps lower HCT naturally.

Peterdyday · Post by **Peterdyday** » Sun Jan 25, 2026 5:35 am

Monitor blood pressure too. Thick blood + high BP is a recipe for a stroke.

ColombiaPower87 · Post by **ColombiaPower87** » Sun Jan 25, 2026 6:25 am

BP is 135/85. Higher than I like. I will start the hydration protocol today.

CoachIronwell · Post by **CoachIronwell** » Sun Jan 25, 2026 7:10 am

Add some cardio. Improving stroke volume helps move that sludge around.

ForumGuardian · Post by **ForumGuardian** » Sun Jan 25, 2026 8:00 am

Also, check for sleep apnea. Hypoxia at night spikes EPO.

ColombiaPower87 · Post by **ColombiaPower87** » Sun Jan 25, 2026 8:45 am

I do snore quite a bit lately. Might be the weight gain.

SafeLiftAdvisor · Post by **SafeLiftAdvisor** » Sun Jan 25, 2026 9:25 am

CPAP is a life saver for many guys in this community.