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Managing High Hematocrit: Hydration vs Phlebotomy
Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2026 2:30 am
by ColombiaPower87
My HCT hit 54%. I am feeling sluggish and getting headaches. Is it time to donate or can I water this down?
Re: Managing High Hematocrit: Hydration vs Phlebotomy
Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2026 3:15 am
by CoachIronwell
54 is borderline. Drink at least 4 liters a day before donating. Giving blood can crash ferritin.
Re: Managing High Hematocrit: Hydration vs Phlebotomy
Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2026 3:50 am
by SafeLiftAdvisor
I agree with Viking. If your ferritin is already low, phlebotomy will make you feel like a zombie.
Re: Managing High Hematocrit: Hydration vs Phlebotomy
Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2026 4:40 am
by ForumGuardian
Try Grapefruit Seed Extract. Some anecdotal evidence suggests it helps lower HCT naturally.
Re: Managing High Hematocrit: Hydration vs Phlebotomy
Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2026 5:35 am
by Peterdyday
Monitor blood pressure too. Thick blood + high BP is a recipe for a stroke.
Re: Managing High Hematocrit: Hydration vs Phlebotomy
Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2026 6:25 am
by ColombiaPower87
BP is 135/85. Higher than I like. I will start the hydration protocol today.
Re: Managing High Hematocrit: Hydration vs Phlebotomy
Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2026 7:10 am
by CoachIronwell
Add some cardio. Improving stroke volume helps move that sludge around.
Re: Managing High Hematocrit: Hydration vs Phlebotomy
Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2026 8:00 am
by ForumGuardian
Also, check for sleep apnea. Hypoxia at night spikes EPO.
Re: Managing High Hematocrit: Hydration vs Phlebotomy
Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2026 8:45 am
by ColombiaPower87
I do snore quite a bit lately. Might be the weight gain.
Re: Managing High Hematocrit: Hydration vs Phlebotomy
Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2026 9:25 am
by SafeLiftAdvisor
CPAP is a life saver for many guys in this community.