Doctor says I am going to die..

[borkies]

To put this increased risk into perspective: the researchers found about 1.6 venous thromboembolic events per 1.000 person-years in men with an average hematocrit (43-46%). So say you have an average hematocrit level, there would be a 1.6% chance of a thromboembolic event in the next 10 years. If your hematocrit would be 5% higher, i.e. 48-51%, this risk would increase by 33%: 2.1%. This, of course, doesn’t scale linearly forever, but this gives, I believe, a good indication of the increased risk of venous thrombosis as a result of the AAS-induced increase in hematocrit.

Thank you for this. My HCT usually rides around 50-51 (I am also at high altitude) and you have no idea how many nights I sit awake wondering if I am gonna clot in my sleep.

 

[jj89]

rest in peace bro

 

[PeterBond]

I dislike this type of scaremongering. The fact that elevated hematocrit increases the risk for thrombosis is true. But you should understand the actual risk and put it in perspective.

Your doctor doesn't seem very objective about AAS (especially for hematocrit of 52.5%). Does he tell all of his sedentary patients with poor diets that they are going to die and suffer permanent disability if they continue with inactive lifestyle? I bet he just reserves this type of talk for patients doing things he finds morally objectionable.

For an objective understanding of the risks associated with AAS and elevated hematocrit, I would suggest reading @PeterBond's article on the topic, and specifically, this section:

Anabolic Steroids and Erythrocytosis Polycythemia

The use of anabolic steroids can lead to a condition called erythrocytosis. It’s a condition in which your body has too many erythrocytes, or red blood cells, in its blood.

thinksteroids.com

Indeed, the absolute risk remains small. Although I can understand why some doctors exacerbate risks to steer a user's use towards a dose reduction.

For those interested, we've recently published an article on this topic, although it's main focus is the practice of phlebotomy as a treatment for TRT-induced erythrocytosis.

 

[Astartes]

Going to set aside the arrogance and plain moronic ignorance of half the General Practitioner community regarding hormones for a moment.

I would do the same thing as a doctor. It isn’t worth it to me to risk a malpractice lawsuit by a family. Purely risk avoidance.

My best advice is to educate, educate and educate yourself some more. Then simply self medicate and avoid these folks with 9 of 10 meds available to us.

Why go through the aggravation.