Exploring the Benefits of Donating Blood on TRT

Testosterone Replacement Therapy has helped millions, but it can lead to a number of cardiovascular complications. Fortunately, regular blood donation through a process called therapeutic phlebotomy can lower that risk.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy, or TRT, has been lifechanging for many, helping to restore energy levels, mood and overall wellbeing for those with low testosterone levels. The treatment is not without its unique challenges, however. One commonly encountered side effect? An increase in red blood cell production.

While more red blood cells may sound like a good thing, too much RBC production can lead to thickened blood and an elevated risk for blood clots, stroke and other cardiovascular issues. Fortunately, regular blood donation can provide a beneficial solution — and that's where Our Blood Institute comes in.

Testosterone's Role in the Body

Testosterone is essential for maintaining muscle mass, bone density and overall vitality. It plays a significant role in regulating mood, energy levels and libido. When testosterone levels are low, TRT helps to bring these levels back to a normal range, offering relief from various symptoms associated with testosterone deficiency.

What Is TRT?

Testosterone Replacement Therapy is a form of hormone replacement therapy typically prescribed to men whose bodies don’t produce sufficient testosterone. TRT aims to elevate testosterone levels to a healthy range, using methods such as injections, patches or gels.

OBI & Therapeutic Phlebotomy

At Our Blood Institute, we've built a reputation in the communities we serve across Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas as the place you give blood and save lives! That is absolutely true, of course, but we also treat thousands of people each year through a process called therapeutic phlebotomy.

Therapeutic phlebotomy is the medical withdrawal of blood from a person's body in order to treat certain conditions and, in the case of patients undergoing TRT, it's used to regulate RBC count and lower risk for blood clots and possible TRT-related side effects.

How to Participate in Therapeutic Phlebotomy for TRT

TRT patients represent a majority of therapeutic phlebotomy treatments administered at OBI, with more taking place each year. That trend is in line with national statistics, as the number of patients prescribed TRT in the United States "has increased substantially" in recent years. Harvard Medical School research suggests that millions of American men use a prescription testosterone injection or gel.

OBI is committed to serving those in need of therapeutic phlebotomy free of charge at any one of our 17 blood centers. Unlike traditional blood donation, though, therapeutic phlebotomy patients cannot book an appointment themselves. Instead, we work with healthcare providers to fulfill these prescription requests, so if you believe this kind of therapy may be of help to you, please consult your doctor. More information on these processes, including digital order forms and an order submission troubleshooting guide, can be found using the button below.

Special Donations (Forms Password-Protected)

One More Reason to Participate

Now that you know the potential health benefits of therapeutic blood donation while on TRT, along with the relationship between OBI and your healthcare provider in facilitating these treatments, it's important to note one other crucial benefit: you can save lives!

Like traditional blood donors, TRT patients whose blood products are collected through our therapeutic phlebotomy services can also be used to meet the transfusion and healthcare needs in your community. To do so, TRT patients must supply an order form from their healthcare provider and meet all other donor eligibility requirements. Our Special Donations team will take it from there, administering further evaluations before converting the collection to a transfusable product for our hospital partners.

Wondering if you're eligible to donate? Visit our FAQ eligibility page with the button below.

Let's See If You Can Donate!