trt and vascularity

[paradis]

I've been on androgel for two months now and have noticed an obvious increase in the vascularity of my arms and shoulders. Is this normal? Does it indicate elevated blood pressure? I've got to admit that I like it. Are there any other supplements for further increasing vascularity?

 

[buck]

I would think that it may indicate that you are leaner. Has your weight or waist line changed any?

 

[paradis]

I've actually gained 5 pounds!

 

[buck]

Is the waist line of your pants any tighter? If not then I would think the 5 lbs could be muscle or at least mostly muscle. Hence you would be leaner.

 

[paradis]

my pants fit the same. Surely I couldn't have gained 5 lbs. of muscle in only two months on androgel 5!

 

[cpeil2]

To me, it seems like the T has a vasodilating effect, so blood vessels show more.

 

[Millard]

I've been on androgel for two months now and have noticed an obvious increase in the vascularity of my arms and shoulders. Is this normal? Does it indicate elevated blood pressure? I've got to admit that I like it. Are there any other supplements for further increasing vascularity?

Probably increased blood volume, RBC, hematocrit from T has some effect on htis.

 

[greatgro]

Probably increased blood volume, RBC, hematocrit from T has some effect on htis.

Yes..this and the fact that testosterone has a net effect of making you pumped. Due to the above and also greater glycogen/water storage in muscles. You see this in leaner steroid users. You'll also notice/see the same if you go from low normal Test levels to high normal b/c I've noticed the same thing. In my first 5 weeks on TRT, I went from looking frail (my wife's choice of words, actually) to looking quite a bit buffed - like my mid-20's days (been lifting since 17). I'm almost 33 now.

 

[SWALE]

If blood volume goes up, through fluid retention, then hematocrit and hemoglobin go down. We have to consider this "hemodilution" effects on the CBC following IV administration, for instance.

 

[Millard]

If blood volume goes up, through fluid retention, then hematocrit and hemoglobin go down. We have to consider this "hemodilution" effects on the CBC following IV administration, for instance.

Short term, yes. But long-term (e.g. 2 months), doesn't hematocrit levels increase while on androgen therapy? I don't know if this happens when on TRT dosages? But it seems to occur like clockwork in some bodybuilders who monitor these things while using androgens.

 

[jwtex]

Short term, yes. But long-term (e.g. 2 months), doesn't hematocrit levels increase while on androgen therapy? I don't know if this happens when on TRT dosages? But it seems to occur like clockwork in some bodybuilders who monitor these things while using androgens.

As one that was already predisposed to higher hematocrit levels, TRT exacerbated the condition. With TRT, my HCT levels went from upper ranges to out of range by 7 to 10 points. I now give blood every two months and levels are back to high normal.

 

[cpeil2]

As one that was already predisposed to higher hematocrit levels, TRT exacerbated the condition. With TRT, my HCT levels went from upper ranges to out of range by 7 to 10 points. I now give blood every two months and levels are back to high normal.

Jwtex - With the elevation in your HCT, did you notice any change in serum iron level? Since I started TRT, I have had a slight increase in RBC's, Hgb and Hct, which I'm glad of, because mine have been borderline low since a serious illness two years ago. But I have had a steep jump in serum iron - it is now elevated beyond the top of the normal range. I don't take an supplements that contain iron and I don't have a family history of iron overload, so the thing has me perplexed. The elevation is moderate, so doing anything about it isn't critical at this point. But, there doesn't seem to be much you can do about it, beyond blood donation and chelation.

 

[jwtex]

Jwtex - With the elevation in your HCT, did you notice any change in serum iron level? .

I have not had any issues with iron levels, HGB or RBC. All have stayed in the high normal range, which is where they were when I started TRT.

 

[SWALE]

Yes, HCT and HgB rise with androgen therapy. But water retention, in the short term, causes hemodilution.