10/15/2026
High hematocrit on TRT does not automatically mean you need to take aspirin.
In this video, Dr. Thomas O’Connor addresses a common assumption among men on testosterone: if TRT raises your red blood cells or hematocrit, should you start taking a daily baby aspirin to reduce the risk of a blood clot?
Dr. O’Connor explains why the answer is more complicated. Testosterone can cause androgen-induced erythrocytosis, but that is not the same condition as polycythemia vera. Treating the two as though they are interchangeable can lead to inappropriate conclusions about aspirin use.
He also explains when low-dose aspirin may have a legitimate cardiovascular role, including in certain people with established coronary artery disease, and why taking aspirin without a clear indication can create its own risks, including gastrointestinal and hemorrhagic bleeding.
The bigger lesson is that men on testosterone need to understand more than just their testosterone level. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, cardiovascular history, blood pressure, clotting risk, iron status, and other health factors all help determine what those laboratory numbers actually mean.
That is exactly why the Testosteronology® Health Portal was created.
Learn more about the Testosteronology® Health Portal:
https://testosteronology.com
And if you have a testosterone or steroid health question for Dr. O’Connor, bring it directly to him.
Join our YouTube and Facebook livestream Wednesdays at 7pm on YouTube/Facebook for a LIVE Q&A session with Dr. Thomas O’Connor.
Register free:
https://testosteronology.com/live
Educational content only. This video is not intended to diagnose, treat, prescribe, or replace individualized medical care from your healthcare provider.