Testosterone therapy increases risk of red blood cell disorder for men with HIV

Testosterone replacement therapy is associated with an increased risk of over-production of red blood cells (polycythaemia) in HIV-positive men, US investigators report in the online edition of AIDS. 

None of their patients developed health problems because of the condition. However, polycythaemia can cause blood clots and cardiovascular events. The  investigator’s stress that that patients taking testosterone replacement therapy should be regularly monitored for polycythemia, and if appropriate have their testosterone dose adjusted.

Polycythemia is an increase in the number of red blood cells circulating in the blood. It is well known that the condition can be caused by testosterone replacement therapy, but there is little information on its risk factors in patients with HIV.

The risk of blood clots due to polycythaemia is greatest in people with other risks for blood vessel diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure. 

To read this full article CLICK HERE