Hi y'all! I was wondering if anyone else experienced this. I've been on testosterone since 2018 (with a year long break that lasted from 2022, to about 3 months ago when I was financially stable enough with new insurance to be able to afford it again).

When I was on testosterone the first time, I had issues with a high red blood cell count. My doctor wanted me to donate blood once a month, which turned out to be a miserable failure- I was turned away almost every time I tried because my blood pressure was too high (even when I was able to get it down to just a few points above what they wanted it, they still couldn't take it- I have a fear of needles going into my veins, I don't normally suffer high bp). He also mentioned therapeutic phlebotomy, but didn't want me to do that instead for some reason.

When I stopped t, my levels went back to normal, and now I'm 3 months back on t, and just got my blood work results from the other day. My level is still within the normal range, but increased significantly, and I think within the next few blood works, my red blood cell count is going to be too high again. Have any of y'all experienced this? Is there anything I can do to sort of like... Curb it? Or will I just have to donate/have therapeutic phlebotomies done for? the rest of my life?