Some people are lucky and their hemo stays reasonable when on TRT – so they don’t really need to donate blood. You are getting regular blood tests so you will know if it’s a problem. I go out of range in about 2 months – so I have to donate or stop TRT (and I’m not stopping TRT - ever).
Nobody likes donating blood. We have all been there. You just have to suck it in and do it. You really do get used to it. I’m no longer bothered by the needle stick – I barely notice it anymore.
Here are the 10 basic rules for donating blood:
1) don’t watch them put the needle in,
2) see rule number 1,
3) don’t watch them put the needle in,
4) don’t watch them pull the needle out,
5) don’t look at any of the equipment – especially the needles (I have never seen a blood donation needle and have no plans to do so)
6) do not get up for several minutes after they are done – just lie back and relax,
7) have them bring you some juice and a snack – they will be happy to do this,
8) drink the juice and eat the snack,
9) when you think you are ready to get up, wait at least another minute and then get up,
10) keep your arm straight as possible to minimize bruising.
That's pretty much it - if you are like me, you will need to donate blood early and often. You will become desensitized soon enough - and then you will not worry about donating blood ever again.
p.s. - if your hemo is high I believe you really have two viable options to bring it back down 1) donate blood and 2) donate blood. I know there are things that could reduce your iron level (if you were not on TRT) - but think about it. Was your hemo high before going on TRT (... of course not). It's the testosterone doing this and you will not likely be able to counteract its effects with diet and other over the counter remedies.