anyone have elevated red blood cells values?

[gabethedire]

I think I have had adrenal fatigue from severe stress and anxiety for the past 7 years. During the time, I’ve noticed my hematocrit and hemoglobin slowly rise which I am thinking may be a sign of chronic dehydration? I have been tested for nefarious reasons for the elevation, all of which come back negative thankfully. Has anyone else had this?

[Annabel]

I’m not an expert, but I did a quick search for this and found a condition named Pseudopolycythaemia.

Here’s a paragraph from WebMD:
“Stress polycythemia is a term applied to a chronic (long standing) state of low plasma volume, which is seen commonly in active, hard working, anxious, middle-aged men. In these people, the red blood cell volume is normal, but the plasma volume is low. This condition is also known as Gaisbock’s disease, stress erythrocytosis, or pseudopolycythemia.”
http://answers.webmd.com/answers/1178520/what-is-stress-polycythemia

Perhaps your red blood cell count is actually normal, but it looks high because of low plasma volume?

[gabethedire]

thanks! Could be…I fit all those categories except middle-aged…unless 27 is middle aged?!

[Annabel]

Actually one of the consequences of modern life is that more and more people are experiencing so-called “middle-aged” conditions earlier.

It might be worth asking your doctor if you fit the diagnosis for Stress polycythemia. If so, reducing your stress and anxiety, combined with some dietary and lifestyle changes, might make a big difference.

[Author]

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