PROSTATE CANCER AND LOW HEMATOCRIT

GREEKGUY

12-24-2025

I’m the new guy here after accidentally finding this site and I would like to share my

experience with prostate cancer( PC ) . I am 79 in very good physical condition (I still play

a mean racketball game for 1 hr ) and without problems with blood pressure ,chole-

sterol , diabetes . However , I was diagnosed with PC early 2025 via MRI and biopsy .

I’ve been on Erleada+Orgovyx in the last 3 months with good results : PSA 0.059(from 15) ,

testosterone 24 . I’ve had no serious side-effects from Erleada/Orgovyx besides a mild

temperature rush lasting less than 1 min several times during the day and a couple at night .

No insomnia was observed . I also had a curious foot-finger tingling when in bed .

My question is this : had anyone observed concurrently a low RBC (Red Blood Cell count)

and HCT (hematocrite) ? I always had a good HCT 41-42 and RBC for years and suddenly

the HCT fell gradually to 30 and after Erleada/Orgovyx is back to a steady 35.2 .

Extensive blood examinations showed no problems with or destruction of red cell production

excluding leukemia etc. By the way , I don’t feel tired , I have a good appetite , steady weight

and sleep well . Also, I exercise and have occasional serious garden activity (2-3 hours) .

Any answer is welcome .

Clevelandguy

Hi,

From the Orgovxy website:

Most common side effects of ORGOVYX include:

• hot flushes
• increased blood sugar levels
• increased blood fat (triglyceride) levels
• muscle and joint pain
• decreased blood hemoglobin levels***********
• increased liver enzymes
• tiredness
• constipation
• diarrhea

Dave 3+4

Josephg

Unfortunately, it is aligned with your treatment protocol. My numbers are low from two previous related treatments and probably won't change too much in the future. Just another side effect experienced on your PCa journey.

I wish you the best of outcomes on your PCa journey.

GREEKGUY

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1725613#Comment_1725613

Dec. 28 ,2025

Tks for your comments . I was aware from the leaflets of ORGOVYX and Erleada (I take both). The only side effect for me after 3-4 months of usage so far has been mild hot flashes of short duration . However , the gradual fall of HCT had been observed long before taking the medications ,at least 12 months before, and the gradual increase of PSA directed me into checking the prostate via MRI and biopsy .At the time I was not taking any other pills (blood pressure ,cholesterol, blood sugar were fine and still are as all other exams (colon ,etc.) . The HCT is stabilized for 2 months now at a lower level of 35% (vs 41-43% the past 10+ years ) .Extensive blood exams revealed normal red cell production without marrow diseases (leukemia etc.) . So from my point of view , the HCT gradual fall, the gradual increase of PSA and prostate cancer appeared all at the same time . Happily, the HCT (35%) and PC(PSA reads 0.059) are stabilized now . How long and what will happen next is another story .

I deeply appreciate your interest and wish you pleasant holidays and a healthier 2026 .

GREEKGUY

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1725614#Comment_1725614

Dec. 28 ,2025

Tks for your comments . I was aware from the leaflets of ORGOVYX and Erleada (I take both). The only side effect for me after 3-4 months of usage so far has been mild hot flashes of short duration . However , the gradual fall of HCT had been observed long before taking the medications ,at least 12 months before, and the gradual increase of PSA directed me into checking the prostate via MRI and biopsy .At the time I was not taking any other pills (blood pressure ,cholesterol, blood sugar were fine and still are as all other exams (colon ,etc.) . The HCT is stabilized for 2 months now at a lower level of 35% (vs 41-43% the past 10+ years ) .Extensive blood exams revealed normal red cell production without marrow diseases (leukemia etc.) . So from my point of view , the HCT gradual fall, the gradual increase of PSA and prostate cancer appeared all at the same time . Happily, the HCT (35%) and PC(PSA reads 0.059) are stabilized now . How long and what will happen next is another story .

I deeply appreciate your interest and wish you pleasant holidays and a healthier 2026 .

Old Salt

In other words, it appears that the slow drop in your hematocrit is not related to the cancer drugs. Since you are feeling well and the doctors haven't found a cause, I wouldn't loose sleep over this.

BTW, I have had borderline low hematocrit all my life. Often rejected for blood donations…

GREEKGUY

Tks for your interest and information . I tend to agree with you . In my opinion , it was the appearance of PC that destroyed the normal Red Cell production and then stabilzed to a HCT of 35% in the last 3 months after taking ORGOVYX+ERLEADA .

How long and what will happen next is another story .

I deeply appreciate your interest and wish you pleasant holidays and a healthier 2026 .

JackWest

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/329883/prostate-cancer-and-low-hematocrit

Greekguy,

Can we compare more as our age is similar? Love to help as we both fight this. Men with cancer will stay strong!

Regards, Jack

GREEKGUY

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1725651#Comment_1725651

Jan. 4 , 2026

Thanks for you interest Jack . In what way can I help ? I posted all the relevant details in my initial post .

Ask and I will answer if I can .In the meantime I wish you a healthier 2026 .