polycythaemia

Can Menstrual Cycle Affect Polycythemia? The most common causes of secondary polycythemia include obstructive sleep apnea, obesity hypoventilation syndrome, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Other causes include testosterone replacement therapy and heavy cigarette smoking. Who is most affected by polycythemia? Polycythemia vera can occur at any age, but it’s more common in adults between