For male steroid or hormone replacement therapy users, HCG can mimic the action of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the body. Luteinizing hormone is a pituitary hormone that is released and signals the manufacture of testosterone in the testicles. It is this ability that enables the compound to help restore the normal function of the testes to respond to endogenous luteinizing hormone. This ability can be dramatically reduced after a long period of inactivity, as is the case when administering anabolic steroids. Even when the release of endogenous LH has been resumed to it's normal levels, testosterone levels may not return to normal because of the extended time of inaction that the testes were exposed to (2).
Individuals will also often use HCG to combat testicular atrophy, a result of the hypothalamus pituitary testes axis shut down. While this atrophy is more of a symptom of a side effect of anabolic steroid use rather than something that can be dangerous to a user, many individuals are concerned about testicular atrophy and turn to human chorionic gonadotropin to help and alleviate it. For this purpose, HCG is quite effective.
As is fairly obvious by the preceding, human chorionic gonadotropin offers female athletes no performance enhancing qualities and is useless for this purpose.
It is important to note that HCG should only be run while a user is still on cycle and not during PCT. This is due to human chorionic gonadotropin actually being suppressive to the hypothalamus pituitary testes axis. Obviously this is something to be avoided when attempting to "re-start" your natural testosterone production. Ensure that the last shot of HCG is taken within several days of the start time of post-cycle therapy so that it has cleared the system of the user and the compounds being taken for PCT can function as intended.
High doses of human chorionic gonadotropin have also been shown to cause a large amount of aromatase activity. Since a user would obviously want to keep aromatase to the lowest level possible, small and frequent doses would be most effective while keeping side effects to a minimum. The side effects and risks associated with HCG will be dealt with later in this profile, however obviously there are several concerns that a user must take into consideration when choosing a method and dosing with a compound such as this.
Human chorionic gonadotropin can be injected either using intramuscular or subcutaneous injection methods. There is no evidence showing that either method is more effective or potent than the other. Some users complain of a sharp sting when injecting the compound. However this pain quickly dissipates.
Once constituted, human chorionic gonadotropin must be refrigerated. Depending on the type/brand of HCG a user has it could last from approximately four to eight weeks. Constituting the powder of the compound with bacteriostatic water may add some shelf life but this increase is not dramatic by any means, extending the life of the constituted compound by only days.
There are numerous effective ways with which a user can administer human chorionic gonadotropin throughout their cycle. However, one must ensure that they do not run it at such a dose that damage is caused and that the Leydig's cells are desensitized to luteinizing hormone which could impair an individual's ability to produce testosterone naturally. Some evidence has shown that doses as low as 800 to 1200ius can cause at least temporary damage Leydig's cells in some individuals (1). However, the medical literature and many doctors who specialize in hormone replacement therapy and/or endocrinology still prescribe much larger doses of HCG despite this. Doses in excess of 3000ius have been recommended and prescribed by doctors to help stimulate testosterone production in patients suffering from hypogonadism. However, like many compounds, there is very little research regarding the use of human chorionic gonadotropin for the reason that most steroid users administer it.
A majority of users have anecdotally reported that frequent small doses are the norm for steroid users attempting to maintain at least minimal testicular function during their anabolic steroid cycles. However the timing, doses, frequency and durations of administering the drug vary quite widely amongst users. For the most part this is due to the lack of credible information available to users about how to go about using the compound effectively. However, there are some absolutes when using human chorionic gonadotropin.
First, more frequent dosing is nearly always better to use rather than increasing the dose size. Due to the fact that HCG aromatizes and it is believed that it may be the estrogen, along with other factors, that may cause testicular desensitization (3) large doses would only cause more problems for a user. However, smaller more frequent doses should enable an individual to use a substantial dose of the drug spread out over several days while minimizing the risk of damage. Anecdotally users report administering the compound from twice per week to every other day, with some even choosing to inject everyday at very small doses.
In terms of frequency of injections users often find that it is determined by the length of time that they are planning on running the compound which influences their decision about dosing length. For example, some individuals will begin administering HCG during the last few weeks of their cycle prior to beginning their post-cycle therapy (PCT). The belief is that by doing so you will "shock" the testicles back into functioning just before PCT begins so that they can start to perform normally. Usually a user will choose to administer the human chorionic gonadotropin several times per week, even in some cases running it for several consecutive days at comparitavely high doses.
Another often used method is to run HCG throughout a user's cycle with less frequent injections. The theory behind this method is that it is much easier to attempt to maintain testicular function throughout a cycle rather than to try and "re-start" proper functioning. Most often when users are using this method of administration injections are done at a minimum of twice per week beginning in the first or second week of a steroid cycle, with them being conducted to a maximum of every three days. Of course a user may vary the dosing frequency as he sees fit depending on how he reacts to the compound. Usually it is the rate of testicular atrophy that a user will use as a guide as to when to increase his dosages and/or the frequency of injections.
One way to minimize the risk of permanent damage is to use tamoxifen throughout the administration of HCG. Studies have shown that human chorionic gonadotropin can, at least partially, block the conversion of 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17 OHP), which is a testosterone precursor, to testosterone. Obviously this is something that a user would want to avoid. However tamoxifen has been shown to protect against this effect quite effectively (4). Therefore, it would appear that by using tamoxifen while running HCG a user could help to ensure that desensitization of the testes does not occur. However, it should be noted that if a user is not running large amounts of human chorionic gonadotropin desensitization should not be an issue and tamoxifen would be unnecessary. Despite this, for those users that administer large amounts of HCG it is advisable that they also use tamoxifen for this reason.
Due to the fact that there exists luteinizing hormone and human chorionic gonadotropin receptors in various tissues in the body other then gonadal, this indicates that human chorionic gonadotropin can have an effect on these tissues resulting in possible negative side effects when administered. Such case of this is the possible development of gynecomastia in users (5). It appears that the use of human chorionic gonadotropin in a small number of users has resulted in some men developing gynecomastia that is not related to their estrogen levels or increased levels of prolactin, the most obvious causes of gynecomastia in steroid users. Rather, in a very small minority of users it seems that the increased amount of circulating luteinizing hormone or the human chorionic gonadotropin itself can interact with these receptors in the breast tissue causing a reaction resulting in the development of gynecomastia (5). It is unknown at this time the actual mechanism by which this is accomplished, but it does appear to occur frequently in a small number of men. As well there is no known method to combat this side effect in men who experience it, leaving the only option to treat this effect the cessation of human chorionic gonadotropin administration altogether. Fortunately it appears that when this is done the gynecomastia that has developed begins to dissipate rapidly and becomes unnoticeable within a matter of days or weeks in the majority of cases.
So knowing that the ability of the testes to aromatize androgens could potentially be heightened several times greater than normal when using HCG (2), it is fairly obvious that it should only be used as a quick stimulus to the testes and not something that is used to constantly barrage them in an attempt to keep them functioning (6). If used correctly the compound is capable of aiding in recovery of natural testosterone production post-cycle, but like all compounds it's use must be tempered with the correct knowledge and application.
References
1. Acute stimulation of aromatization in Leydig cells by human chorionic gonadotropin in vitro. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 76:4460-3, 1979
2. Llewellyn, William, Anabolics 2004, 2003-4, Molecular Nutrition, pp. 272-3
3. Levalle OA, Suescun MO, Fiszlejder L, Aszpis S, Charreau E, Guitelman A, Calandra R. Effect of an antiestrogen on the testicular response to acute and chronic administration of hCG in normal and hypogonadotropic hypogonadic men: tamoxifen and testicular response to hCG. Andrologia 1991 Mar-Apr, 23(2):109-14
4. Smals AG, Pieters GF, Drayer JI, Boers GH, Benraad TJ, Kloppenborg PW. Tamoxifen suppresses gonadotropin-induced 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone accumulation in normal men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1980 Nov, 51(5):1026-9
5. Carlson HE, Kane P, Lei ZM, Li X, Rao CV. Presence of Luteinizing Hormone/Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Receptors in Male Breast Tissues. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004 Aug;89(8):4119-23
6. Cantrill JA, Dewis P, Large DM et al. Which testosterone replacement therapy? Clin Endocrinol (oxf) 21 (1984) 97-107
Contact Us Today For A Free Consultation
- Research Peptides -- HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) - November 27th, 2021 [February 14th, 2021]
- chorionic gonadotropin, human intramuscular : Uses, Side ... - December 24th, 2017 [October 4th, 2015]
- IVF HCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin ) Injection - Video - March 20th, 2016 [April 24th, 2015]
- Diet Doc Emphasizes the Dangers of Ineffective Homeopathic Online hCG Diet Drops - October 2nd, 2020 [April 8th, 2015]
- Nursing a Grudge - November 8th, 2020 [January 22nd, 2015]
- The health cliches that actually turn out to be absolutely true - November 14th, 2020 [January 20th, 2015]
- 'Girls' actress eats her placenta, but doctors say proceed with caution - November 4th, 2020 [January 7th, 2015]
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) for Fat Loss: "Fallacy ... - November 15th, 2020 [December 13th, 2014]
- FTC continues cracking down on weight loss scams - November 29th, 2020 [December 13th, 2014]
- Overcoming Obesity with Dr Simeons hCG Protocol - Video - November 29th, 2020 [December 12th, 2014]
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Main Line Fertility - October 6th, 2020 [November 26th, 2014]
- Poor prognosis germ-cell tumours are only cured in about half of patients. We aimed to assess whether treatment ... - October 14th, 2020 [November 23rd, 2014]
- 'They're poisoning us'. How religious leaders are hindering vaccination programmes across the world - October 25th, 2020 [November 14th, 2014]
- Kate, Duchess of Cambridge dazzles in baby blue gown at the Natural History Museum - November 24th, 2020 [October 22nd, 2014]
- Dalton teacher beats rare form of cancer - November 18th, 2020 [October 22nd, 2014]
- Duchess of Cambridge 'hugely disappointed' after being forced to pull out of yet another engagement due to morning ... - May 4th, 2015 [October 1st, 2014]
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) - Video - May 4th, 2015 [September 14th, 2014]
- Eat your way to a hot body - November 9th, 2020 [June 21st, 2014]
- Getting a degree in dieting - November 26th, 2020 [June 10th, 2014]
- The Weight Loss Black List; Twelve Dangerous Weight Loss Ingredients - October 9th, 2020 [May 31st, 2014]
- FDA Targets Illegal Online Pharmacies - November 23rd, 2020 [May 28th, 2014]
- Illegal Online Meds Targeted in Worldwide Crackdown, FDA Says - November 26th, 2020 [May 24th, 2014]
- Drugs that Cause Gynecomastia - November 20th, 2020 [May 14th, 2014]
- 2013's Best HCG Diet Drops Exposed! - October 18th, 2020 [April 30th, 2014]
- Pronounce Medical Words BetaHuman Chorionic Gonadotropin - Video - October 8th, 2020 [April 24th, 2014]
- What are HCG Drops? | HCG Diet Drops Explained - Video - October 28th, 2020 [April 17th, 2014]
- Doping case against Acerbi dismissed - November 25th, 2020 [April 15th, 2014]
- Luteal Phase: The Uterine Lining Phase - Video - November 21st, 2020 [April 10th, 2014]
- Hot hCG Diet | The hCG Weight Loss Diet - Video - November 26th, 2020 [March 15th, 2014]
- Chorionic gonadotropin: Indications, Side Effects ... - October 19th, 2020 [March 14th, 2014]
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) (injectable) medical ... - October 1st, 2020 [February 21st, 2014]
- hcg weight loss - Video - February 19th, 2014 [February 19th, 2014]
- What is HCG? Human Chorionic Gonadotropin - Video - October 3rd, 2020 [February 14th, 2014]
- Paid Hepatitis C Clinical Trial Now Enrolling at Avail Clinical Research near Orlando, Florida; Accepting M/F Patients ... - January 22nd, 2014 [January 22nd, 2014]
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) DIET - Video - January 20th, 2014 [January 20th, 2014]
- FTC Announces $34 Million in Settlements with Companies Over Bogus Weight-Loss Products - January 9th, 2014 [January 9th, 2014]
- Health Highlights: Jan. 8, 2014 - May 4th, 2015 [January 8th, 2014]
- Serie A - Doping ban overturned on cancer sufferer Acerbi - December 5th, 2017 [January 8th, 2014]
- Dieters Beware: Weight Loss Products May Use Deceptive Marketing - January 8th, 2014 [January 8th, 2014]
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) And Weight Loss: Fact Or ... - November 17th, 2013 [November 17th, 2013]
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) (injectable) medical facts ... - December 11th, 2017 [November 17th, 2013]
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin - Anabolic Steroids - Steroids.com - January 24th, 2018 [November 10th, 2013]
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) And Weight Loss: Fact Or Fiction? - November 3rd, 2013 [November 3rd, 2013]
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) (injectable) medical facts from ... - December 27th, 2017 [November 3rd, 2013]
- FTC Charges HCG Marketer with Deceptive Advertising - December 13th, 2017 [October 30th, 2013]
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin - Video - October 20th, 2013 [October 20th, 2013]
- How Julia Montes lost weight - December 9th, 2017 [October 4th, 2013]
- 2014 Opportunities in the US Clinical Chemistry and Immunodiagnostics Markets - May 4th, 2015 [September 27th, 2013]
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin HCG Hormone Fast Weight Loss - Video - September 23rd, 2013 [September 23rd, 2013]
- Finally, The First Home Pregnancy Test That Tells You How Pregnant You Are - May 4th, 2015 [September 2nd, 2013]
- FSH LH AND THE REGULATION OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS - December 29th, 2016 [August 23rd, 2013]
- human chorionic gonadotropin weight loss - Video - August 19th, 2013 [August 19th, 2013]
- How Testicular Cancer Is Diagnosed | Testicular Cancer - Video - August 11th, 2013 [August 11th, 2013]
- What is Human Chorionic Gonadotropin - Video - August 6th, 2013 [August 6th, 2013]
- ExoLevel.com SEO Service Selected by HcgLifestyle.com HCG Diet to Create a Local Community Web Page for every city in ... - January 5th, 2018 [July 30th, 2013]
- Abbott Features Solutions to Help Labs Prepare for the Evolving Healthcare Landscape at the American Association for ... - May 4th, 2015 [July 30th, 2013]
- HCG Canada Group Releases the Newest Weapon in Weight Loss which has Helped Hundreds of Thousands Safely Lose Up to 30 ... - January 13th, 2018 [July 30th, 2013]
- New Fad Diet Found to Help Safely Lose 1-2 Pounds Daily in Conjunction with HCG Canada Group's New Potent HCG Drop ... - January 7th, 2018 [July 29th, 2013]
- Nevada board approves HCG diet drug - May 4th, 2015 [July 25th, 2013]
- Ultimate Solutions Med Spa - HCG Diet Weight Loss Frequently Asked Questions Darien CT - Video - July 19th, 2013 [July 19th, 2013]
- hCGTreatments / Diet Doc hCG Diets & Weight Loss Plans Introduce New hCG Drops and hCG Tablets that Eliminate ... - December 16th, 2017 [July 18th, 2013]
- Qualigen Receives FDA Clearance for Its FastPack® Vitamin D Immunoassay - May 4th, 2015 [July 16th, 2013]
- Ultimate Solutions Med Spa - HCG Diet Weight Loss Frequently Asked Questions - Video - July 15th, 2013 [July 15th, 2013]
- Weight Loss Drops - Are They A Scam? - Video - July 12th, 2013 [July 12th, 2013]
- Weight Loss Cure - Metabolic Cookbook - Video - May 4th, 2015 [July 12th, 2013]
- Weight Loss Cure with Metabolic Cookbook - Video - July 12th, 2013 [July 12th, 2013]
- hCGTreatments / Diet Doc hCG Diets & Weight Loss Plans Announce A New Four Phase Program that Allows Patients to Lose ... - January 16th, 2018 [June 19th, 2013]
- A More 'Natural' Version Of IVF Proves A Success - June 19th, 2013 [June 19th, 2013]
- Europe Endocrine Function Testing Market Studied by VPG in Cutting-Edge Report Now Available at MarketPublishers.com - May 4th, 2015 [June 18th, 2013]
- 2013 Endocrine Function Testing Market in Europe: Hospitals, Commercial Labs, Physician Offices, Ambulatory Care Centers - June 19th, 2015 [June 14th, 2013]
- HCG Drops | A Real HCG Drops Review for Those Desperate to Lose Weight Fast - Video - June 9th, 2013 [June 9th, 2013]
- hCGTreatments / Diet Doc hCG Diets & Weight Loss Plans Use Improved hCG Diet Plans Producing its Best Weight Loss to ... - December 31st, 2017 [June 7th, 2013]
- hCGTreatments / Diet Doc hCG Diets & Weight Loss Plans Announce New Ways to Stop Fast Food Cravings and Choose Healthy ... - December 6th, 2017 [June 5th, 2013]
- hCGTreatments / Diet Doc hCG Diets & Weight Loss Plans Offer Improved hCG Diet Plans to Provide Patients the Best ... - December 3rd, 2017 [May 21st, 2013]
- Early Stage Testicular Cancer - Surveillance Is Best Follow-Up Strategy - January 2nd, 2018 [May 18th, 2013]
- HCG Hormone- A Weight Loss Miracle? - May 14th, 2013 [May 14th, 2013]
- hCGTreatments / Diet Doc hCG Diets & Weight Loss Plans Offer Newly Improved hCG Diets for Healthy Lifestyle Changes ... - December 13th, 2017 [May 13th, 2013]
- hCG Lifestyle Releases List of the Top Editor's Choice for HCG Drops - January 3rd, 2018 [May 13th, 2013]
- hCG Lifestyle & Weight Loss Plans Announces: New Weight Loss HCG Drops Capable of Resetting the Metabolism - January 1st, 2018 [May 10th, 2013]
- hcg drops - hcg drops reviews - Video - May 4th, 2013 [May 4th, 2013]
Word Count: 1683