HCG

HCG use in Bodybuilding

In the fitness field, HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) primarily serves as an adjunct to support reproductive system function, with its mechanism of action differing from medical applications. As an analogue of pituitary hormones, HCG binds to LH receptors and stimulates testosterone production in males, helping maintain normal testicular function. During anabolic steroid cycles, HCG prevents testicular atrophy and loss of sensitivity, proving particularly valuable during recovery phases of extended steroid cycles (exceeding 8 weeks).

HCG Dosage During Steroid Use

Unlike steroid cycles, HCG usage cannot be categorized into beginner, intermediate, or advanced levels as commonly understood. HCG is an adjunct medication not intended for performance enhancement but rather to maintain, increase, or restore appropriate endogenous testosterone production. Its use during steroid cycles must occur only under very specific conditions and circumstances. Readers must clearly understand the following:
HCG should not be automatically administered during a steroid cycle unless the cycle is exceptionally long (12 weeks or more) and/or the individual is prone to very rapid and severe suppression/shutdown of the HPTA. HCG is not required during a steroid cycle to preserve testicular function unless the individual demonstrates significant difficulty in restoring endogenous testosterone production post-cycle. If the steroid cycle is shorter (8–10 weeks), testicular atrophy (if it occurs) will not persist long enough to significantly hinder testicular function recovery. For longer cycles (12 weeks or more), weekly HCG dosing during the cycle may be necessary due to the prolonged duration of testicular atrophy. In excessively long cycles, testicular atrophy due to gonadotropin desensitization can lead to greater difficulty in hormone recovery during PCT. To maintain testicular function during a steroid cycle, if necessary, administer 250–500 IU doses 1–2 times per week (spaced evenly between injections). The dose for this purpose should never exceed 500 IU.

HCG Dosage – Enhancing Endogenous Testosterone Production and PCT

Using HCG alone during PCT is a very poor strategy for restoring endogenous testosterone production.HCG is a synthetic luteinizing hormone, and like any other hormone in the human body, LH operates on a negative feedback loop. When the HPTA detects excessive exogenous hormone sources, the body suppresses or shuts down its own endogenous hormone production. The ideal use of HCG should be during the first 1-2 weeks of PCT. Other medications should be used during the remainder of PCT, which typically lasts 4-6 weeks. The optimal combination partner for HCG during PCT is Nolvadex. Research indicates that HCG and Nolvadex exhibit a significant synergistic effect in stimulating endogenous testosterone production. Furthermore, Nolvadex prevents the desensitization of testicular Leydig cells caused by high-dose HCG. Additionally, HCG use increases testicular aromatase expression, leading to estrogenic side effects. Therefore, the HCG-Nolvadex combination must also be paired with an aromatase inhibitor (AI). However, the most effective choice for combining with Nolvadex and HCG is Aromasin (letrozole), as studies have demonstrated that Nolvadex reduces the plasma concentrations of the other two AIs (letrozole or anastrozole) when used in combination. Thus, to mitigate the increased aromatase activity caused by HCG administration, Aromasin is the optimal AI choice. Finally, the HCG dosage for PCT aimed at restoring endogenous hormones is 500 IU/day for 1-2 weeks. High-dose, high-frequency HCG administration occurs only during the initial weeks following a steroid cycle. This provides the body with an initial “shock” output of testosterone after prolonged testicular atrophy may have occurred during the cycle.

HCG side Effects and Usage Considerations

The most common side effects experienced by men using HCG include:
Gynecomastia (male breast enlargement)
Injection site pain, redness, and swelling
Abdominal pain
Nausea
Vomiting
In extremely rare cases, individuals using HCG may develop blood clots. Allergic reactions, ranging from mild rashes to severe anaphylaxis, can also occur in isolated instances.