Active substance: human chorionic gonadotropin
Tradenames: Biogonadyl, Choron 10, Chorulon, Ekluton, Gonadotraphon LH, HCG, Pregnyl, Primogonyl, Profasi, Ovogest
Human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone found only in pregnant women's placenta. For women has no significant role, but for athlete has some very interesting characteristics. It can imitate the luteinizing hormone (LH), secreted by the pituitary gland; this is the hormone that gives the signal for testosterone production. Sex hormones act by a negative feedback when they are present in too large quantities (such as androgenic or estrogenic steroids) and send a signal to the brain to stop the secretion of LH. During steroid cycles that stretch over long periods if the natural testosterone production is suppressed for too long, the testicles will begin to atrophy and lose functionality. By administering a hormone similar to the luteinizing hormone the testicular function is mentained and if shrinkage has happen it can return tests to the normal size.
Because it leads to a testosterone accumulation in the body can also have some anabolic properties but not significant. It is therefore not used by athletes for this purpose.
HCG is used to induce ovulation and treat ovarian disorders in women, or to stimulate the testes who do not produce enough testosterone in men. It is used for the treatemnt of testicules that have not descended into the scrotum in children or adolescents. For female atheletes has no practical application, but for athletes who use anabolic and androgenic steroids is very useful. As I said above, HCG is similar to the luteinizing hormone, which stimulates the testes to release testosterone. It is very useful especially during very long steroids cycles or when using very high doses. In such situations, the hypothalamus signals the testes to stop producing testosterone and testicular atrophy occurs (shrinkage). If HCG is used it will send a signal, like the one sent by LH, and thus the production of testosterone in the testicles will continue and atrophy will be avoided for a greater or lesser extent. It doesn't only helps to maintain testicular size and function but it also helps to bring tests back to normal, if shrankage has occurred. Especially when androgen levels are below the limit (because of steroids), which could have unwanted side effects. Restoring normal testosterone production as quickly as poibile is crucial to the succes of a steroid cycle. The price paid if normal levels are not restored is the lose of muscle mass, the main reason being cortisol. Cortisol sends a signal to the muscles, which is opposite to that of testosterone. If the problem is not solved, and testosterone production is not restored, cortisol (due to very low levels of testosterone) will quickly devour the muscles obtained during the steroid cycle.
Some users find that they progress better and recover better if they use HCG during a steroidcycle. Stimulating the tests to produce testosterone during a cycle will make PCT much easier. This involves the administration of 500-1000 I.U. weekly or every two weeks during the steroid cycle. In one study, a single injection of 6000 I.U. of HCG increased testosterone for six days. This is why many recommend to be administer every 3-5 days.
Regarding the use of HCG in the post cycle therapy it must not be used along with Clomid, as was believed in the past. it can be administered in low doses of 250-500 I.U. daily for two to three weeks, immediately after the steroid cycle or at the end of it. HCG must be accompanied always by Nolvadex 20 mg/zi, in order to avoid estrogenic side effects, especially gynecomastia. Low doses of 250 I.U. or 500 I.U. decrease the risk to desensitize the testicles. When it comes to HCG, clearly more is not better. It is best to start from 250 IU, and if in 5-6 days you do not notice any effects (testicles don't recover), slightly increase the dose.
HCG cycles should last 2-3 weeks and have at least one month break between them. Prolonged use can permanently desensitize the testicles to the luteinizing hormone, which means that your testicles will never produce testosterone again (and nobody wants that!). This effect is theoretically possible, but no cases have been registered so far.
Most begin their HCG administration at the end of a steroid cycle. HCG and Nolvadex are taken togheter in the last week, or last two weeks of the steroids cycle . Then continue with the clasic PCT with Clomid and Nolvadex.
If the steroids cycles last between 6 and 10 weeks, r less, is not always requireed the use of HCG, unless very high doses of anabolic steroids are used, or testicular atrophy ispresent. Cycles of 12 weeks or more must include HCG.
Side effects are possible and resemble those of anabolic and androgenic steroids, although gynecomastia is most probable. It can also lead to water retention, if used in large doses. Gynecomastia can occur at all doses. One other possible side effect, more serious, is the desensitization of the testicles, as we have already said above. That is why Nolvadex must always be used along HCG .
HCG comes packaged in the form of two vials, a powder and a solvent (liquid). The two are mixed to obtain the injectable HCG. It is injected intramuscularly, but not so deep as steroids. But most bodybuilders use it subcutaneously, injected with small insulin needles. Mixed HCG must be kept refrigerated. If not prepared, you do not need refrigeration, but must be protected from sunlight and maintained at a temperatures below 25 degrees Celsius.