Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, commonly referred to as HCG is a natural protein hormone that is developed in the placenta of pregnant women. Similar to LH or luteinizing hormone, it has luteinizing characteristics. In layman’s terms, HCG has the potential to increase testosterone production in male individuals. Because of this special trait, experts have developed drugs that contain the substance which can help athletes perform better. Furthermore, a small dosage of HCG is also used along with Nolvadex and Clomid to help regulate and increase the natural testosterone production of a person. This is often done when a person ceases taking anabolic or androgenic steroids and to maintain a person’s muscle mass and strength. This can also be injected while the individual is taking steroids.
The thing is that oral or injectible steroids can have adverse effects on a person’s body at a certain time. Luteinizing hormones are reduced, the same as follicle-stimulating hormones. It can dramatically lessen testosterone production, which can cause a person to lose muscle mass and strength. Administrating human chorionic gonadotropin after a person ceases taking steroids can help manage hormones more. In cases wherein testicular atrophy takes place due to overdosage, HCG can also be utilized to return the size of the testes to normal. Based on research, athletes who take HCG within two to three weeks during steroid treatment produce better results. This is also to avoid testicular atrophy.
It is important that the dosage of steroids be reduced gradually before taking HCG. This helps athletes transition better to better work-out conditions. However, since HCG is not a cure or a permanent remedy to any steroid after-effects, the user will still experience it. HCG merely slows down the body from going through that stage. It does not re-establish the normal hypothalamic/pituitary testicular axis. Because of this, athletes usually take Clomid or Nolvadex in conjunction with HCG to manage their hormones better. The regular dosage that athletes should take is 5000 IU or one HCG ampule every five days. The dose should also be the athlete’s prerogative. It should be based on the last steroid taken by the athlete.
If HCG is taken for more than the required number of weeks and especially in high dosages then it may cause severe side-effects. This may cause permanent inadequate gonadal dysfunction. Prolonged intake of HCG represses the body’s production of gonadotropins that is why it is more advantageous and safe to only have short cycle therapy.
Just like injectable testosterone, HCG might have side effects. Too much production of testosterone leads to high estrogen levels which can lead to gynecomastia. It can be exhibited in the form of growing breasts in men. With this, it is better to take it with anti-estrogen. Continuous use can also cause more frequent erections. Athletes can also use Clomid to balance things out. Some users also experience mood swings and high blood pressure.
HCG can be administered in the form of choriogonadotropin. Some people think of it as an unusual compressed white powder with reduced volume. But actually, appearance has nothing to do with the effect. For each HCG ampule, there is another ampule of injectable solution with isotonic sodium chloride. These are mixed with the dried substance after both ampules have been carefully opened. The remaining solution must be stored in a refrigerator or a cool dry place. The unmixed HCG, however, may not be kept refrigerated but must be kept out of light. Store it in a room with a temperature not more than 25° C.
For its current market price, HCG can be considered expensive. Different brands have prices ranging from $36-$45 for 3 ampules of 5000 IU each. It is also important to take note that there are fake HCGs and you should be aware of it. Some brands are way cheaper and you can opt to have them as long as you are getting them from trusted sellers and if they deliver good results.
