HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

Quick info about HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

HCG is not a steroid, but a naturally occurring peptide hormone, produced by the embryo in the early stages of pregnancy and later by the trophoblast (part of the placenta) to help control a pregnant woman's hormones. HCG is a glycoprotein composed of 237 amino acids and has a mass of 36.7kDa. HCG basically "acts" as leutenizing hormone (LH) in your body. LH is a Gonadotropin.

HCG is clinically used to induce ovulation and treat ovarian disorders in women, as well stimulate the testes in hypogonadal (underproduction of testosterone) men. It is also used in the treatment of undescended testicles in young males. HCG offers no potential performance enhancement in female athletes, but does prove to be very useful in male athletes especially those that use AAS.

Since HCG increases the body's natural testosterone levels, its use during long or extremely high dosed cycles can be most beneficial were the effects on the hypothalamus causes a depressed signal to the testicles. The price paid by bodybuilders for failing to raise natural Test levels is the loss of most if not all the hard earned muscle gained; the main cause is cortisol. Some users find that they have better gains and quicker recovery while using HCG during a cycle of AAS. An average dose of HCG during a cycle is between 500 to 1000iu every week to every other week while on a cycle. In one study I reviewed, a single injection of 6000IU of HCG elevated Test levels for 6 days. That's why a lot of people recommend taking it every 3-5 days.

As regards HCG's use of post cycle therapy (PCT), smaller and more frequent doses after a cycle of AAS would give the best results with the least amount of side effects. A dose of 250iu to 500iu everyday (ed) for 2 to 3 weeks is plenty and should vary little from person to person. Since HCG is used to stimulate testosterone production, side effects can be the same as those associated with AAS, although gyno may be more common. Possible side effects of HCG use are water and sodium retention following higher doses. This is usually a result of higher androgen production. It may cause gyno (again, if doses are too high). Any athletes worried about failing urine tests because of low levels of epitestosterone may find that using a dose of 500iu of HCG will increase epitestosterone levels.