HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is a hormone synthesized by the placenta and commonly associated with pregnancy. However, HCG is also used in certain medical treatments, especially in areas related to reproductive health and weight management. For the bodybuilding and sports population, HCG also has specific uses, especially in restoring the body's natural hormone levels after the use of steroids. Here is the basic information about HCG and what bodybuilders typically want to know about HCG.

Basic information about HCG

Sources and functions:

HCG is a hormone that occurs naturally during pregnancy and is secreted by a woman's placental cells. Its main function is to support corpus luteum production in early pregnancy, thereby promoting the secretion of progesterone and maintaining pregnancy.

In men, HCG mimics the effects of luteinizing hormone (LH), stimulating the testicles to produce testosterone and sperm.

Medical use:

Male infertility treatment: HCG is used to stimulate Leydig cells in the testicles and increase testosterone production to improve sperm production.

Gonadal hypoplasia: HCG is commonly used to treat some diseases caused by gonadal hypoplasia, especially male low testosterone ketosis.

Recovery after steroid cycling: In bodybuilding, HCG is often used to restore natural testosterone levels after steroid abuse and avoid testicular atrophy.

Uses in bodybuilding:

Restoring natural hormone levels: Since steroids inhibit the body's natural testosterone production, HCG can help restore the natural secretion of testosterone, especially during the recovery phase after stopping steroid use.

Preventing testicular atrophy: When using steroids, the testicles may atrophy as the body no longer produces LH. HCG helps maintain the function and size of the testicles by mimicking LH.

How to use:

HCG is usually administered as a subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. It can be used in combination with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) or steroid post-cycle therapy (PCT) to help restore testicular function and hormonal balance.

Why do bodybuilders use HCG after a steroid cycle?

There are several main reasons why bodybuilders use HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) after a steroid cycle:

Restore natural testosterone production

Steroid use often suppresses the body's natural testosterone production because exogenous testosterone suppresses the function of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland through a negative feedback mechanism, resulting in decreased LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) levels. This inhibition may result in:

Testicular atrophy: The testicles shrink without LH stimulation because the Leydig cells of the testicles no longer produce testosterone.

Hormone imbalance: After stopping steroids, it may take longer for the body to return to normal hormone levels.

HCG is able to mimic the effects of LH by stimulating the testes to re-produce testosterone, so using HCG after a steroid cycle helps restore natural testosterone production.

Prevent testicular atrophy

During the steroid cycle, the body stops naturally producing hormones due to the use of exogenous hormones, which can lead to atrophy of the testicles. Using HCG can preserve the function and size of the testicles, help prevent atrophy, and support sperm production.

Accelerate the recovery process

After a steroid cycle ends, many bodybuilders want to return to a normal endocrine state as soon as possible in order to regain strength, endurance, and overall health. As part of PCT (post-cycle therapy), HCG can effectively speed up the recovery process, allowing the body to return to normal hormone levels as soon as possible.

Improve overall health

Long-term steroid use may lead to hormonal imbalances, and the use of HCG can help restore normal endocrine function, thereby improving overall health, including:

Boost energy levels: Restoring normal testosterone levels can improve energy and mood.

Increased libido: Libido usually increases after testosterone levels recover.

Maintain muscle mass: Maintaining testosterone levels helps protect muscle mass and prevent muscle loss during PCT.

Avoid long-term effects

Inhibiting the use of natural testosterone can lead to long-term hormonal problems, and using HCG can reduce this risk. By restoring endocrine function early, bodybuilders can reduce the potential negative effects of steroid use on the body.

Sum up

Bodybuilders use HCG after a steroid cycle primarily to restore natural testosterone production, prevent testicular atrophy, speed up the recovery process and improve overall health. Using HCG can help bodybuilders quickly return to normal hormone levels, thereby maintaining muscle mass, energy, and sexual function.

Can HCG be used during a steroid cycle?

Yes, bodybuilders sometimes use HCG during steroid cycles to prevent testicular atrophy and maintain normal testicular function. This type of use is called "on-cycle HCG" and is intended to preserve testicular function while steroids inhibit natural LH.

What is the relationship between HCG and PCT (post-cycle therapy)?

After the steroid cycle ends, bodybuilders often need to restore the body's natural hormone production, which is where the PCT comes in. HCG is often used as part of the PCT to restart the testicles' natural testosterone production after steroid withdrawal.

Once HCG has restored testicular function, other PCT drugs such as Clomiphene (Clomid) or tamoxifen (Nolvadex) can further restore the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPTA), helping to maintain normal testosterone levels.

What is the dosage and frequency of HCG?

In bodybuilding, the dosage and frequency of HCG use will vary from person to person, but the recommended dosage is usually 500 IU to 2000 IU per week, usually injected 2-3 times per week for 2-3 weeks as part of the PCT.

If used for prophylactic use during a steroid cycle, the dose is usually lower, about 250 IU to 500 IU per week.

What are the side effects of HCG?

Although HCG is relatively safe, it can still cause some side effects, including pain at the injection site, headache, edema, mood swings, and more.

Long-term use of high doses of HCG may cause testicular hyperstimulation, which can lead to side effects such as excess testosterone, mood instability, acne, and more.

Another potential risk is that HCG may increase estrogen levels because while stimulating testosterone production, some of the testosterone may be converted to estrogen via aromatase. For this reason, bodybuilders sometimes use anti-estrogen medications together.

Can HCG be used with other hormones?

Yes, HCG is often used in combination with other drugs (e.g. Clomiphene, tamoxifen) to enhance the effect of PCT and ensure that the body quickly returns to its natural hormonal balance.

In some cases, HCG may also be used in combination with testosterone replacement therapy, especially during TRT to preserve testicular function and fertility.

Does HCG have a direct effect on muscle growth?

HCG does not directly promote muscle growth; its role is primarily to indirectly support muscle growth by restoring natural testosterone levels. Therefore, it is commonly used in bodybuilders for recovery after a steroid cycle, rather than directly for muscle-building purposes.

The main purpose of HCG use by bodybuilders is to restore natural testosterone levels after a steroid cycle, prevent testicular atrophy, and maintain overall gonadal function.