CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN IN HUMAN (HCG)
An alpha sub-unit of chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), a polypeptide hormone, is comparable to the alpha components of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), but the beta sub-unit has a distinct amino acid sequence. This indicates that while HCG has weak FSH activity, it has essentially equivalent effects as LH in terms of triggering the formation of gonadal steroid hormones, which create androgens and progesterone, and influencing the development of male secondary sex characteristics. During pregnancy, it keeps the corpus luteum alive. Allergies are uncommon because HCG and other gonadotropins are produced by the body and are not xenobiotics. A hormone called chorionic gonadotropin is created by the placenta during pregnancy and subsequently expelled in urine, where it is then collected and refined to make medications.It is an effective medicine that has received FDA approval. There are a few significant problems that call for the use of HCG. Let's think about the one that the athletes and viewers of TRT find most intriguing.The use of exogenous testosterone decreases the release of LH from the brain during the steroid cycle or testosterone replacement treatment (TRT). The HPTA (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis) is stopped when exogenous testosterone is administered, and the testicles stop receiving LH. Most of us simply refer to this as "shutdown," "HPTA suppression," or testicular atrophy. Men will notice that when their testicles shrink over time and continue to ache, sperm production likewise almost stops. Men's perceptions of the duration of this occurrence vary; younger men may perceive it to last longer, while middle-aged and older men may perceive it to occur more quickly. There is no conclusive study to support the theory that it has to do with the amount of receptors on the Leydig cells. Men's scrotums will get painfully tight, pull up, and end up looking like a 6-year-old. Sperm quality will also deteriorate significantly, and these changes may be irreversible. This effect has led to research into testosterone monotherapy as a male contraceptive As a result of a feedback process in the hypothalamus-pituitary-testes axis, which controls gonadotropin levels in the body, gonadotropins are produced in the pituitary gland and typically boost the function of the testicles; however, their absence leads to testicular atrophy. Supporting testicular activity during the cycle/TRT is crucial for preventing testicular atrophy. And a key instrument for this is HCG therapy.Leydig cells make up only about 5% of the mass of the testis, so testicular size is not an indicator of suppression level because the volume can change very little (only 5%) with almost complete suppression of Leydig cells function. Luteinizing hormone, which maintains (stimulates) the normal function of the testicles after a 12–16 week cycle, causes the decrease of Leydig cells by 90% and the secretion of own testosterone by 98%.
DOSAGE:
There are many of HCG protocols, but these ones are deemed the best since they preserve testicular function and aid in the fullest recovery following an AAS cycle:
Make two weekly injections of gonadotropin (250–500 IU each) if the cycle lasts no longer than 5–12 weeks and medications are taken in small–moderate doses for at least the last 3–5 weeks of the cycle to prevent testicular atrophy.Gonadotropin is continually administered during lengthy, multi-month cycles, 3-5 weeks on and 1-2 weeks off (it is necessary to take a break for at least 1-2 weeks in order to prevent desensitization).
If hCG was not used during the lengthy and intense cycle, it should be utilised in post-cycle therapy; however, it should only be given at the start of PCT. Clinical trials support the most often utilised protocol, according to William Llewellyns. It is advised to utilise 2000 IU of hCG every other day for 20 days as part of post-cycle therapy to restart the HPTA. However, using high doses (2000–5000 IU) for more than 20 days is not advised.
Over the TRT:
Protocols for Once-Weekly Testosterone Injection
The more typical strategy is to utilise 250IU of hCG two days and one day prior to a man's next testosterone injection if he injects testosterone once per week. The hCG injection on these days increases natural production, establishing a bridge until the next testosterone injection, according to the theory behind this. Testosterone serum levels are thought to be at or near half-life.
Testosterone Injections Twice Weekly:
Use a more conventional protocol: smaller dosages applied more frequently, if a man injects twice a week on a schedule that is similar to one every 3-5 days. Inject 250IU of hCG every other day (EOD) or according to a Monday-Wednesday-Friday schedule.
Gel or Cream Daily Use:
Some of the best TRP doctors, including Dr. John Crisler, advise patients to take 100iu of hCG every day if they utilise a cream or gel. More than 500 iu of hCG should not be injected in a 24-hour period since this can increase intratesticular E2, which an AI is mainly useless at reducing. Furthermore, it has been proposed that high concentrations of hCG may desensitise the receptors on Lydeg cells. In addition, Michael Scally, M.D. According to and studies [testicular desensitisation does not happen when the dosage of hCG is less than 500 IU per injection and less than three times per week. Additionally, high doses of HCG produce a rapid rise in oestrogen; therefore, to prevent this, use tamoxifen instead of aromatase inhibitors or split the weekly HCG dose into smaller amounts.
Storage, readiness, and viability:
HCG powder that has not been mixed or composed must be kept in the refrigerator, although it can be kept undamaged for over a month in a dark location below +25 degrees Celsius. The saline solvent that is often included with HCG is only appropriate for usage when the hormone is given as a single, one-time dose (usually in fertility treatment). The saline solvent that comes with your HCG MUST be destroyed and replaced with bacteriostatic saline if you are multi-dosing it for TRT. Bacteriostatic saline has a preservative that prevents bacteria from growing, extending the shelf life of your HCG. All HCG should be kept in the refrigerator after being combined or formed and used within 30 days. Due of its great fragility, HCG will break down when exposed to heat and light.
Injections:
Both intramuscular and subcutaneous injections are options. Before injecting the medicine, clean the injection site and the rubber cap with alcohol.Draw the medication into a syringe, then slowly inject it.
Pharmacodynamics:
HCG has a long half-life, although its effects endure for 5–6 days before gradually waning.
HCG Safety:
Urinary-derived HCG appears to be safe, according to a 2005 international consensus statement
Interaction:
In addition, GH treatment improves hypopituitarism or growth hormone deficiency subjects' ovarian responsiveness to gonadotropins. However, in people with normal pituitary function, supplementary GH does not seem to have a significant impact on the gonadotropin's ability to function. It was a straightforward, instruction-like piece about HCG and how everyone who utilises exogenous testosterone and its derivatives must take it.
Wait for the following section, gents, if you want to learn more and dig deeper, such as how hCG impacts mood in both you and your girlfriend, discover something new about neuroprotection, discover why libido increases when hCG is added to the cycle despite testosterone usage, and much more!