What It's Used For

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is a hormone that mimics luteinizing hormone (LH) to stimulate testosterone production and maintain fertility in men. It's commonly used alongside testosterone therapy or for hormone optimization.

  1. Testosterone Production:
    • Stimulates natural testosterone production in the testes.
  2. Fertility Preservation:
    • Maintains sperm production during testosterone replacement therapy.
  3. Testicular Function:
    • Prevents testicular atrophy (shrinkage) during TRT.
  4. Post-Cycle Recovery:
    • Helps restore natural hormone production after anabolic steroid use.

How Much to Take

  1. Dose: 250-500 IU for maintenance, 1000-3000 IU for recovery.
  2. How Often:
    • Low dose protocol: 250-500 IU 2-3 times weekly.
    • High dose protocol: 1500-3000 IU 3 times weekly.
  3. When to Inject:
    • Can be taken any time of day.
    • Best to maintain consistent schedule (e.g., Monday/Wednesday/Friday).

How Long to Use It

  • With TRT: Can be used continuously alongside testosterone therapy.
  • For Recovery: Use for 8-16 weeks to restore natural production.
  • Fertility Protocol: Minimum 3-6 months for sperm production improvement.

Need-to-Know Information

  1. How It Works:
    • HCG binds to LH receptors in the testes.
    • Stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone.
    • Maintains intratesticular testosterone levels needed for sperm production.
  2. Key Benefits:
    • Hormone Balance: Maintains natural testosterone alongside TRT.
    • Fertility: Preserves sperm production and quality.
    • Testicular Size: Prevents atrophy during hormone therapy.
    • Well-being: Improves mood and energy levels.
  3. Who Should Avoid It:
    • Those with hormone-sensitive cancers.
    • Men with high estrogen or gynecomastia issues.
    • Individuals with polycythemia (high red blood cells).
  4. Possible Side Effects:
    • Increased estrogen levels.
    • Water retention.
    • Gynecomastia (male breast tissue growth).
    • Mood swings if estrogen gets too high.

How to Mix and Store It

  1. Mixing Instructions:
    • Use bacteriostatic water for reconstitution.
    • Example: Add 2 mL bacteriostatic water to 5000 IU vial = 2500 IU/mL.
    • For 500 IU dose, draw 0.2 mL into syringe.
  2. Storage:
    • Store reconstituted HCG in refrigerator (never freeze).
    • Use within 30-60 days after mixing.
    • Keep unmixed powder in cool, dark place.

How to Inject

  1. Injection Method:
    • Where to Inject: Subcutaneous (stomach fat) or intramuscular (thigh/glute).
    • Injection Tips: Use insulin syringe for subQ, rotate injection sites.
  2. Preparation:
    • Clean vial top with alcohol swab.
    • Draw correct dose slowly to avoid bubbles.
    • Change needle if using IM injection.

Example Dosing Schedule

With TRT (Low Dose):

  1. Monday: 250 IU subcutaneously.
  2. Wednesday: 250 IU subcutaneously.
  3. Friday: 250 IU subcutaneously.

Post-Cycle Recovery (High Dose):

  1. Monday: 2000 IU intramuscularly.
  2. Wednesday: 2000 IU intramuscularly.
  3. Friday: 2000 IU intramuscularly.

Extra Tips for Best Results

  1. Monitor Estrogen Levels:
    • Get blood work to check estradiol levels.
    • Consider aromatase inhibitor if estrogen gets too high.
  2. Stack with Other Compounds:
    • Combine with Clomid or Nolvadex for PCT.
    • Use with FSH for enhanced fertility.
  3. Timing with TRT:
    • Inject HCG on days between testosterone injections.
    • Helps maintain stable hormone levels.
  4. Blood Work Monitoring:
    • Check testosterone, estradiol, and hematocrit regularly.
    • Adjust dose based on lab results.
  5. Fertility Optimization:
    • Higher doses (1500-3000 IU) needed for fertility.
    • May need to add FSH if sperm count doesn't improve.
  6. Avoid Desensitization:
    • Don't exceed recommended doses.
    • Take occasional breaks if using long-term at high doses.