Description

An extensive guide to HCG use.

In men, hCG can raise endogenous (natural) levels of testosterone.

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) uses synthetic (not made in the body) testosterone, which will then shut down the body’s own natural supply of testosterone.

This is because the body detects that there is enough testosterone in the bloodstream and subsequently stops producing its own.

This is where hCG comes to help men on TRT who want to boost their endogenous testosterone production or are still thinking of having their own testicles produce it or want to have children in the future – HCG would help towards all this.

Combining TRT and hCG

The first treatment option is to use hCG alongside TRT. This treatment option is ideal for men who want to maintain fertility while experiencing the benefits of TRT.

Men who aren’t concerned about fertility may also choose this option because exogenous testosterone tends to shrink the testes, whereas maintaining fertility through hCG will help maintain normal testicle size.

In certain instances however, using hCG alongside TRT may require an aromatase inhibitor (AI) in order to manage oestrogenic side effects such as bloating and water retention.

In bodybuilding, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is commonly used to counteract the negative effects of anabolic steroid use, especially the suppression of natural testosterone production.

Key Roles of hCG in Bodybuilding

1. During Steroid Cycle (On-Cycle Use)

Steroid use suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, reducing LH and FSH, leading to testicular shrinkage and low testosterone.

hCG mimics luteinizing hormone (LH), stimulating the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone, helping to:

Prevent testicular atrophy

Maintain intratesticular testosterone

Preserve fertility to some degree

2. Post Cycle Therapy (PCT)

After a steroid cycle, the body’s own testosterone production is often very low.

hCG is sometimes used at the beginning of PCT to “kickstart” natural testosterone production before switching to SERMs (like Clomid or Nolvadex).

This helps to recover the HPG axis more quickly.

Typical Dosages (non-medical use)

> Note: These are not medical recommendations, only descriptions of how some bodybuilders use it.

On-Cycle: 250–500 IU every 4–5 days

PCT: 500–2000 IU every other day for 2–3 weeks (often followed by Clomid or Nolvadex)

Using too much hCG or using it for too long can cause desensitization of the testes, making natural recovery harder.

Risks and Side Effects

Gynecomastia (gyno): hCG increases estrogen indirectly

Mood swings, water retention

Suppression of natural LH if used too long

Testicular desensitization