Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) — is a natural human hormone contained in the female placenta during pregnancy. In order to get HCG in the form of drug, urine of pregnant women is used and purified in the laboratory. Gonadotropin exerts similar effect as luteinizing hormone, which is a precursor of testosterone.

Oral use of the drug is ineffective and it has been proven by numerous studies. Experiments, conducted in the United States, have proven a complete inefficiency of dietary supplements containing human chorionic gonadotropin.

HCG Mechanism of Action

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin's mechanism of action is identically to the luteinizing hormone's one. Just like the luteinizing hormone, gonadotropin sends signal through the pituitary to the testes about the strengthening of testosterone.

In addition to its ability to increase the production of testosterone, the drug improves the quality of sperm, makes secondary sexual characteristics more pronounced (both in men and women). In women, chorionic gonadotropin strengthens the production of progesterone and accelerates the oocyte maturation. It also promotes placenta formation.

Under natural conditions, the amount of human chorionic gonadotropin is regulated by a feedback circuit in cooperation of hypothalamus, pituitary gland and testicles. Lack of HCG in the body leads to the testis size reduction and diminishing of their functionality.

Artificial administration of synthetic testosterone and its analogs makes the system hypothalamus-pituitary-testes understand that it should not produce gonadoliberin and gonadotropin. Consequently, testicles lose their functions and decrease in size over time.

Use of human chorionic gonadotropin in bodybuilding

Athletes who are taking testosterone and its analogues must use human gonadotropin for the prevention of testicular atrophy. It is the main function of this drug. Unexperienced bodybuilders use chorionic gonadotropin in combination with other drugs for the muscle gain.

Its property to increase the production of testosterone is the reason for the addition of HCG to the cycle. Also, it is used for cutting phases to preserve muscle mass during low-calorie diet.

It is proved that the use of human chorionic gonadotropin in bodybuilding for anabolic purposes is not justified. Moreover, its use can provoke some health problems. The level of testosterone stimulation with this drug is significantly lower than while using synthetic forms of testosterone (and side effects are more severe).

Why, then, it should be used?

The main advantage, which can be given by the use of gonadotrophin during a course of anabolic steroids - is its ability to prevent testicular atrophy.

When it is used to prevent the reduction of testicular size in doses that are significantly lower than the dose required for its anabolic effect. Accordingly, the health risks are minimized and you get the maximum benefit from the drug.

Also, chorionic gonadotropin has the property to soften and eliminate some side effects of anabolics. Use of the drug is allowed for "cutting" to preserve muscle mass. In case of a prolonged course of steroids HCG becomes simply indispensable to prevent the loss of functionality of the axis hypothalamus-pituitary-testes. HCG use is not recommended during the PCT.

How to take human chorionic gonadotropin during and after the course

HCG should be diluted in ampoules with special liquid, which is attached to the drug.  Chorionic gonadotropin should be injected intramuscularly, the drug quickly dissolves. The duration of action is 5-6 days.

Long cycles with excess dosages

In case of long AAS courses or use of steroids in exceed doses, chorionic gonadotropin should be taken two times a week at a dose of 250-500 IU. If during the course of severe AAS HCG is not used, it is recommended to include it in the post-cycle therapy. During PCT the drug is used at a dose of 2000 IU. Inject it every other day for 3 weeks.

Eternal Course

Professionals who use anabolic steroids on regular basis should include the drug in their cycles. After 5 weeks of the drug use, make a break for 1-2 weeks.

HCG Side Effects

• Suppression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone production.
• Violation of the system hypothalamus-pituitary-testes.
• Gynecomastia.
• Acne.
• Alopecia and increased body hairiness.
• Masculinization in women.
• Increase in prostate size.