Why you should use HCG. All you non-HCGers read this...

[The Butcher]

As the saying goes, there is more than one way to skin a cat. This saying is especially true when it comes to post-cycle recovery. While most of the people on this board feel Clomid is the way to go for post-cycle recovery, I have a different opinion. For me, it's HCG . I've read several threads recently in which people say HCG does nothing other than make your nuts come back to their normal size. To some extent, yes that is true. Your nuts will come back. However, even if you don't notice atrophy, HCG should be the cornerstone of your post-cycle recovery regimen. Here is why:

Understanding Post Cycle “T” Recovery
By William Llewellyn




O.K. You have been on an awesome 4-month cycle of Sustanon and Dianabol . You’ve gained a massive 20 lbs, and are extremely pleased with your results. You can’t stop looking in the mirror. But there is a problem now starting to eat away at you. You are going to run out of steroids very soon (you know you need a break anyway), and your testicles are the size of raisins. Your body is producing less testosterone than a 9-year-old girl, and you are scrambling to figure out what to do to avoid a nasty post-cycle crash that could potentially strip away some of your hard-earned muscle. The opinions on how to restore endogenous testosterone production post-cycle seem to be different everywhere you look. What option is best? Without an understanding of exactly what is going on in your body, and why certain compounds help to correct the situation, choosing the right post-cycle program can be quite confusing. In this article I would therefore like to discuss the role of anti-estrogens and HCG during this delicate window of time, while detailing an effective strategy for their use.



The Axis



The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular Axis, or HPTA for short, is the thermostat for your body’s natural production of testosterone. Too much testosterone and the furnace will shut off. Not enough, and the heat is turned up, to put it very simply. For the purposes of our discussion here we can look at this regulating process as having three levels. At the top is the hypothalamic region of the brain, which releases the hormone GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone) when it senses a need for more testosterone. GnRH sends a signal to the second level of the axis, the pituitary, which releases Luteinizing Hormone in response. LH for short, this hormone stimulates the testes (level three) to secrete testosterone. The same sex steroids (testosterone, estrogen) that are produced serve to counter-balance things, by providing negative feedback signals (primarily to the hypothalamus and pituitary) to lower the secretion of testosterone when too much of this hormone is sensed. Synthetic steroids, of course, suppress testosterone the same way. This quick background of the testosterone-regulating axis is necessary to furthering our discussion, as we need to first look at the underlying mechanisms involved before we can understand why natural recovery of the HPTA post-cycle is a slow process. Only then can we implement an ancillary drug program to effectively deal with it.



Testicular Desensitization


Although steroids suppress testosterone production primarily by lowering the level of gonadotropic hormones discussed above, the big roadblock to a restored HPTA after we come off the drugs is surprisingly not the level of LH itself. This problem is made clearly evident in a study published in Acta Endocrinologica back in 1975(1). Here blood parameters, including testosterone and LH levels, were monitored in male subjects whom were given testosterone enanthate injections of 250mg weekly for 21 weeks. Subjects remained under investigation for an additional 18 weeks after the drug was discontinued. At the start of the study, LH levels became suppressed in direct relation to the rise in testosterone, which is to be expected. Things looked very different, however, once the steroids had been withdrawn (see Figure I). LH levels went on the rise quickly (by the 3rd week), while testosterone barely budged for quite some time. In fact, on average it was more than 10 weeks before any noticeable movement started. This lack of correlation makes clear that the problem in getting androgen levels restored is not the level of LH, but in fact testicular atrophy and desensitization to this hormone. After a period of inactivation the testes have apparently lost mass (atrophied), making them unable to perform the workload required by heightened levels of LH.


Post-Cycle LH Levels


Post Cycle Testosterone Levels



Figure I. LH and Testosterone measurements starting 1 week after the last injection of 250mg of testosterone enanthate (pretreated measures were 5 mU/ml and 4.5 ng/ml respectively). Note that between weeks 1 and 5, as testosterone levels are declining due to the cessation of exogenous androgen administration, LH levels are already rebounding. From weeks 5 to 10 testosterone levels are at or very near baseline, to spite the substantial LH levels by this point. No significant increase in testosterone is noted until after the 10-week mark.



The Role of Anti-estrogens


It is important to understand that anti-estrogens alone do not do much to restore endogenous testosterone release after a cycle. Normally they only foster LH by blocking the negative feedback of estrogens, and we now see that LH rebounds quickly without help anyway. Plus, post cycle there is not an elevated level of estrogen for anti-estrogens to block, as testosterone (now suppressed) is a major substrate used for the synthesis of estrogens in men. Serum estrogen levels will actually be lower here as a result, not higher. Any estrogen rebound that occurs post-cycle likewise happens concurrently with a rebound in testosterone levels, not prior to it (note there is an imbalance in the ratio post cycle, but this is another topic altogether). We are seeing no mechanism in which anti-estrogenic drugs can really help here. We can see why this fact would not be difficult to overlook, however. The medical literature is filled with references showing anti-estrogenic drugs like Clomid and Nolvadex to increase LH and testosterone levels, and in normal situations these drugs do indeed increase endogenous androgen production by blocking the negative feedback of estrogens. Combine this with the fact that just as many studies can be found to show that steroid use lowers LH levels when suppressing testosterone, and we can see how easy it would be to jump to the conclusion that post-cycle we need to focus on restoring LH. We would miss the true problem of testicular desensitization unless we were really looking into the actual recovery rates of the hormones involved. When we do, we immediately see little value in using anti-estrogenic drugs.



HCG


So we now see, contrary to the dominating opinion of the times, that anti-estrogens alone will do little to raise testosterone levels in the early weeks of the post-cycle window. This leaves us to focus on a very different level of the HPTA in order to hasten recovery: the testes. For this we will need the injectable drug HCG. If you are not familiar with it, HCG, or Human Chorionic Gonadotropin , is a prescription fertility agent that mimics the bodies own natural LH. Although the testes are equally desensitized to this drug as LH (they both work through the same mechanism), we are administering it as a measured drug and are therefore not constrained by the limits of our own LH production. We similarly can use HCG to provide a bolus dose of LH (of our choosing), which works only to augment the recovering LH levels we already have in the body. In essence we are looking to shock them with an overwhelmingly high level of LH activity, coming from both endogenous and exogenous sources. We want it to reach a level far above what our body, even when supported by anti-estrogens, could possibly do on its own. The result can be a rapid restoration of original testicular mass and functioning, which would allow normal levels of testosterone to be output much sooner than without such an ancillary program. What we are looking at now is HCG actually being the pivotal post-cycle drug, while anti-estrogens are relegated to a supportive role at best.



Finalizing the Program


An ideal post-cycle recovery program will focus on two things really. The first is hitting the testes hard with HCG. It is important, however, not to overuse this drug. Taken for too long, or at too high a dosage, the LH receptor will actually become desensitized to LH(2) , which may further exacerbate our post-cycle problem instead of helping it (this is why I am not in favor of regular HCG use on-cycle). My experience with HCG has led me to feel comfortable using it for a course of three weeks, at a dosage of maybe 5000-7500IU weekly. Often the last week I limit the dose to 2,500IU, unless the cycle has been particularly long or potent. This is timed so at least half of the total administered drug dosage will be given when there is still exogenous steroid in the body. On our graph above this would be at about the 3-week mark after the last injection of testosterone. This will give the testes some time to get back into shape before the baseline is actually hit with T levels. Secondly, Anti-estrogens are used to play a supportive role at the same time, so 20mg of Nolvadex or 50-100mg of Clomid would typically be added ( my last article for Mind and Muscle discusses the comparative differences with these two agents). This is to combat the suppressive effects of estrogen as testosterone levels start to go back up, as well as potential side effects (HCG has been shown to increase testicular aromatase activity as well (3)). Although in the first couple of weeks the anti-estrogen does little, it may indeed be helpful when testosterone levels actually start to get back up near normal. To further stimulate the HPTA, and support continuingly high LH levels, the anti-estrogen remains to be used for 2 to 3 weeks after the HCG therapy has been stopped. A sample program, as it would be instituted in our sample post-cycle window, is provided below.



Sample Post-cycle Plan:


Week 3: 5000IU HCG total + 20mg Nolvadex daily
Week 4: 5000IU HCG total + 20mg Nolvadex daily
Week 5: 2500IU HCG total + 20mg Nolvadex daily
Week 6: 20mg Nolvadex daily
Week 7: 20mg Nolvadex daily
Week 8: 20mg Nolvadex daily



In Closing


I hope this article provided a well-needed new look at the mechanisms involved in post-cycle testosterone recovery. Indeed I believe it should debunk a commonly held belief these days, as we seen now that those advocating the sole use of Clomid post cycle are sorely missing the mark. The problem goes much deeper than just getting LH levels back. In fact, we see that LH doesn’t even need much help kicking back into gear, and a drug like Clomid will do very little to help this anyway in the absence of significant estrogen levels anyway. HCG is a drug with undeniable usefulness during the post-cycle window, and many bodybuilders have been much too quick to abandon it. It is truly fundamental to an effective recovery program, and would not consider any dose or combination of anti-estrogens or aromatase inhibitors capable of doing the job without it.


References:

1. Effect of long-term testosterone oenanthate administration on male reproductive function: Clinical evaluation, serum FSH, LH, Testosterone and seminal fluid analysis in normal men. J. Mauss, G. Borsch et al. Acta Endocrinol 78 (1975) 373-84

2. Desensitization to gonadotropins in cultured Leydig tumor cells involves loss of gonadotropin receptors and decreased capacity for steroidogenesis. Freeman DA, Ascoli M Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1981 Oct;78(10):6309-13

3. Acute stimulation of aromatization in Leydig Cells by Human Chorionic Gonadotropin In-vitro. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 76:4460-3,1079

[xxxl83]

I use all three hcg , clomid and, nolva.

xxxl83

[DADDYDBOL]

Thank you, hcg will be in my post cycle recovery.

[T$sMechamT/A]

great post. i too use all the above

[Dipsy]

looks like i will be getting some hcg for my upcoming cycle.

dipsy.

[Rickson]

How many times do I have to read Bill Llewllyn mess up post cycle recovery? Read the studies you reference and you will find some nice info he left out. I am not completely against HCG in recovery I just think it is not necessary in normal length cycles and can slow recovery down once AAS are out of your system. Used to combat testicular atrophy to speed up recovery HCG can be effective.

[Billy_Bathgate]

How many times do I have to read Bill Llewllyn mess up post cycle recovery? Read the studies you reference and you will find some nice info he left out. I am not completely against HCG in recovery I just think it is not necessary in normal length cycles and can slow recovery down once AAS are out of your system. Used to combat testicular atrophy to speed up recovery HCG can be effective.

Well said.

[The Butcher]

How many times do I have to read Bill Llewllyn mess up post cycle recovery? Read the studies you reference and you will find some nice info he left out. I am not completely against HCG in recovery I just think it is not necessary in normal length cycles and can slow recovery down once AAS are out of your system. Used to combat testicular atrophy to speed up recovery HCG can be effective.

It wasn't until I followed Bill's guide to post-cycle recovery that I was able to succesfully keep nearly all of my gains when coming off cycle. However, Rickson, I might agree with some of what you have said regaurding the length of cycle and whether HCG is needed. I am curious as to what you consider a "normal length cycle" though. 8 weeks? 12 weeks? 16 weeks? I remember about 6 years ago that cycles were considered normal (to the average bodybuilder, not pros or other competitors) if they were in the 8 week range. Maybe 12. Seems to me that most of the guys here often recomend 16 week cycles. That might seem normal now, but given standards of the past, 16 weeks is pretty long.

As with any "study" or disertation on a topic, people will conveniently "leave out" alot of info b/c it either doesn't apply to what they are saying, or, in some cases, it might actually contradict it. That applies to what Bill has said, and can certainly be applied to any other study on post-cycle recovery. I'm not saying Bill hasn't been wrong before, but after applying his method I can say (at least for myself) that this works.

Anybody ever contemplate the idea that maybe it isn't the Clomid you are taking that makes you emotional, but rather it's the lack of testosterone from the slow process of recovery b/c you didn't start it with an HCG kick-start? Just a thought.

[block]

I realy cant get into it right know but but here are some things to think about LH is what your body uses to fix and repair your nuts it is not a big help in makeing test on the other hand FSH is huge and no one seems to ever talk about it. FSH is directly relatied to test levels and sperrm count so there are two things on the market HCG fixes LH which does not matter unless you are on for a long time and the other one its name has slipped my mind which fixes FSH and FSH controls yor test levels far more then LH armdiex helps with your FSH levels post cycle to. there is more but it is late and all this info is in books.

[solidj55]

Personally I would use HCG , Clomid, Liquidex

[johnsomebody]

"It is important, however, not to overuse this drug. Taken for too long, or at too high a dosage, the LH receptor will actually become desensitized to LH(2) , which may further exacerbate our post-cycle problem instead of helping it (this is why I am not in favor of regular HCG use on-cycle)."

This is something I don't get -using HCG at 500iu/day for 2/days week throughout a 12 week cycle =12,000 iu total.LLewelyn recommends 12,500iu over a three week period at the end of the cycle because he feels it's not a good idea to take it "too long or at too high a dosage". Maybe I'm missing something but speading it out seems like it would be less harsh than "hitting the testes hard" at the end.


Then one can use Clomid normally post cycle too.

[mmaximus25]

I believe HCG , Clomid, and Nolvadex should all be utilized... I agree not for the reasoning of specific research but because there is not a clear answer as what works best for sure. So basically for the lack of research do I agree with utilizing all three...

From the research I’ve read I don’t think we, me or any here can provide a cut in stone answer as to how the endocrine system functions to all of these post cycle theories… we all know or should know if you believe a theory with out trying to prove or disprove you’re a victim of your own gamble… and we all gamble, we’re all apart or this board, right…
We’re all essentially guinea pigs to the data we choose to follow…

I personally like the Bill L posts... But I like all and any research being done on AAS and surrounding issues.... People may forget that research is like a rat race... and those that lean to one side are basically choosing a side... why not take it all in. I seriously doubt most us have neither time nor money to conduct any type of research data that wouldn't have two or three other opinions contradicting what you may find.....

Secondly the scientific community is at large ... tried and proved by what...? What they've learned... where? In school.... from past data...wow... how many of those individuals continue to prove or disprove what they've learned.... just a question.... (Much more popular to disprove a theory...don’t you agree).

All I'm trying to say is keep the book open because if you think you’re an authority or feel strongly of certain opinions... perhaps you may be leaning to one of those sides, ya know... I'm definitely guilty as charged, just trying to make like a sponge now...

I personally believe each of us will in some way be part of a study in the future.... think about it.... AAS use is becoming more and more popular.... BBer 1st.... Pro and college athletes, models now Joe blow working 9 to 5...

If any data is going to be taken it’s going to be from some of us... "How long you been using"... “7yrs, you'll be just right for the 10yr study..."
Most of us don’t have careers that could be ruined by publicity

[The Butcher]

Very nice insight MMax. You're always the voice of reason and accomodation!

[Rickson]

Well my problem with this is Bill Llewllyn didn't conduct any of this research. This is not his theory although I am sure he would like you to believe it is his. He basically took info that most of us already know, threw in some studies, left out info that are in those studies to make sure it fits what he is explaining and then packaged it in an article to try and up his steroid Guru image. None of it is new and honestly some of it is misleading. There is research to show that HCG will lengthen recovery when it is taken without AAS in the system. It also seems foolish to take something to combat testicular atrophy if you are not suffering from it. Very few people suffer from serious testicular atrophy from a ten week cycle and clomid usually quickly restores size and volume. It isn't that HCG is not useful but should be utilized when necessary. It would be nice if he referenced a study less then 22 years old as well. I just want people to realize that just because someone publishes an article doesn't mean people should blindly believe it. If it works for you go for it but there are many very experienced users who are wary of the overuse of HCG from personal experience. As always this is a trial and error business we are in and everyone reacts differently. All you can do is take the experiences of others and hope that guides you in finding what works for you.

[mmaximus25]

Rickson,
I agree with all said I just want to add there are few that have the time to gather research and 1st, 2nd and 3rd source it which it kinda what Bill L is doing. I wouldn't want any one to give undue praise or idolize any of these want to be your personal guru’s. That’s why I would hope that all can at least try and use all the info they can soak up... As I said before "We’re all essentially guinea pigs to the data we choose to follow…"
But I also think now that every one should be skeptical and analytical to the studies we find but utilize the studies not the guy’s theory who gathering the info.... I say this now only because I thought I found good info from many studies... (Ex. Dr Kevin Yarasheski, director of the metabolism division at Washington U School of medicine did a good study on GH, but there are loop holes as in all studies, even his...) I know that most including my self don't have time or always have time to reference studies. But the best way to understand for your self what any author is trying to say… is like you said… look for the research referenced and go check it out your self.
Butcher,
You will find that there are few unbiased authors out there... The only thing that is beneficial is newbie’s that have no clue will at least be a little safer by reading the how to use AAS books out there... (You probably know this though) I'm trying to stay in the middle and become an unbiased sponge... I think most of the experienced users know or are guru's for your self. I think only when a personal theory is thought by someone else do you become more bias with your own theory. I am so guilty of that and I truly hate to admit that...Like the whole Nolvadex Clomid issue. I like Nolvadex but have never used clomid, but the catch is I don’t truly get off AAS so my personal data won’t help those that do.... I run novla constantly during cycle and during bridge now too, but utilized HCG treatment to force my nads to function even if the HPTA is not there... scary but I'm a self chosen guinea pig.

Well my problem with this is Bill Llewllyn didn't conduct any of this research. This is not his theory although I am sure he would like you to believe it is his. He basically took info that most of us already know, threw in some studies, left out info that are in those studies to make sure it fits what he is explaining and then packaged it in an article to try and up his steroid Guru image. None of it is new and honestly some of it is misleading. There is research to show that HCG will lengthen recovery when it is taken without AAS in the system. It also seems foolish to take something to combat testicular atrophy if you are not suffering from it. Very few people suffer from serious testicular atrophy from a ten week cycle and clomid usually quickly restores size and volume. It isn't that HCG is not useful but should be utilized when necessary. It would be nice if he referenced a study less then 22 years old as well. I just want people to realize that just because someone publishes an article doesn't mean people should blindly believe it. If it works for you go for it but there are many very experienced users who are wary of the overuse of HCG from personal experience. As always this is a trial and error business we are in and everyone reacts differently. All you can do is take the experiences of others and hope that guides you in finding what works for you.