HCG (Unraveled)

[BJJ]

Post-Cycle-Therapy is a must upon cessation of steroid use . Many great Post Cycle Therapy protocols have been outlined over the years, and many individuals have had success with following such protocols. Nevertheless, what works can always work better, and I intend to show you the most effective way to recover from AAS. This is especially the case for those that have had a lack of success following popular advice. In this article I will address the misunderstanding and misuse of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG ) and show you the most efficient way to use hCG for the fastest and most complete recovery.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is a peptide hormone that mimics the action of luteinizing hormone (LH). LH is the hormone that stimulates the testes to increase testosterone levels . (1) More specifically LH is the primary signal sent from the pituitary to the testes, which stimulates the leydig cells within the testes to produce testosterone .

When steroids are administered, LH levels rapidly decline. The absence of an LH signal from the pituitary causes the testes to stop producing testosterone, which causes rapid onset of testicular degeneration. The testicular degeneration begins with a reduction of leydig cell volume, and is then followed by rapid reductions in intra-testicular testosterone (ITT), peroxisomes, and Insulin -like factor 3 (INSL3). All important bio-markers and factors for proper testicular function and testosterone production. (2-6,19) However, this degeneration can be prevented by a small maintenance dose of hCG ran throughout the cycle. Unfortunately, most steroid users have been engrained to believe that hCG should be used after a cycle, during Post-Cycle-Therapy. Upon reviewing the science and basic endocrinology you will see that a faster and more complete recovery is possible if hCG is ran during a cycle.

Firstly, we must understand the clinical history of hCG to understand its purpose and its most efficient application. Many popular “steroid profiles” advocate using hCG at a dose of 2500-5000iu once or twice a week. These were the kind of dosages used in the historical (1960's) hCG studies for hypogonadal men who had reduced testicular sensitivity due to prolonged LH deficiency. (21,22) A prolonged LH deficiency causes the testes to desensitize, requiring a higher hCG dose for ample stimulation. In men with normal LH levels and normal testicular sensitivity, the maximum increase of testosterone is seen from a dose of only 250iu, with minimal increases obtained from 500iu or even 5000iu. (2,11) (It appears the testes maximum secretion of testosterone is about 140% above their normal capacity.) (12-18) If you have allowed your testes to desensitize over the length of a typical steroid cycle, (8-16 weeks) then you would require a higher dose to elicit a response in an attempt to restore normal testicular size and function; but there is cost to this, and a high probability that you won't regain full testicular function.

One term that is critical to understand is testosterone secretion capacity which is synonymous to testicular sensitivity. This is the amount of testosterone your testes can produce from any given level of LH or hCG stimulation. Therefore, if you have reduced testosterone secretion capacity (reduced testicular sensitivity), it will take more LH or hCG stimulation to produce the same result as if you had normal testosterone secretion capacity. If you reduce your testosterone secretion capacity too much, then no amount of LH or hCG stimulation will trigger natural testosterone production, and this leads to permanently reduced testosterone production.

To get an idea of how quickly you can reduce your testosterone secretion capacity from your average steroid cycle, consider this: LH levels are rapidly decreased by the 2nd day of steroid administration. (2,9,10) By shutting down the LH signal and allowing the testis to be non-functional over a 12-16 week period, leydig cell volume decreases 90%, ITT decreases 94%, INSL3 decreases 95%, while the capacity to secrete testosterone decreases as much as 98%. (2-6)

Note: visually analyzing testes size is a poor method of judging your actual testicular function, since testicular size is not directly related to the ability to secrete testosterone. (4) This is because the leydig cells, which are the primary sites of testosterone secretion, only make up about 10% of the total testicular volume. Therefore, when the testes may only appear 5-10% smaller, the testes ability to secrete testosterone upon LH or hCG stimulation can actually be significantly reduced to 98% of their normal production. (3-5) So do not judge how "shutdown" you are by testicular size!

The decreased testosterone secretion capacity caused by steroid use was well demonstrated in a study on power athletes who used steroids for 16 weeks, and were then administered 4500iu hCG post cycle. It was found that the steroid users were about 20 times less responsive to hCG, when compared to normal men who did not use steroids . (8) In other words, their testosterone secretion capacity was dramatically reduced because they did not receive an LH signal for 16 weeks. The testes essentially became desensitized and crippled. Case studies with steroid using patients show that aggressive long-term treatment with hCG at dosages as high as 10,000iu E3D for 12 weeks were unable to return full testicular size. (7) Another study with men using low dose steroids for 6 weeks showed unsuccessful return of Insulin-like factor-3 (INSL3) concentration in the testes upon 5000iu/wk of HCG treatment for 12 weeks (6) (INSL3 is an important biomarker for testosterone production potential and sperm production). (20)

In light of the above evidence, it becomes obvious that we must take preventative measures to avoid this testicular degeneration. We must protect our testicular sensitivity. Besides, with hCG being so readily available, and such a painless shot, it makes you wonder why anyone wouldn't use it on cycle.

Based on studies with normal men using steroids, 100iu HCG administered everyday was enough to preserve full testicular function and ITT levels, without causing desensitization typically associated with higher doses of hCG. (2) It is important that low-dose hCG is started before testicular sensitivity is reduced, which appears to rapidly manifest within the first 2-3 weeks of steroid use. Also, it's important to discontinue the hCG before you start Post-Cycle-Therapy so your leydig cells are given a chance to re-sensitize to your body's own LH production. (To help further enhance testicular sensitivity, the dietary supplement Toco-8 may be used).

Based off the above information, an optimal dose of hCG during the cycle would be 250iu every 4 days, or as a less desirable alternative, once a week shot of 500iu. Keep in mind, that the half-life of hCG is 3-4 days, while the half-life of LH is only 1-2 hours. Considering this difference in excretion time, it is best to space each dose of hCG at least 4 days apart for the optimal "peak and valley" replication. However, going more than 7 days between each hCG shot may promote increase the rate of desensitization from lack of LH or hCG stimulation.

If you are starting hCG late in the cycle, one could calculate a rough estimate for their required hCG "kick starting" dosage by multiplying 40iu x days of LH absence. (ie. 40iu x 60 days = 2400iu HCG dose) Remember, since the testes will be desensitized later in a cycle, you will require a higher dose. Also, the maximum daily dose of hCG should not exceed 5000iu, and 4-7 days must be taken off between each shot. Generally, a higher dose will require a longer off period between each shot. (eg., 2500iu = 7 days between each shot).

Note: If following the on cycle hCG protocol, hCG should NOT be used for PCT.

Recap

For preservation of testicular sensitivity, use 250iu every 4 day starting 14 days after your first AAS dose. At the end of the cycle, drop the hCG two weeks before the AAS clear the system. For example, you would drop hCG about the same time as your last Testosterone Enanthate shot. Or, if you are ending the cycle with orals, you would drop the hCG about 10 days before your last oral dose. This will allow for a sudden and even clearance in hormone levels. This will initiate a strong LH and FSH surge from the pituitary, to begin stimulating your testes to produce testosterone. Remember, recovery doesn't begin until you are off hCG since your body will not release its own LH until the hCG has cleared the system.

In conclusion, we have learned that utilizing hCG during a steroid cycle will significantly prevent testicular degeneration. This helps create a seamless transition from “on cycle” to “off cycle” thus avoiding the post cycle crash.

[BJJ]

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Andrea D. Coviello, et al
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Mendis-Handagama SM
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4. Leydig cell peroxisomes and sterol carrier protein-2 in luteinizing hormone-deprived rats
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5. Effect of long term deprivation of luteinizing hormone on Leydig cell volume, Leydig cell number, and steroidogenic capacity of the rat testis.
Keeney DS, et al.
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6.The Effects of Gonadotropin Suppression and Selective Replacement on Insulin -Like Factor 3 Secretion in Normal Adult Men
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7. Successful treatment of anabolic steroid -induced azoospermia with human
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8. Testicular responsiveness to human chorionic godadotrophin during transient hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism induced by androgenic /anabolic steroids in power athletes
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[Xtralarg]

Excellent post

[40plusnewbie]

Thanks for the post! I'm planning a cycle, initially my plan was
Test Prop 100mg/day 12 weeks
Anavar 70mg/day 12 weeks
running 250iu HCG 2x week during cycle (I will change this to 250iu every 4 days).

Based on my recent interest in maximizing strength development in tendons and ligaments (particularly from elbows down to fingers because of specific strength training I do, pushups on fingertips, etc, etc) I began researching substances that will help strengthen tendons and ligaments.

I appreciate your recommendation in another thread about this re:
Somatropin and will be running this at some point for sure.

My question about HCG is related to a cycle geared towards tendon and ligament strength, with a much lower test dose, like TRT such as test cyp @ 100mg every 3days along with Var @ say 70mg/day and EQ @ 100mg/day. What would the recommended dosage and frequency of HCG would you recommend for such a cycle? (this is a hypothetical at this point)

I may stick with my original cycle or possibly consider adding in EQ to the original cycle but am curious about the HCG with a much lower dose of test and typical cycle doses of Var and EQ where the focus would be really maximizing the strength of tendons and ligaments in my forearms, wrists, hands,..) doing some insane workouts focusing on strength conditioning those tendons and ligaments.

[Swifto]

You should state the author's name (Eric Portratz).

[Swifto]

If you are starting hCG late in the cycle, one could calculate a rough estimate for their required hCG "kick starting" dosage by multiplying 40iu x days of LH absence. (ie. 40iu x 60 days = 2400iu HCG dose) Remember, since the testes will be desensitized later in a cycle, you will require a higher dose. Also, the maximum daily dose of hCG should not exceed 5000iu, and 4-7 days must be taken off between each shot. Generally, a higher dose will require a longer off period between each shot. (eg., 2500iu = 7 days between each shot).

Note: If following the on cycle hCG protocol, hCG should NOT be used for PCT.

Recap

For preservation of testicular sensitivity, use 250iu every 4 day starting 14 days after your first AAS dose. At the end of the cycle, drop the hCG two weeks before the AAS clear the system. For example, you would drop hCG about the same time as your last Testosterone Enanthate shot. Or, if you are ending the cycle with orals, you would drop the hCG about 10 days before your last oral dose. This will allow for a sudden and even clearance in hormone levels. This will initiate a strong LH and FSH surge from the pituitary, to begin stimulating your testes to produce testosterone. Remember, recovery doesn't begin until you are off hCG since your body will not release its own LH until the hCG has cleared the system.

I agree a larger inital dose should be used if testicular dysfunction has set in. But I'm not sure such large amounts (2500ius) are needed. Age will determine this and also genetics.

I recently came off of a 16 week cycle of Test Prop 100mg/EOD and 20mg/ED Dbol and did NOT use HCG on cycle. I used Aromasin at 10mg/EOD too.

I then ran HCG at 625iu/ED for 21 days when still on cycle, then came off and begun Tore/Tamox treatment.

I recovered in 5 weeks and BW confirmed it.

So I'm not certain where Eric got this formula of what to use if you havent used HCG on cycle... My experience was nothing like that.

I'm also not happy with dropping the HCG 10 days out from PCT when the ester is clearing, oral use or not.

I have had success in the past and with clients who use HCG on cycle at around 250-500ius 2x week, then ramp the dose of HCG 10-15 days out from PCT to 250-500ius/ED, then begin PCT. Thats for the older fella's (Marcus, etc...he he).

The pituitary will not begin endogenous LH until androgen levels are hypogonal, zero or there or there abouts.

Other than that, good article.

[stang10]

Hey,

i will be doing a cycle that looks like this

Test e (250mgx2) week 1-12
Deca (200mgx2) week 1-10
Nolva 40/40/20/20 weeks 15-18

i understang that hcg is not as effective in pct as it would be to take during the cycle, but is it somewhat still effective? also the insulin factor does not come back if you do not only do it pct? also my last question is if you were doing a pct with hcg how would it look?

Thanks, just a few question came up

[BJJ]

^^^
Start your own thread with those questions, many other users might help you, including myself.
You do not want only my help, lol.

[Bertuzzi]

Hey,

i will be doing a cycle that looks like this

Test e (250mgx2) week 1-12
Deca (200mgx2) week 1-10
Nolva 40/40/20/20 weeks 15-18

i understang that hcg is not as effective in pct as it would be to take during the cycle, but is it somewhat still effective? also the insulin factor does not come back if you do not only do it pct? also my last question is if you were doing a pct with hcg how would it look?

Thanks, just a few question came up

^^^
Start your own thread with those questions, many other users might help you, including myself.
You do not want only my help, lol.

He started his own thread and was told he was too young.... obviously does not want to listen, so he is grasping now.


---------------------------------------------

Great post BJJ, as always!

[baseline_9]

good read

[stang10]

i am trying to gather all the information as possible i never said when i was planning to start, and why not know all you can know right? i mean no offence and am not grasping to be honest im not going to start for a while

[BJJ]

He started his own thread and was told he was too young.... obviously does not want to listen, so he is grasping now.


---------------------------------------------

Great post BJJ, as always!

I had no idea about that, thanks to let me know.

[428scj]

Good information there. Thanks for posting it.

[sixey]

so for a 10wk test prop cycle, HCG would begin week 2 and end week 8? i remember in the profile it mentioned "not going over 4 weeks" but im sure that 250iu every 4 days should be fine for 6 weeks right?

[spoken_truth]

great read man

[BJJ]

so for a 10wk test prop cycle, HCG would begin week 2 and end week 8? i remember in the profile it mentioned "not going over 4 weeks" but im sure that 250iu every 4 days should be fine for 6 weeks right?

You can start already at week 1 throughout the cycle.

[sixey]

You can start already at week 1 throughout the cycle.

oh dam! thanks man. learning via youtube now how to mix everything up haha

[HawaiianPride.]

Bookmarked. Thanks.

[tembe]

I agree a larger inital dose should be used if testicular dysfunction has set in. But I'm not sure such large amounts (2500ius) are needed. Age will determine this and also genetics.

I recently came off of a 16 week cycle of Test Prop 100mg/EOD and 20mg/ED Dbol and did NOT use HCG on cycle. I used Aromasin at 10mg/EOD too.

I then ran HCG at 625iu/ED for 21 days when still on cycle, then came off and begun Tore/Tamox treatment.

I recovered in 5 weeks and BW confirmed it.

So I'm not certain where Eric got this formula of what to use if you havent used HCG on cycle... My experience was nothing like that.

I'm also not happy with dropping the HCG 10 days out from PCT when the ester is clearing, oral use or not.

I have had success in the past and with clients who use HCG on cycle at around 250-500ius 2x week, then ramp the dose of HCG 10-15 days out from PCT to 250-500ius/ED, then begin PCT. Thats for the older fella's (Marcus, etc...he he).

The pituitary will not begin endogenous LH until androgen levels are hypogonal, zero or there or there abouts.

Other than that, good article.

Thats really impressive swifto