hCG and Pregnenolone; What you should know.

[steroid.com 1]

One thing I dont see. When you are on HRT and running HCG do you run it continually or cycle off/on? Lets say you are doing the normal 250 EOD of HCG.

Our natural production of LH does not "cycle" so why would we want to do the same with hCG (an LH analog).

The body thrives on regularity.

No cycling needed on TRT.

[MAC9408]

Whats up guys new here just had a quick question. I've been on TRT for about 4 months now and I was thinking about adding HCG. My question is will my test levels be higher after adding the HCG as opposed to when I was just getting the test shots? My Dr has made it very well known that he will administer the test but if he finds out that i'm getting it from him and doing more on my own he will not prescribe it anymore. Just dont want him to think that i'm doing something im not. Trying to find out exactly how HCG works. Thanks guys.

[bass]

Whats up guys new here just had a quick question. I've been on TRT for about 4 months now and I was thinking about adding HCG. My question is will my test levels be higher after adding the HCG as opposed to when I was just getting the test shots? My Dr has made it very well known that he will administer the test but if he finds out that i'm getting it from him and doing more on my own he will not prescribe it anymore. Just dont want him to think that i'm doing something im not. Trying to find out exactly how HCG works. Thanks guys.

yes hCG will increase your test level. its better to start your own thread so you can get better help.

[steroid.com 1]

yes hCG will increase your test level. its better to start your own thread so you can get better help.

Correct, but hCG as a mono therapy is rarely successful in reaching optimal levels.

You'd do best with coadministered Testosterone and hCG.

[aspen2cody]

Correct, but hCG as a mono therapy is rarely successful in reaching optimal levels.

You'd do best with coadministered Testosterone and hCG.

Great thread, my doc did inform me that beginning this week we would be incoporating HCG along with an AI. I am excited that after reading this, I am on the right track. He did inform me that I will have to administer my own HCG.

[steroid.com 1]

Great thread, my doc did inform me that beginning this week we would be incoporating HCG along with an AI. I am excited that after reading this, I am on the right track. He did inform me that I will have to administer my own HCG.

Excellent, you are in goood care!

[wandnancy91]

hCG and Pregnenolone are new terms that I've encountered just recently. With this post I learn their meaning and their respective functions in our body. Thank you very much for sharing such a wonderful post.

[MADMAX1078]

excellent read and thanks for the info!

[BuzzardMarinePumper]

I had sever trama and I am on an anti deprsent that is a party drug for 20+ers Xanax 8mg daily and 5 Hydrocodone perscribed by legit Pain management Group, not pll mill I hate the Crap but they make partial life function possible. I was a hard core supplement guy in my mid 20's easier to say what I didn't do than what I did do. Now I have an MD that dropped his teeth at my low T level.

I have never used HCG the way described in this thread but that was 30 years ago. my thought was nano, 300 sus, DB & HCG . I suffer from sever joint pain and depression 0 labido and I used to be a player and now I am a shut in almost. If my Doc that perscribed AndroGel to the price tag of $700.00 a pump container why would he not go for my idea or how should I present from the proper perpective medically ?

HELP

[steroid.com 1]

I had sever trama and I am on an anti deprsent that is a party drug for 20+ers Xanax 8mg daily and 5 Hydrocodone perscribed by legit Pain management Group, not pll mill I hate the Crap but they make partial life function possible. I was a hard core supplement guy in my mid 20's easier to say what I didn't do than what I did do. Now I have an MD that dropped his teeth at my low T level.

I have never used HCG the way described in this thread but that was 30 years ago. my thought was nano, 300 sus, DB & HCG . I suffer from sever joint pain and depression 0 labido and I used to be a player and now I am a shut in almost. If my Doc that perscribed AndroGel to the price tag of $700.00 a pump container why would he not go for my idea or how should I present from the proper perpective medically ?

HELP

Start a new thread in the general HRT forum. Tell us everything about yourself and post any recent blood work if you have it.

We'll take it from there...

[asiandudexxx]

Not sure if I'm allowed to name the company, but the one I buy all my supplements from has their own brand of DHEA and Pregnenolone. Pretty cheap, but it doesn't say micronized on the product details page. I had to email the customer service representative to confirm it. So word to the wise, when in doubt just shoot them an email.

Also while I'm here, I was prescribed hCG at 1000 IU every 3 days for an hCG challenge test. The sticky says to not exceed 500 IU in a 24 hour period, but is this situation an exception? Should I split it up to something like 500 IU every 1.5 days or 350 IU every day?

[steroid.com 1]

Not sure if I'm allowed to name the company, but the one I buy all my supplements from has their own brand of DHEA and Pregnenolone. Pretty cheap, but it doesn't say micronized on the product details page. I had to email the customer service representative to confirm it. So word to the wise, when in doubt just shoot them an email.

Also while I'm here, I was prescribed hCG at 1000 IU every 3 days for an hCG challenge test. The sticky says to not exceed 500 IU in a 24 hour period, but is this situation an exception? Should I split it up to something like 500 IU every 1.5 days or 350 IU every day?

What is an HCG challenge test???

Your testicles have so many receptors on the leydig cells so over dosing isn't going to do anything but drive up E2 which is the last thing you want.

With HCG it's better for lower doses more frequently.

Ideally, something like 100 iu ED would be perfect IMO.

[mnwildfan]

Correct, but hCG as a mono therapy is rarely successful in reaching optimal levels.

You'd do best with coadministered Testosterone and hCG.

I guess my biggest question is what brands of hcg there are is this something legal to buy or has to be purchased with a supplier or prescribed by a doctor? and what would go well with a test cyp and dbol cycle
400mg cyp twice a week injected
20mg a day oral dbol

[aspen2cody]

gdevine, I have a question for you. I was told after I mix the bac water with the HCG and inject the dosage, the remaining is to be refrigerated. Should the remaining bac water be refrigerated too. My instructions doesnt address the remaining water.

[steroid.com 1]

gdevine, I have a question for you. I was told after I mix the bac water with the HCG and inject the dosage, the remaining is to be refrigerated. Should the remaining bac water be refrigerated too. My instructions doesnt address the remaining water.

Just the reconstituted hCG needs refrigeration not the Bac water.

[aspen2cody]

Just the reconstituted hCG needs refrigeration not the Bac water.

THanks, I figured it out once I went thru the protocol. Today was my 1st injection of hCG. Do you recommend taking Pregnenolone and DHEA while on TRT, hCG and AI? How much would take of each? Do think DHEA can increase the probability of side effects of the testosterone (acne)?

[steroid.com 1]

THanks, I figured it out once I went thru the protocol. Today was my 1st injection of hCG. Do you recommend taking Pregnenolone and DHEA while on TRT, hCG and AI? How much would take of each? Do think DHEA can increase the probability of side effects of the testosterone (acne)?

I (and others here) highly recommend supplementing Pregnenolone and DHEA as they both support back-filling the pathways.

Your Physician can prescribe for you or you can buy OTC.

If you go OTC and decide on pills make sure they are "micronized". I believe www.lef.org is selling them this way as well.

You can always opt for cream which can be bought online as well.

50 mg of both and split dosage to once in the morning and once mid afternoon.

I don't know your protocol but if you are injecting testosterone you will need hCG and highly likely an AI as well.

Start a new thread and do your research here; the question you asked is very basic.

[chagger64]

gdevine ;

hello I'm 49yo and have been on trt IM for 6 weeks my hcg came in a vial and was like a paste stuck to the vial not a powder is this normal and ed is still a problem I pin 1.5 ml/week .5mg anastrozole/wk day after pining 10mg tamox on day four after pin and 1000u of hcg the day after pin please HELP ed is got me worried no improvments after 6 wks of trt???

[steroid.com 1]

gdevine ;

hello I'm 49yo and have been on trt IM for 6 weeks my hcg came in a vial and was like a paste stuck to the vial not a powder is this normal and ed is still a problem I pin 1.5 ml/week .5mg anastrozole/wk day after pining 10mg tamox on day four after pin and 1000u of hcg the day after pin please HELP ed is got me worried no improvments after 6 wks of trt???

Start a new thread. This is a sticky and not for the purposes you are using it for here.

I and others will be happy to help.

You're new, read the member rules in the stickies as well.

gd

[jumpingout]

Great read, thanks.

[diehard09]

Thanks everyone. This thread has been very informative. I'm on hrt and fixing to add hcg and pregnenolone. This gives me a lot of much needed info.

[NotNATTY]

awesome

[prenes]

If you add HGC to your cycle does it cut the effectiveness of external Testosterone? would it cut my effective dose?

[Blergs]

Great read thank you

[manonfire]

This is an excellent article thanks

[skarmasutramusic]

Great read.. More is better... With knowledge

[oscarjones]

Great post, however broad, it's also important to note, aside from the fact that P450scc (identified as CYP11A1 in this case) catalyzes the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone, the significance of pregnenolone in relation to adrenal function plays a huge role in overall health, especially those undertaking HRT with a strong emphasis on thyroid repla***ent. More specifically, the conversion from cholesterol to pregnenolone in the zonas of the adrenal cortex depends on being transported to the mitochondria where the CYP11A1 is found, and this process is controlled by StAR (steroidogenic acute regulatory protein). If the adrenal function in the 3 zonas are fatigued, or cholesterol happens to be out of balance, conversion to this key prohormone may be lacking. So therefore, supplementation of pregnenolone can help boost adrenal steroid synthesis for those with adrenal apathy. Finally, the significance of healthy adrenal function in relation to thyroid supplementation can be the make it or break it for many who are suffering from low cortisol. (Remember, T3 "uses up" cortisol in a way while getting into cells, so when supplementing, if your body cannot produce enough cortisol, you'll feel common hypo symptoms, however low sodium can also cause a decrease in temperature, it also usually renders a fast pulse. For more info on thyroid I'll start a new thread sometime).

Below are some attached images of the pathways of the prohormone pregnenolone in relation to adrenal zonas and the biosynthesis from cholesterol.

[Indymuscleguy]

Nice article. Does the addition of Pregnenolone along with an AI during HRT help increase sex drive or is the HRT and AI enough?

[acadmia]

will add HCG to my next cycle for sure. Thanks for the great post.

[Renholder]

Great thread!

I`ve not heard too much about supplementing with pregnenolone other places I`ve been reading, although everyone seems to agree that HCG is a must on TRT.

1) What is the smallest possible dose/frequency possible for HCG with TRT?

I`ve been trying 200 IU 3X weekly and it may be random, but I often feel more "heavy" in my head and body the day after injecting HCG, so I would be interested in experimenting with even lower doses.

2) Does everyone notice an increase in testicular size using HCG? Even on HCG monotherapy with 500 IU 3X weekly, I noticed NOTHING in terms of increase of size, which along with not feeling better made me think it did not work. Hence the surprise when BW said it actually did work. And if it matters, my nuts as fairly small already. Would not expect an increase if they were already large. I`m happy if I can MAINTAIN my size and testicular function with HCG now that I`m on TRT, but I just don`t have the same experience when I hear of guys with their balls increasing substantially.

Thanks in advance.

Renholder

[steroid.com 1]

Great thread!

I`ve not heard too much about supplementing with pregnenolone other places I`ve been reading, although everyone seems to agree that HCG is a must on TRT.

1) What is the smallest possible dose/frequency possible for HCG with TRT?
Depends upon each man and TRT protocol. Dr. John Crisler has men using 100iu daily when using a cream/gel. He also has men using 500iu twice a week when injecting. I personally like smaller doses more frequently. My protocol calls for 250iu Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

I`ve been trying 200 IU 3X weekly and it may be random, but I often feel more "heavy" in my head and body the day after injecting HCG, so I would be interested in experimenting with even lower doses.
Give it a try; it won't hurt. hCG is a forgiving peptide.

2) Does everyone notice an increase in testicular size using HCG? Even on HCG monotherapy with 500 IU 3X weekly, I noticed NOTHING in terms of increase of size, which along with not feeling better made me think it did not work. Hence the surprise when BW said it actually did work. And if it matters, my nuts as fairly small already. Would not expect an increase if they were already large. I`m happy if I can MAINTAIN my size and testicular function with HCG now that I`m on TRT, but I just don`t have the same experience when I hear of guys with their balls increasing substantially.
Not sure about size, but everyone is different. It will keep you HPTA intact so you testes will continue to function properly.

Thanks in advance.

Renholder

Above in bold.

[MrManGuy84]

I also have a question about hcg.

How important is hcg if one is trying direct testosterone therapy on a short-ish term basis (like 3 or 4 months) as a way to see how he feels and confirm a diagnosis? Since I want to maintain my fertility I would like to try an alternate treatment like maybe clomid or something, but it sounds like the best results come from regular TRT, so I might want to try that first.

When using it for only a short term, is there much risk of atrophy or pain without hcg? Is the testosterone less likely to prove effective at making me feel better?

Thanks for a great thread.

[steroid.com 1]

I also have a question about hcg.

How important is hcg if one is trying direct testosterone therapy on a short-ish term basis (like 3 or 4 months) as a way to see how he feels and confirm a diagnosis?
This is not a good approach in my opinion. Once you start you will go into HPTA suppression so it critical to keep HPTA functioning so to answer your question; it's important.

Since I want to maintain my fertility I would like to try an alternate treatment like maybe clomid or something, but it sounds like the best results come from regular TRT, so I might want to try that first.
Ok.

When using it for only a short term, is there much risk of atrophy or pain without hcg?
Quite possibly, yes. But each man is different some see atrophy almost from the outset...others months if not a year before symptoms of atrophy.

Is the testosterone less likely to prove effective at making me feel better?
Yes, it can very much so.


Thanks for a great thread.

Welcome

[Nyde]

Welcome

Greetings Gdevine. I was searching the web and came across this post/thread you created. I'm really fascinating on the things you said about Pregnenolone. Now here is my question. What if I do NOT want to take HCG due to the fact that the stuff makes me VERY moody. My balls are a bit small, but they are not retracting back into my body nor do they hurt or ache.

Can I just take Pregnenolone and DHEA alone "WITHOUT" having to take HCG? Or is HCG a must for those on TRT? Last thing I want to do is drive my estrogen levels up and sadly, HCG seems to do this for me. And unfortunately I cannot take an AI; they all make me feel like total crap, no matter how low of a dose i use.

Also, something I noticed from YEARS of getting blood work is that the higher my testosterone weekly dose, the higher my progesterone gets. The most amount of testosterone I can take in a week is 250mgs. 250mgs of test per week brings my progesterone levels to 1.5 (thats the highest blood work say it should go to). If I take anything more than 250mgs of test per week, my progesterone levels go to up as high as a 5, 6 or even 7!!!!

I'm afraid of Pregnenolone because this stuff increases progesterone as well.

[Nyde]

All in all, it almost seems to me that taking HCG is useless, especially if someone is taking (separately) DHEA, Testosterone (which later converts to DHT and Estrogen) and Pregnenolone. Yes, I'm sure you all are going to say "what about the testicles?". What about them? What if someone like me does NOT have testicles that ache/hurt and want to go back inside my body? Why take the HCG for then? To drive estrogen way up high? No thanks.

[steroid.com 1]

All in all, it almost seems to me that taking HCG is useless, especially if someone is taking (separately) DHEA, Testosterone (which later converts to DHT and Estrogen) and Pregnenolone. Yes, I'm sure you all are going to say "what about the testicles?". What about them? What if someone like me does NOT have testicles that ache/hurt and want to go back inside my body? Why take the HCG for then? To drive estrogen way up high? No thanks.

No disrespect, and you certainly open to your own opinion; but I believe you have much to learn.

Pregnenolone is far up the androgen pathway and is not converted by Testosterone.

DHEA is not an LH analog like hCG is so I have no idea where you think supplementing with DHEA will keep HPTA intact...it won't.

Low doses of hCG has very little impact on increase in E2 in most, not all, men...so it's rarely an issue if dosed correctly.

The best and foremost TRT Physician's in the county use hCG in most, not all, of their TRT protocols...you'd think they something.

Like I stated in the start of this thread; men don't need hCG but they need to be aware of the potential consequences if they don't.

[Nyde]

No disrespect, and you certainly open to your own opinion; but I believe you have much to learn.

Pregnenolone is far up the androgen pathway and is not converted by Testosterone.

DHEA is not an LH analog like hCG is so I have no idea where you think supplementing with DHEA will keep HPTA intact...it won't.

Low doses of hCG has very little impact on increase in E2 in most, not all, men...so it's rarely an issue if dosed correctly.

The best and foremost TRT Physician's in the county use hCG in most, not all, of their TRT protocols...you'd think they something.

Like I stated in the start of this thread; men don't need hCG but they need to be aware of the potential consequences if they don't.

I never said that Preg comes from testosterone. Where did I say this? You're saying that we need HCG to create Preg, yes? My question is, why not just take Preg and be done with it? Why the need for HCG? If it's to create Preg, then take Preg in pills/caps and the problem is resolved. No??? I also never said that taking DHEA will keep HPTA intact. Never said this. Where did I say this? I cannot find this anywhere.

[steroid.com 1]

This sentence is about as asinine as it gets: "All in all, it almost seems to me that taking HCG is useless, especially if someone is taking (separately) DHEA, Testosterone (which later converts to DHT and Estrogen) and Pregnenolone."

hCG is an LH analog and is not Testosterone nor Pregnenolone nor DHEA nor does it behave the same way.

hCG acts on the receptors of the leydig cells directly to keep them functioning in light of exogenous Testosterone and the resulting HPTA suppression.

Testosterone nor DHEA nor Pregnenolone are not going to perform the same function as this analog messenger...period.

How you can make a statement like taking "hCG is useless if someone is taking DHEA or Testosterone" only shows to me that you don't know what the hell you are talking about.

The best male hormone Physicians include hCG in thier protocols...and for what???

If DHEA or Pregnenolone supplementation could do the same job, as you are positioning it, why aren't these Physician's using that instead?

We use Pregnenolone and DHEA supplementation as part of a good TRT protocol to back fill the androgen pathways that have in effect been shut down.

Nuff said.

[kelkel]

And now, back to our regularly scheduled broadcast!

[steroid.com 1]

^^^^Yea I know...