HCG
πΉ What is HCG?
Class: Glycoprotein hormone produced naturally by the placenta; structurally similar to LH (luteinizing hormone). Mechanism:
- Mimics LH and binds to LH receptors in the testes, stimulating endogenous testosterone production in men.
- In women, it supports corpus luteum function, aiding progesterone production and fertility.
- Often used in conjunction with anabolic therapies or post-cycle therapy (PCT) to maintain or restore testicular function.
Primary focus:
- Stimulate natural testosterone production in men.
- Preserve or restore fertility during/after anabolic steroid or peptide cycles.
- Support hormonal balance in fertility treatments for women.
πΉ Oral Dosage (least common) Range studied/used in research: Oral administration is largely ineffective; HCG is a peptide hormone and is degraded in the GI tract. Typical protocol: Not used orally; only injectable or subcutaneous routes are effective. Notes: Oral bioavailability is essentially zero; injectable is required for physiological effect.
πΉ Injectable / Subcutaneous Dosage (most common) Men (testosterone support / PCT):
- Range: 250β500 IU, 2β3 times per week during anabolic cycles or post-cycle recovery.
- Frequency: Typically every other day or 2β3x/week depending on cycle intensity and duration.
Women (fertility support):
- Range: 5,000β10,000 IU per cycle for ovulation induction (clinically guided).
- Frequency: Single or split doses depending on IVF or ovulation protocols.
Rationale: Subcutaneous or intramuscular injections mimic endogenous LH stimulation without causing desensitization when properly spaced.
πΉ Cycle Length Men (cycle support / PCT):
- Typically administered 3β6 weeks during or immediately following an anabolic cycle to maintain testicular function.
- Long-term use is generally avoided to prevent downregulation of endogenous LH.
Women (fertility support):
- Administered as needed according to ovulation induction or IVF protocols, usually 1β2 weeks per cycle.
Note: Duration depends on goals; clinical supervision is recommended for women due to high potency and hormonal impact.
πΉ Optimal Dosing Window Injectable:
- Subcutaneous injections are commonly done in the morning or at times consistent with natural LH peaks.
- Timing is flexible but should maintain consistent spacing (e.g., every other day) to avoid receptor desensitization.
β Educational Integration Example (men, PCT)
- 250 IU HCG subcutaneous injection every other day for 3β4 weeks post anabolic cycle.
- Optionally stacked with Clomid or Nolvadex for enhanced endogenous testosterone recovery.
β Educational Integration Example (women, fertility)
- 5,000 IU HCG intramuscular injection as a trigger for ovulation in an IVF protocol.
- Administered according to clinical schedule with monitoring of follicular development.
πΉ Stacking Strategy (Educational / Complementary) Men (cycle support / recovery):
- Clomid (Clomiphene citrate) or Nolvadex (Tamoxifen): Stimulates HPT axis for endogenous testosterone recovery.
- HCG + GH secretagogues (CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin): Indirectly supports anabolic and regenerative pathways via enhanced endogenous hormone environment.
- Lifestyle: Adequate sleep, high-protein diet, resistance training for maximal testicular recovery and anabolic support.
Women (fertility support):
- FSH analogues or gonadotropins: For multi-follicular stimulation when combined with HCG.
- Antioxidants and mitochondrial support (CoQ10, NADβΊ precursors): Support oocyte quality and reproductive health.
Rationale: HCG acts as an LH analog; stacking focuses on optimizing endogenous hormone signaling, recovery of testicular function, or fertility outcomes, rather than duplicating HCG itself.
Studied in Humans? Yes
FDA Approved? Yes
Allowed for 503a Compounding Pharmacy? Yes
Disclaimer: Do not rely on any dosing information provided, this is for educational and research only. Always double and triple check alternative references for education. Please consult with healthcare provider for your specific dosing and protocol if applicable.