Chorionic Gonadotropin in bodybuilding
Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone that is produced by the placenta during pregnancy, and then excreted unchanged in the urine, from where it is extracted and purified to obtain drugs. Chorionic gonadotropin has the same biological effects as luteinizing hormone (gonadotropin or gonadotropin), which is formed in the pituitary gland. It can be easily purchased in pharmacies without a prescription.

Recent studies have shown the complete ineffectiveness of using this drug when ingested as part of dietary supplements. In the USA, medicines and dietary supplements containing HCG have been banned since 12/06/2011:
Effects of gonadotropin
  • It stimulates the synthesis of sex hormones in the testicles, therefore it has the same range of effects as testosterone.
  • It stimulates spermatogenesis.
  • Enhances the development of the genitals and secondary sexual characteristics.
  • In women, it stimulates the production of progesterone by the corpus luteum, provokes ovulation, and supports the development of the placenta.
The physiology of gonadotropin
In the body, the regulation of gonadotropin levels occurs by a feedback mechanism in the hypothalamus-pituitary-testicular axis:

  • Gonadoliberin is produced in the hypothalamus and stimulates the release of gonadotropins.
  • Gonadotropins are produced in the pituitary gland and normally stimulate the testicles, with their deficiency testicular atrophy occurs.
  • Testosterone and anabolic steroids inhibit the production of gonadoliberin and gonadotropins, resulting in testicular atrophy.

Thus, in bodybuilding, with prolonged use of anabolic steroids, gonadotropin (chorionic gonadotropin) must be additionally administered in order to prevent testicular atrophy.
The use of HCG in bodybuilding
In bodybuilding, perhaps, only one property of gonadotropin is appreciated - an increase in the secretion of sex hormones (testosterone) by the testicles. As a result, gonadotropin is used as a means to prevent testicular atrophy and as a component of PCT.

The use of HCG for anabolic purposes is not justified and is dangerous to health. Chorionic gonadotropin is less effective than anabolic steroids, as a result, in order to obtain a good effect, it becomes necessary to use it in large doses (more than 4000 IU per week), which can cause irreversible disorders in the physiological axis of the hypothalamus-pituitary gland-testicles. Due to this circumstance, many articles speak negatively about HCG, forgetting about its true purpose.
The use of chorionic gonadotropin on the course and PCT

In bodybuilding, the use of chorionic gonadotropin is justified and even necessary during a course of anabolic steroids to prevent testicular atrophy. In this case, its use is safe, since the doses of the drug are much lower, in addition, chorionic gonadotropin allows you to eliminate some of the side effects of anabolic steroids, as well as maintain the gained muscle mass. HCG is of particular importance if the steroid cycle exceeds 6 weeks or high doses are used. In this situation, chorionic gonadotropin does not disrupt the work of the hypothalamus-pituitary-testicular axis, and, most importantly, allows you to preserve the function of the testicles.

Less often, chorionic gonadotropin is used as part of post-course therapy. Many people believe that it should be administered before PCT, since HCG can interfere with recovery during post-course therapy.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal system

Gonadotropin for weight loss

Relatively recently, a study by British endocrinologist A.T.W. Simeons was published, which states that chorionic gonadotropin can be used for weight loss in order to preserve muscle mass. The scientist believes that gonadotropin programs the hypothalamus to consume fat reserves, while the muscles remain protected from catabolism. Simeons recommends using small (and therefore safe) doses of HCG - 125 ME daily on a low-calorie diet - less than 1,500 kcal per day. This diet is practiced in many specialized weight loss centers. It should be noted that during such a course it is necessary to consume a sufficient amount of protein and vitamins.

Chorionic gonadotropin

Doses and regimen of chorionic gonadotropin
Currently, the pharmaceutical industry produces a huge number of drugs containing HCG. After intramuscular administration, the drug is well absorbed. The half-life is several hours, but the effect of one injection persists for 5-6 days.
Injectable chorionic gonadotropin is a dry substance enclosed in an ampoule (vial). An ampoule with liquid for dissolving the drug should be attached to the HCG vial. It is usually a solution of sodium chloride. The powder is well soluble in solution. The resulting mixture must be injected intramuscularly or subcutaneously. If you have not used all the liquid, then the leftovers should be placed in the refrigerator. Dry HCG should be stored in a dark place at a temperature not higher than + 25 degrees Celsius.
Application protocols by Michael Scally MD and Eric Potratz:
  • If the duration of the course does not exceed 5-6 weeks, 1 drug is used in small doses, then there is no need for gonadotropin. If the duration of the course is more than 6 weeks (8-12 weeks), the dosage is overestimated, 2 or more drugs are used: at least for the last 3-5 weeks of the course, take 2 injections of gonadotropin per week of 250-500 IU to prevent testicular atrophy. The administration stops after almost complete elimination of the anabolic drug, then post-course therapy begins. On multi-month courses, gonadotropin is administered continuously, 3-5 weeks after 1-2 weeks (it is necessary to take a break for at least 1-2 weeks in order to prevent desensitization). According to the latest scientific data, this scheme is considered optimal, since it allows you to preserve the function of the testicles and promotes maximum recovery after the course.
  • If HCG has not been used for a long or "heavy" course, then it should be included in the post-course therapy, but then it should be used only at the beginning of PCT. The blust protocol is most often used according to the book by William Llewellyns (Program for Wellness Restoration), supported by clinical trials, according to which HCG is recommended to be used as part of post-course therapy for 2000 IU, every other day for 20 days to restart the hypothalamus-pituitary-testicular arc; such a scheme is highly discouraged in the absence of complications.
The only reliable indicator of the drug's performance is the corresponding indicator of b-hCG, for which an appropriate blood test is performed.
  • It is not recommended for weight loss and anabolic effect.
Side effects
When taking HCG, the same side effects may occur as when taking testosterone. The use of gonadotropin in large doses or for a long time leads to suppression of the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which disrupts the function of the physiological axis of the hypothalamus-pituitary gland-testicles. Large doses (2000-5000 IU) are not recommended for longer than 20 days, although according to Michael Scally, M.D. and a number of studies provided, testicular desensitization does not occur if the dosage does not exceed 500 IU or HCG is administered less than 3 times a week. This protocol can be considered safe even for 1-2 months.

The information that gonadotropin can lead to pregnancy symptoms in men is completely absurd and untrue.
Anabolic drugs may only be used by a doctor's prescription and are contraindicated in children. The information provided does not call for the use or distribution of potent substances and is aimed solely at reducing the risk of complications and side effects.