hCG: Why and How to Use it

When you are on a cycle and taking synthetic testosterone and other androgens, your body shuts off its ability to produce testosterone naturally. That is where hCG comes in. hCG, Human chorionic gonadotropin, is a hormone that is produced in the female body during pregnancy. Accidentally, in the male body, hCG can treat hypogonadism, by stimulating the body to start producing natural testosterone again. 

hCG can come in a liquid or a powder that is ready to be mixed. Always store your liquid hCG in a fridge, and never use liquid hCG that has not been refrigerated. Pro Tip: injecting cold hCG can be uncomfortable, so you can warm it in your hands before injection.

 

When hCG comes as a powder, mix with a vial of sterile water. The powder hCG should be kept at room temperature before use. Pull 1 mm of water from the vial into a syringe and then squirt it into the powder vial. To mix, do not shake! This could render the dose ineffective. Gently roll the vial around to mix. Prior to injecting, make sure to clear all the air bubbles. hCG can be injected subcutaneously via a 29-gauge insulin needle at a slow tempo, or intramuscularly. Make sure to use a sanitized area and equipment, and always be careful when disposing of your equipment. 

 

Now there are some different methods of when you should start taking hCG, which we will explain here. 

 

During Cycle and Post Cycle

 

Some choose to use hCG both during their cycle and post cycle as part of their PCT protocol. The main argument for this method is to keep the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal axis (HPG axis) awake, and to not let it shut down completely. Another argument is that stimulating the testes and maintaining testosterone production can affect testicle size during your cycle. Some suggest that tapering the HCG post cycle can inhibit the hypothalamus and pituitary which can delay recovery. Dosage recommendations can vary. Some suggest 500-1000iu per week starting on their third week of the cycle, while others recommend 500-1000iu per day, and to not exceed 1000iu per day. Overall, most people recommend daily administration versus less frequent administration. 

 

Post Cycle 

 

Now most people choose to use hCG only after their cycle is over, starting the hCG after the longest ester is out of your system (for Testosterone Enanthate, this is around 10 days after your last injection). Their reasoning is that hCG does not work long term during the cycle. Dosage options range from taking 2000iu per week, with divided doses throughout the week. Use hCG for 5-10 days, but no more than 14 days, as it loses efficacy.

 

Combined with Post Cycle Therapy

 

Doing PCT can help you avoid the long-term side effects of the testosterone drop, and generally you have two choices to supplement with: Nolvadex and Clomid. Some also use PCT stacks or PCT supplements which can be found very easily.