Pregnyl (Generic HCG/Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

General

Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a powerful protein hormone, which is produced by placenta starting from the first days of pregnancy. It is one of the most important hormones, which is necessary for normal growth and development of human embryo.

Since HCG has multiple functions, both women and men can use it for various purposes, including medical and bodybuilding.

The Effects of Gonadotropin

• Induces testosterone production in testicles, therefore it has the same effects as testosterone.
• Stimulates spermatogenesis.
• Improves the development of sexual organs and secondary sexual characteristics.
• In women, it stimulates progesterone production by the corpus luteum, induces ovulation, and supports the development of placenta. It isimportant for normal pregnancy.

How it works

In human body the level of gonadotropin is regulated by HPTA (hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis). That is, hypothalamus produces GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone), which stimulates production of gonadotropic hormones in pituitary.

In their turn, gonadotropins (FSH and LH) stimulate the function of testes (including testosterone production). In case of their deficiency testicular atrophy may develop.

The prolonged usage of testosterone and other AAS may inhibit HPTA (decreases GnRH and gonadotropins production). It may lead to testicular atrophy.

It is important to note that chorionic gonadotropin can function as both FSH and LH at the same time. Moreover, it is more powerful than LH. Therefore, athletes who use steroids for long time, or at high doses, should take gonadotropin. It helps to avoid shrinkage of testicles and recovers their function.

HCG in bodybuilding

Since HCG improves the function of testicles and stimulates the endogenous testosterone production, it became popular in bodybuilding. Its major application is prevention of testicular atrophy and as a part of PCT.

It is not recommended to use HCG solo for anabolic purposes, because steroids are more powerful than HCG and besides you will need very high doses (more than 4000 I.U. a week) to get anabolic effect. It may irreversibly damage HPTA.

HCG and PCT

It is necessary to take HCG during steroid cycle when it exceeds 6 weeks or you use high doses of steroids. It will help you to avoid some side effects and will keep the gained mass after the cycle. At moderate dosesit is safe to use. In this case HCG does not affect HPTA and prevents testicular dysfunction.

Less commonly, athletes use chorionic gonadotropin during PCT, since the usage of HGH is more beneficial during the cycle than after it. Nevertheless, if you didn’t use HCG during your heavy cycle, you should include it into PCT (only at the very beginning of PCT).

According to Program for Wellness Restoration, athletes should use HCG as a part of PCT at the dosage of 2000 I.U. every other day for 20 days. This therapy will help to restart HPTA, however it is not recommended in the absence of complications.

HCG and weight loss

According to recent study small doses ofHCG (125 I.U. /day + low calorie diet, less than 1500 kcal/day) can cause the weight loss through fat burning.Meanwhile themuscle mass remains untouched. It is important to note that this diet must contain sufficient amount of proteins and vitamins.

Dosage and Usage

The effective dosage for athletes vary from 2000 to 5000 I.U./injection every 5 days. Athletes who do “heavy” cycles (more than 6 weeks, with high doses or with highly androgenic steroids, e.g. Anadrol, Sustanon , Cypionate, Dianabol) should inject 5000 I.U. every 5 days. After injection the levels of testosterone remains relatively high, therefore there is no need to do more frequent injections.

The maximal duration of HCG intake is 4 weeks. However, high doses and prolonged usage may lead to HPTA dysfunction, therefore the optimal duration of HCG cycle is around 3 weeks, with the gap at least 1 month between the cycles.

Side effects

Since HCG forces testes to produce endogenous testosterone it may have testosterone specific side effects. At high doses it can suppress HPTA. Therefore, in case of high doses (2000-5000 I.U.) the use of HCG should not exceed 3 weeks.

However, you can safely use it at small doses (500 I.U. or less) for 1-2 months. HCG does not cause the symptoms of pregnancy in men.