What is gonadotropin and why its used in bodybuilding

The administration of anabolic steroids leads to the suppression of luteinizing hormone, which supports (stimulates) normal testicular function. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone that is produced by the placenta during pregnancy. Chorionic gonadotropin has the same biological effects as luteinizing hormone. After administration of Gonadotropin, testicular function is restored and the hormonal background returns to normal faster.

Disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular arc occurs at the very beginning of the steroid cycle. Luteinizing hormone practically stops influencing the testicular cells. Reduction of testicular size can be noticed after a month of the “strong” cycle. To prevent negative effects from taking anabolic steroids, it is necessary to take gonadotropin as a during-cycle therapy especially on long cycles.

Injectable chorionic gonadotropin is a dry substance enclosed in an ampoule (vial). A vial of HCG should be accompanied by an ampoule of liquid to dissolve the drug. The powder dissolves well in the solution. The resulting mixture should be injected intramuscularly. If you have not used all the liquid, the rest should be placed in the fridge, powder can be stored at home temperature.

 

The Effects of Gonadotropin:

  • Stimulates the synthesis of sex hormones in the testes
  • Stimulates spermatogenesis
  • Prevents testicular atrophy on steroid cycle
  • Enhances development of reproductive organs and secondary sexual characteristics

 

Chorionic gonadotropin use on cycle and PCT

The use of chorionic gonadotropin is justified and even necessary during cycle of anabolic steroids to prevent testicular atrophy. In this case, its use is safe because doses of the drug are much lower, besides, chorionic gonadotropin allows eliminating some side effects of anabolic steroids and preserving the gained muscle mass. HCG is of particular importance if the steroid cycle is longer than 6 weeks or if high doses are used. In this situation, chorionic gonadotropin does not disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, and most importantly, it preserves testicular function.

Chorionic gonadotropin is used less frequently as part of post-cycle therapy. Many believe that it should be administered before PCT because hCG can interfere with recovery during post-cycle therapy.

If the AS cycle lasts less than 5-6 weeks and a single steroid is taken in small doses, there is no need for hCG.

If AS is used for a longer period of time, or excessive doses are used (two or more steroids are used), two injections per week with a dosage of 250-500 IU should be made. Hormone doses can be increased (up to 2,000 IU in the case of, for example, post-cycle therapy). Injections should be given every other day for three weeks. It should be remembered that the approach to the intake of hCG for everyone is individual, depending on the characteristics of the body and steroid combination.

If we are talking about longer steroid cycles (from three months and more), it is recommended to include HCG on a permanent basis. In this case, it is advisable to take a break for one or two weeks after four to five weeks and then repeat the cycle of taking it.

 

Gonadotropin Side Effects

The use of HCG for anabolic purposes is not justified and is dangerous to your health. Chorionic gonadotropin is less effective compared to anabolic steroids and, as a result, in order to get a good effect, it is necessary to use it in high doses (over 4000 IU per week), which may cause irreversible damage to the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. Due to this circumstance, many articles negatively refer to HCG, forgetting its true purpose.

HCG remains one of the most popular hormones among professional athletes today. However, despite the beliefs of some athletes, HCG cannot replace steroids and has no fat-burning effect. Also, you should be careful when using it to raise testosterone levels – hCG is an unacceptable doping.

While taking high doses of gonadotropin, similar side effects can occur as when taking testosterone:

  • Swelling of the mammary glands
  • Baldness/increased body hair
  • Blackheads
  • Prostate enlargement
  • Masculinization in women
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