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HCG BASICS:
HCG
is not an anabolic/androgenic steroid but a natural protein hormone which
develops in the placenta of a pregnant woman. HCG is manufactured from the
urine of pregnant women since it is excreted in unchanged form from the
blood via the woman's urine, passing through the kidneys. The commercially
available HCG is sold as a dry substance and can be used both in men and
women.
In women injectable HCG allows for ovulation since it influences
the last stages of the development of the ovum, thus stimulating
ovulation. In a man HCG stimulates production of androgenic hormones
(testosterone). For this reason athletes use injectable HCG to increase
the testosterone production.
HOW TO
USE
HCG: HCG is often used in combination with
anabolic/androgenic steroids during or after treatment. Since the body
usually
needs a certain amount of time to get its testosterone production going
again, the athlete, after discontinuing steroid compounds, experiences a
difficult transition phase which often goes hand in hand with a
considerable loss in both strength and muscle mass. Administering HCG
directly after steroid treatment helps to reduce this condition because
HCG increases the testosterone production in the testes very quickly and
reliably. In the event of testicular atrophy caused by mega doses and very
long periods of usage, HCG also helps to quickly bring the testes back to
their original condition (size). Since occasional injections of HCG during
steroid intake can avoid a testicular atrophy, many athletes use HCG for
two to three weeks in the middle of their steroid treatment. It is often
observed that during this time the athlete makes his best progress with
respect to gains in both strength and muscle mass. Those who are on the
juice all year round, who might suffer psychological consequences or who
would perhaps risk the breakup of a relationship because of this should
consider this drawback when taking HCG in regular intervals. A reduced
libido and spermatogenesis due to steroids, in most cases, can be
successfully cured by treatment with HCG.
Most athletes, however, use HCG at the end of a treatment in order to
avoid a "crash" that is, to achieve the best possible transition
into "natural training". A precondition, however, is that the
steroid intake or dosage be reduced
slowly
and evenly before taking HCG. Although HCG causes a quick and significant
increase of the endogenic plasma testosterone level, unfortunately it is
not a perfect remedy to prevent the loss of strength and mass at the end
of a steroid treatment. Although HCG does stimulate endogenous
testosterone production, it does not help in reestablishing the normal
hypothalamic/pituitary testicular axis. The hypothalamus and pituitary are
still in a refractory state after prolonged steroid usage, and remain this
way while HCG is being used, because the endogenous testosterone produced
as result of the exogenous HCG represses the endogenous LH production.
Once the HCG is discontinued, the athlete must still go through a
re-adjustment period. This is merely delayed by the HCG use. For this
reason experienced athletes often take Clomid and
Clenbuterol following HCG intake or they
immediately begin another steroid treatment. Some take HCG merely to get
off the "steroids" for at least two to three weeks.
HCG
DOSAGE:
HCG package insert states clearly that HCG "has no known effect of
fat mobilization, appetite or sense of hunger, or body fat
distribution". It further states, "HCG has not been demonstrated
to be effective adjunctive therapy in the treatment of obesity, it does
not
increase fat losses beyond that resulting from caloric restriction".
6000 I.U. of HCG in a single injection resulted in elevated testosterone
levels for six days after the injection. At a dosage of 1500 I.U. the
pharmatestosterone level increases by 250-300 % (2.5-3 fold) compared to
the initial value. The athlete should inject one HCG ampule every 5 days.
Since the testosterone level remains considerably elevated for several
days, it is unnecessary to inject HCG more than once every 5 days. The
effective dosage for athletes is usually 2000-5000 I.U. per injection and
should - as already mentioned - be injected every 5 days. HCG should only
be taken for a few weeks. If HCG is taken by male athletes over many weeks
and in high dosages, it is possible that the testes will respond poorly to
a later HCG intake and a release of the body's own LH. This could result
in a permanent inadequate gonadal function.
HCG can in part cause side effects similar to those of injectable
testosterone. A higher testosterone production also goes hand in hand with
an elevated estrogen level which could result in gynecomastia. This could
manifest itself in a temporary growth of breasts or
reinforce
already existing breast growth in men. Farsighted athletes thus combine
HCG with an antiestrogen. Male athletes also report more frequent
erections and an increased sexual desire. In high doses it can cause acne
vulgaris and the storing of minerals and water. The last point must
especially be observed since the water retention which is possible through
the use of HCG could give the muscle system a puffy and watery appearance.
Athletes who have already increased their endogenous testosterone level by
taking Clomid and intend subsequently to take HCG
could experience considerable water retention and distinct feminization
symptoms (gynecomastia, tendency toward fat deposits on the hips). This is
due to the fact that high testosterone leads to a high conversion rate to
estrogens. In very young athletes HCG, like anabolic steroids, can cause
an early stunting of growth since it prematurely closes the epiphysial
growth plates. Mood swings and high blood pressure can also be attributed
to the intake of HCG.
HCG's form of administration is also unusual. The substance
choriongonadotropin is a white powdery freeze-dried substance which is
usually used as a compress. Each package, for each HCG ampule, includes
another ampule with an injection solution containing isotonic sodium
chloride. This liquid, after both ampules have been opened in a sterile
manner, is injected into the HCG ampule and mixed with the dried
substance. The solution is then ready for use and should be injected
intramuscularly. If only part of the substance is injected the residual
solution should be stored in the refrigerator. It is not necessary to
store the unmixed HCG in the refrigerator; however, it should be kept out
of light and below a temperature of 25° C.
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