Class & Mechanism — HCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin, is a glycoprotein hormone structurally similar to luteinizing hormone (LH). It acts on the LH/CG receptor, stimulating the testes to produce testosterone and sperm, and the ovaries to produce estrogen and progesterone. HCG is often used clinically to induce ovulation and as a fertility aid [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50].
Research-documented benefits — Local corpus: silent.
General-knowledge benefits — HCG is known to stimulate testosterone production, which can lead to increased muscle mass and strength. It is also used in post-cycle therapy to maintain testicular size and function after steroid use.
Typical injectable protocol — Clinical use: 2000-5000 IU administered intramuscularly, typically in a 5-7 day cycle for fertility treatment, or every 7 days for post-cycle therapy.
Key risks / contraindications — Potential risks include fluid retention, gynecomastia, and cardiovascular risks. Contraindicated in individuals with prostate cancer, undiagnosed pelvic pain, or a history of thrombophlebitis.
Bottom line — HCG is a clinically approved fertility aid with off-label use in sports and bodybuilding for testosterone stimulation and post-cycle therapy.
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