HCG Protocols

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is a peptide hormone structurally similar to luteinizing hormone (LH). In men, it stimulates the Leydig cells of the testes to produce testosterone. For steroid users, hCG is commonly used to:

Prevent or reverse testicular atrophy during a cycle
Maintain fertility
Support recovery of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis (HPTA)
Prime the body for effective post-cycle therapy (PCT)

What Is hCG?

Mimics the action of LH, signaling the testes to produce testosterone and sperm
Biologically active in males despite being a hormone found in pregnant women
Available as prescription medication or under research chemical (RC) labels

Why Use hCG?

AAS use suppresses natural LH/FSH, causing the testes to shut down testosterone and sperm production. Consequences may include:

Shrinking of testicles (testicular atrophy)
Reduced libido
Low energy and mood
Long-term fertility suppression

Using hCG during or immediately after a cycle can:

Keep testes functioning
Improve response to PCT SERMs
Shorten recovery time

Common HCG Protocols

Protocol Type	Timing	Dose Range	Frequency	Notes
On-Cycle Support	During entire AAS cycle	250–500 IU	2–3x per week	Maintains testicular function and responsiveness
Pre-PCT Priming	Final 2–4 weeks of cycle	500–1,000 IU	2–3x per week	Helps restore size and baseline testicular function before PCT begins
Blast Protocol	Final 1–2 weeks before PCT	1,000–2,000 IU	EOD (Every Other Day)	Aggressive stimulation to reverse testicular atrophy
Low Dose TRT Maintenance	Long-term TRT use	250 IU	2x per week	Used by some to retain fertility on TRT

Note: Higher doses (>2,000 IU) may desensitize LH receptors. Always use the minimum effective dose.

Mixing and Storage

hCG comes as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder and must be reconstituted with bacteriostatic water
After mixing:
1. Store refrigerated (2–8°C / 35–46°F)
2. Stable for 30–60 days
Use insulin syringes (29–31G) for SubQ injection

SubQ vs IM Administration

SubQ (subcutaneous) injection is preferred
1. Less painful
2. Slower absorption but equally effective
IM (intramuscular) also works, but unnecessary for most users

PCT Integration

hCG is not a replacement for SERMs (e.g., Nolvadex or Clomid), but it can enhance PCT if used strategically. Best practices:

Do not use hCG during SERM-based PCT
Use prior to starting PCT to “prime” the testes
After stopping hCG, begin PCT with SERMs 3–5 days later

Recommended sequence:

Cycle ends
Run hCG for 2–4 weeks (500–1,000 IU, 3x/week)
Stop hCG
Wait 3–5 days
Begin SERM PCT (e.g., Nolva + Clomid)

Real-World Bodybuilder Insights

From the r/steroids community and Steroid Wiki PDF:

“If you’ve ever had marble-sized balls on PCT, you didn’t use hCG correctly.”
“250 IU twice per week on cycle = perfect sweet spot. No shrinkage.”
“Never run hCG with your SERM. You’ll confuse the HPTA and stall recovery.”
“Don’t wait until after cycle to fix shutdown. Prevention is always better.”

Bloodwork and Monitoring

To monitor HCG effectiveness:

Check Total Testosterone, LH, FSH, and Estradiol (sensitive assay)
Look out for signs of excess estrogen:
1. Bloating
2. Gyno
3. Mood swings

Tip: hCG can raise E2 due to increased testosterone → aromatization. Be prepared to use a low-dose AI (e.g., 0.25 mg Arimidex 2x/week) if symptoms arise.

Summary

hCG mimics LH and stimulates natural testosterone production
Use during or shortly after a cycle, but not during SERM PCT
Helps preserve testicular size and function
Improves response to PCT
Store properly and avoid overuse to prevent desensitization

Properly timed hCG use can dramatically improve hormonal recovery, fertility, and quality of life after a cycle.