hCG mimics LH and therefore actually keeps the testicles producing testosterone even when anabolic steroids are present. However, it does not induce the production of actual LH. The use of hCG on cycle, this is primarily done so that post-cycle recovery is easier. hCG is also used on cycle to prevent or at least minimize testicular atrophy that occurs due to the use of anabolic steroids. The testicular atrophy that occurs is not permanent, but will reverse once steroid use is discontinued and natural testosterone production begins again.
It has been mentioned already that much of the difficulty in recovering the HPTA following an anabolic steroid cycle is the result of Leydig cell desensitization. hCG is essentially an analogue of LH, and the testes after a prolonged anabolic steroid cycle would be as equally desensitized to hCG as they are to LH. The human body, however, produces LH amounts on its own that are far too inefficient for proper and rapid Testosterone production.
The body’s natural increase of LH and FSH following an anabolic steroid cycle is also not a rapid peak, but a very slow and steady incline, as evidenced by the study referenced earlier in which it was not until 3 weeks when LH levels only began to reach the normal physiological measurements following the cessation of exogenous Testosterone. Therefore, the body’s own natural LH production does not provide a high enough dose for stimulation, nor an immediate stimulation to the testes required for the initial increase in Testosterone needed during the post cycle therapy weeks.
We will be utilizing a SERM which will stimulate FSH/LH, but most will find recovery being a smother transition when hCG is utilized. Studies have in fact demonstrated the incredible effectiveness of hCG for this purpose, and it is even suggested clinically that hCG be utilized for the purpose of treating anabolic steroid induced hypogonadism.\4])
If you choose to include hCG in your PCT protocol, the best possible SERM for the PCT protocol is Nolvadex, as studies have demonstrated that hCG and Nolvadex utilized together have exhibited a remarkable synergistic effect in terms of stimulating endogenous Testosterone production, and that Nolvadex will actually work to block the desensitization effect on the Leydig cells of the testes caused by high doses of hCG .10
Over The Entire Cycle
This is the preferred option, as it keeps the Leydig cells active, reducing atrophy and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) free radical damage incurred by prolonged shutdown. HCG can be ran over the entire length of the cycle to make PCT easy and efficient, if desired:
- Over Entire Length Of Cycle: 250 IU EOD
- Stop HCG use before starting PCT (SERM)
Important Note: 250 IU 2x/week is used by some, but there have been studies on maintaining intra-testicular testosterone in healthy men with gonadotropin suppression. This study found 125 IU EOD (437.5 iu/week) was 25% less than baseline. Alternatively, 250 IU EOD (875 iu/week) was found to only be 7% below baseline.13
For this reason,
it is recommended to use 250 IU EOD. If desiring to be as close to baseline as possible, you would need more than 875 IU/week (7% less than baseline) and less than 1750 IU/week (26% above baseline). This is where the 500 IU 2x/week comes in, but without a study comparing, we are only speculating and you could need more. Alternatively, if money is a factor, it is best to use some hCG rather than no hCG, and you may do less than the recommended: 500-750 IU/week.