Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG), often known as “the pregnancy hormone,” plays a crucial role in men’s lives as well.
You might be wondering: what does HCG have to do with men? Well, the peptide hormone is believed to increase and maintain testosterone levels in men, reverse the side effects of steroids, help with fertility, and increase libido. Let’s examine how HCG benefits men in various aspects of health and wellness.
What is HCG?
HCG is a peptide hormone, composed of a chain of amino acids. It is linked to the glycoprotein family of hormones. The peptide has been shown to regulate various physiological processes in the reproductive system of both men and women.
The structure of HCG consists of two subunits: (a) alpha and (b) beta, each of which makes its fair contribution to its biological activity.
What Does HCG Do in Men?
HCG plays a crucial role in stimulating the testes to produce more testosterone in men. The increased levels of testosterone are important, as they help maintain reproductive health, including sperm production and libido.
How Does HCG Work to Increase Testosterone in Men?
HCG increases testosterone levels in men by stimulating the Leydig cells in the testes. These are the cells that are responsible for producing testosterone.
When Leydig cells produce more testosterone, it ultimately leads to improved function and activity in the seminiferous tubules, the site where sperm production occurs.
The increase in testosterone levels then helps in the growth and maturation of sperm.
Moreover, the testicles may increase in size due to the enhanced function and activity of testosterone.
How Does HCG Prevent the Side Effects of Anabolic Steroids?
Bodybuilders who use anabolic steroids to gain muscle mass and lean body mass experience testosterone suppression. This leads to hypogonadism, a condition that can reduce the testicular size and decrease libido.
HCG is shown to reverse the side effects of anabolic steroids by mimicking the action of luteinizing hormone (LH), which stimulates testosterone production.
Bodybuilders can use HCG during or after their steroid cycle to restore their testosterone production. For further guidance, check out this Post Cycle Therapy guide.
Is HCG a Good Option for Weight Loss?
Though several weight loss programs have promoted HCG as a fat-burning supplement along with a strict calorie diet, there is no sufficient evidence that backs this claim. It is better not to use this drug as a weight loss treatment.
Who Should Not Use HCG?
The FDA has approved HCG injections for certain medical conditions, but there are limitations to these drugs. It should not be used by Males assigned at birth (AMAB) with brain cancer, certain prostate cancer, and extreme thyroid disease.
It is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before taking HCG or any other drug.
What Does HCG Do in Women?
HCG is a natural hormone that occurs in women’s bodies during pregnancy. It supports the production of progesterone, which is essential for maintaining the uterine lining and preventing miscarriage.
HCG is produced by the placenta after implantation and helps sustain the early stages of pregnancy. Besides, HCG is used in fertility treatments to trigger ovulation by stimulating the ovaries to release an egg.
Other than that, HCG is used in the early detection test of pregnancy. The elevated levels of HCG in urine and blood are early signs of pregnancy.
On the Whole
HCG is an FDA-approved medication used to treat certain conditions in both females assigned at birth (FAAB) and males assigned at birth (AMAB). In men, HCG helps boost testosterone levels, improve libido, and reverse the side effects of anabolic steroids. For those experiencing suppressed testosterone post-steroids, options like Arimistane or a solid Post Cycle Therapy protocol may complement HCG treatment.
Additionally, men interested in optimizing hormone health may also explore HGH vs TRT and compounds like Testogen, a popular testosterone booster.
