HCG worth it?

[StrappedLynx]

I have a gained a lot of insight from this thread. I’m about to start my first cycle and HCG has been on and off my mind a lot. I don’t give a crap about fertility at this point in my life, but ideally I would like to keep some density to my balls.

 

[runway]

I think my balls are coming back slowly. Injecting 3 times 250-500 iu per week now. Took me about 5 weeks to see a difference.

Just don't expect enclomiphene-like tennis balls from it on cycle.

 

[runway]

Damn. Guess i will keep it lowdose.

However, high hCG levels outside of pregnancy can stimulate the growth of cancers that affect the uterus, placenta, and testicles.
High hCG promotes rapid cellular growth, which may stimulate the development of cancer or worsen cancer prognosis in some cases.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) Levels and Cancer - SelfDecode Labs

Though best known for its role in pregnancy testing, high hCG levels may signal testicular or ovarian cancer. Read on for more about this test.

labs.selfdecode.com

 

[runway]

Anyone injecting small doses hcg everyday? I feel like i have way more estrogen sides from injecting 3x per week instead of everyday.

 

[runway]

Do you think the blood clot risk is because of high estrogen?

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone that plays a significant role in pregnancy and has been used in various medical treatments, including for infertility and specific hormonal issues. However, its use, particularly in the context of weight loss and testosterone therapy, has raised concerns regarding the potential for serious side effects, including blood clots.

Blood Clots and HCG​

Blood clots, or thrombotic events, can be life-threatening conditions that occur when blood thickens and clumps together, potentially blocking blood vessels. The risk of blood clots can be influenced by various factors, including certain medications and treatments.

Evidence Linking HCG to Blood Clots​

1. Case Reports and Clinical Observations: There have been documented cases where individuals on HCG therapy experienced thrombotic events such as deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). A case report highlighted a 55-year-old male who developed multiple thrombotic events, including pulmonary emboli and deep venous thrombosis, while on testosterone and HCG therapy. Despite anticoagulation treatment, these events recurred, suggesting a potential link between HCG use and increased thrombotic risk, especially in the presence of thrombophilia
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2. Warnings from Health and Medical Bodies: Articles and health advisories have pointed out the dangers associated with HCG injections, including the risk of blood clots among other side effects such as headaches, leg cramps, and temporary hair thinning
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   . The FDA has also received reports of serious conditions like pulmonary embolism in individuals following the HCG diet, underscoring the potential risks associated with HCG use
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3. Research and Reviews: While there is a lack of large-scale, definitive studies directly linking HCG to blood clots, the association has been observed in clinical settings and reported in medical literature. The mechanism through which HCG could increase the risk of thrombosis is not fully understood but may involve hormonal changes that affect blood coagulation and vascular health
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Recommendations and Precautions​

Given the potential risks, including the development of blood clots, individuals considering or currently using HCG for any purpose should:

• Consult Healthcare Providers: Before starting HCG, discuss with a healthcare provider to understand the potential benefits and risks, including the risk of blood clots.
• Monitor for Symptoms: Be vigilant for signs of blood clots, such as unexplained swelling, pain in the legs or arms, shortness of breath, or chest pain, and seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms occur
  https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dvt/features/blood-clots-pregnant-women.html (12)
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• Consider Alternatives: For those seeking weight loss or dealing with low testosterone levels, explore safer and more evidence-based options with healthcare professionals.

Conclusion​

While HCG has legitimate medical uses, its association with an increased risk of blood clots necessitates caution. Individuals must be informed and consult healthcare providers to weigh the benefits against the risks, especially in contexts not supported by robust scientific evidence, such as weight loss.

 

[DarkStalker]

The risk of blood clot is in a lot of meds... usually very small anyway. For hcg you need 500IU minimum a week

 

[clearheaded]

The risk of blood clot is in a lot of meds... usually very small anyway. For hcg you need 500IU minimum a week

to be fair we have no idea actual risk level. cant make assumptions because you heard aspirin gives clots too.. very different things. also everyone is different.I know lots of folks who got clots from covid, and know lots who didn't.

 

[DarkStalker]

Exactly..

 

[Soalian21]

@Type-IIx

Where would you stand nowadays on the LH issue on TRT, regarding the suppression of brain LH receptor activation, possibly leading to missing out on putative benefits from neurological effects from having brain LH (or LHR analogs such as HCG) ?

It's still unclear to me whether or not brain LHR activation has important neurological implications on the whole.

Thank you.

 

[clearheaded]

@Type-IIx

Where would you stand nowadays on the LH issue on TRT, regarding the suppression of brain LH receptor activation, possibly leading to missing out on putative benefits from neurological effects from having brain LH (or LHR analogs such as HCG) ?

It's still unclear to me whether or not brain LHR activation has important neurological implications on the whole.

Thank you.

I am always curious of changes in guys with healthy LH FSH levels pre steroids and during steroids(esp if low aromatizes even at similarbody fat) , and compare that to hypogonadal guys. would be interesting if folks keep other secondary hormone cascade better than others like dhea pregnalone compounds. if thats the case it would be highly variable, and its not only levels of those but also individual response to the levels of say DHEA... anyway, all a guess as haven't researched, and prob one of those things thats in a handful of HRT Drs heads as anecdotes and how people respond to differing approaches.

 

[Canuck83]

Running 200mg test/400mg primo, out of nowhere I started feeling irritable, couldn't sleep, dry skin etc, def low estrogen symptoms. Took 500 iu of hcg (Indian brand) and by the end of the day I started to feel relief. Now a week later, 500iu eod and I'm basically back to normal. Will lower my hcg dose and keep the eod protocol and see how things go

 

[Eddie.]

Running 200mg test/400mg primo, out of nowhere I started feeling irritable, couldn't sleep, dry skin etc, def low estrogen symptoms. Took 500 iu of hcg (Indian brand) and by the end of the day I started to feel relief. Now a week later, 500iu eod and I'm basically back to normal. Will lower my hcg dose and keep the eod protocol and see how things go

Bad decision..why you came up with a cycle like that?

 

[Canuck83]

Bad decision..why you came up with a cycle like that?

I always run that ratio. In my 30's I could run 800mg primo/200mg test and be fine. I'm much older now, looking to stay in shape, not big. Everyone is different, some people need 1:1 ratios, some need 2:1 etc

 

[Henchus maximus98736]

HCG saved me bro.
Also it really does slot the final piece into a jigsaw whilst on cycle. ME FEEL WHAMMO

 

[Cracken]

Really, can not see the reason of not having it in the cycle.

 

[Henchus maximus98736]

So many just take it after I believe.