Testosterone, Weight Loss, Side Effects & More

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved hCG injections to treat specific medical conditions. In females assigned at birth (FAABs), they can help treat infertility. In males assigned at birth (MAABs), they can treat a type of hypogonadism.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is sometimes called “the pregnancy hormone” because of its important role in maintaining pregnancy.

Pregnancy tests check hCG levels in the urine or blood to determine if a person is pregnant or not.

Read on to learn how it can be used for MAABs.

There are a variety of reasons why a doctor might prescribe hCG to a man.

To help address hypogonadism

In men, doctors prescribe hCG to help address the symptoms of hypogonadism, such as low testosterone and infertility. hCG can help the body increase its production of testosterone and sperm, which can help reduce infertility.

To improve testosterone deficiency

Injections of hCG are also sometimes used as an alternative to testosterone products in MAABs with testosterone deficiency.

Testosterone deficiency is defined as testosterone blood levels less than 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) along with symptoms of low testosterone. These include:

• fatigue
• stress
• a low sex drive
• depressed mood

According to the American Urological Association, hCG is appropriate for those MAABs with testosterone deficiency who also desire to maintain fertility.

Testosterone products boost levels of the hormone in the body but can have the side effects of shrinking the gonads, altering sexual function, and causing infertility.

hCG can help increase:

• gonad size
• testosterone levels
• fertility

Some doctors believe that using testosterone along with hCG may help improve symptoms of testosterone deficiency while preventing some of testosterone’s side effects.

To improve sexual function

hCG may also help improve sexual function in MAABs who don’t experience improvement while on testosterone.

To reverse steroid side effects

Bodybuilders who take anabolic steroids such as testosterone also sometimes use hCG to help prevent or reverse some of the side effects steroids cause, such as gonad shrinkage and infertility.

In men, hCG acts like luteinizing hormone (LH). LH stimulates Leydig cells in the testicles, which results in the production of testosterone.

LH also stimulates production of sperm within structures in the testicles called seminiferous tubules.

As hCG stimulates the testicles to produce testosterone and sperm, the testicles grow in size over time.

Very little clinical research has evaluated hCG in MAABs with low testosterone levels.

In a small 2002 study of older MAABs with partial hypogonadism, hCG increased testosterone levels compared to a placebo control. However, hCG had no effect on sexual function.

In one 2005 study, MAABs taking testosterone along with hCG were able to maintain testosterone production in the testicles.

In a 2013 study, MAABs taking testosterone along with hCG were able to maintain adequate sperm production.

According to a 2018 study, hCG can help MAABs with hypogonadism preserve their fertility, whether it’s used alone or in combination with testosterone. It can help restore sperm production as well.

A small 2019 study concluded that hCG was safe and effective for MAABs who experience the symptoms of hypogonadism but have testosterone levels above 300 ng/dL. Testosterone levels above 300 ng/dL are widely considered normal.

For men, the most common side effects of hCG injections include:

• gynecomastia, or the growth of male breasts
• pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site
• stomach pain
• nausea
• vomiting

In rare cases, people taking hCG have developed blood clots. Although also rare, allergic reactions can occur, including mild skin rashes and severe anaphylactic reactions.

hCG is sometimes used for weight loss. Several products are available that are marketed as over-the-counter (OTC) homeopathic hCG products for weight loss.

However, the FDA has warned that it hasn’t approved hCG products for the purpose of weight loss. Any OTC products claiming to contain hCG aren’t legally authorized, either.

The FDA has also advised consumers that there’s no substantial evidence that hCG works for weight loss.

These products are often used as part of an “hCG diet.” This typically involves taking hCG supplements while following a low calorie diet of 500 calories per day.

Although this low calorie diet can help reduce weight, there’s no evidence that using hCG products helps.

Additionally, this extremely low calorie diet can be unsafe for many people. Possible side effects of extremely restrictive diets include:

• gallstones
• electrolyte imbalances
• arrhythmias

When used appropriately with the guidance of your doctor, hCG is safe.

It shouldn’t be used by MAABs with prostate cancer, certain brain cancers, or uncontrolled thyroid disease.

Talk with your doctor about other medical conditions you may have before using hCG.

hCG is produced from hamster ovary cells. People with an allergy to hamster protein shouldn’t take hCG.

You should avoid all OTC hCG products, since none of them have been FDA approved. The FDA warns against using these products or following the hCG diet.

hCG is an FDA-approved medication for treating specific conditions in both FAABs and men.

In men, it seems to have an important role as an alternative to testosterone for boosting testosterone levels and maintaining fertility.

Some doctors are prescribing it in conjunction with testosterone products for testosterone deficiency to help maintain fertility and sexual function.

Some people are also using hCG for weight loss, often as a component of the hCG diet. However, there’s no reliable evidence that hCG works for this purpose. Due to concerns about its safety, it should be avoided as a weight loss aid.

Testosterone, Weight Loss, Side Effects & More

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved hCG injections to treat specific medical conditions. In females assigned at birth (FAABs), they can help treat infertility. In males assigned at birth (MAABs), they can treat a type of hypogonadism.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is sometimes called “the pregnancy hormone” because of its important role in maintaining pregnancy.

Pregnancy tests check hCG levels in the urine or blood to determine if a person is pregnant or not.

Read on to learn how it can be used for MAABs.

There are a variety of reasons why a doctor might prescribe hCG to a man.

To help address hypogonadism

In men, doctors prescribe hCG to help address the symptoms of hypogonadism, such as low testosterone and infertility. hCG can help the body increase its production of testosterone and sperm, which can help reduce infertility.

To improve testosterone deficiency

Injections of hCG are also sometimes used as an alternative to testosterone products in MAABs with testosterone deficiency.

Testosterone deficiency is defined as testosterone blood levels less than 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) along with symptoms of low testosterone. These include:

• fatigue
• stress
• a low sex drive
• depressed mood

According to the American Urological Association, hCG is appropriate for those MAABs with testosterone deficiency who also desire to maintain fertility.

Testosterone products boost levels of the hormone in the body but can have the side effects of shrinking the gonads, altering sexual function, and causing infertility.

hCG can help increase:

• gonad size
• testosterone levels
• fertility

Some doctors believe that using testosterone along with hCG may help improve symptoms of testosterone deficiency while preventing some of testosterone’s side effects.

To improve sexual function

hCG may also help improve sexual function in MAABs who don’t experience improvement while on testosterone.

To reverse steroid side effects

Bodybuilders who take anabolic steroids such as testosterone also sometimes use hCG to help prevent or reverse some of the side effects steroids cause, such as gonad shrinkage and infertility.

In men, hCG acts like luteinizing hormone (LH). LH stimulates Leydig cells in the testicles, which results in the production of testosterone.

LH also stimulates production of sperm within structures in the testicles called seminiferous tubules.

As hCG stimulates the testicles to produce testosterone and sperm, the testicles grow in size over time.

Very little clinical research has evaluated hCG in MAABs with low testosterone levels.

In a small 2002 study of older MAABs with partial hypogonadism, hCG increased testosterone levels compared to a placebo control. However, hCG had no effect on sexual function.

In one 2005 study, MAABs taking testosterone along with hCG were able to maintain testosterone production in the testicles.

In a 2013 study, MAABs taking testosterone along with hCG were able to maintain adequate sperm production.

According to a 2018 study, hCG can help MAABs with hypogonadism preserve their fertility, whether it’s used alone or in combination with testosterone. It can help restore sperm production as well.

A small 2019 study concluded that hCG was safe and effective for MAABs who experience the symptoms of hypogonadism but have testosterone levels above 300 ng/dL. Testosterone levels above 300 ng/dL are widely considered normal.

For men, the most common side effects of hCG injections include:

• gynecomastia, or the growth of male breasts
• pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site
• stomach pain
• nausea
• vomiting

In rare cases, people taking hCG have developed blood clots. Although also rare, allergic reactions can occur, including mild skin rashes and severe anaphylactic reactions.

hCG is sometimes used for weight loss. Several products are available that are marketed as over-the-counter (OTC) homeopathic hCG products for weight loss.

However, the FDA has warned that it hasn’t approved hCG products for the purpose of weight loss. Any OTC products claiming to contain hCG aren’t legally authorized, either.

The FDA has also advised consumers that there’s no substantial evidence that hCG works for weight loss.

These products are often used as part of an “hCG diet.” This typically involves taking hCG supplements while following a low calorie diet of 500 calories per day.

Although this low calorie diet can help reduce weight, there’s no evidence that using hCG products helps.

Additionally, this extremely low calorie diet can be unsafe for many people. Possible side effects of extremely restrictive diets include:

• gallstones
• electrolyte imbalances
• arrhythmias

When used appropriately with the guidance of your doctor, hCG is safe.

It shouldn’t be used by MAABs with prostate cancer, certain brain cancers, or uncontrolled thyroid disease.

Talk with your doctor about other medical conditions you may have before using hCG.

hCG is produced from hamster ovary cells. People with an allergy to hamster protein shouldn’t take hCG.

You should avoid all OTC hCG products, since none of them have been FDA approved. The FDA warns against using these products or following the hCG diet.

hCG is an FDA-approved medication for treating specific conditions in both FAABs and men.

In men, it seems to have an important role as an alternative to testosterone for boosting testosterone levels and maintaining fertility.

Some doctors are prescribing it in conjunction with testosterone products for testosterone deficiency to help maintain fertility and sexual function.

Some people are also using hCG for weight loss, often as a component of the hCG diet. However, there’s no reliable evidence that hCG works for this purpose. Due to concerns about its safety, it should be avoided as a weight loss aid.

HCG injection – indications and contraindications

Currently, ovulation stimulation by hCG injection is in demand. The procedure is recommended for women who do not have high-quality egg maturation. HCG injection is an injection, the main component of which is human chorionic gonadotropin. Undoubtedly, after an injection of hCG, the likelihood of conception increases. Why do I need to stimulate ovulation with an injection of hCG? The purpose of the technique is to create eggs in the female body that are capable of fertilization.

The level of human chorionic gonadotropin increases from the moment of engraftment of the embryo in the uterus. Initially, hCG is produced by the membranes of the chorion, then the placenta performs this function. With insufficient production of the hormone, its amount is compensated artificially. An hCG injection is given to women who want to get pregnant. The injection normalizes ovulation and increases the hormonal activity of the corpus luteum.

Ovulation

The menstrual cycle is divided into two phases. In the first phase, menstrual bleeding occurs, the dominant follicle matures, and the egg is released. In the second phase, the uterus prepares to receive the embryo, regardless of whether fertilization has taken place or not. The endometrium thickens. Having joined with the sperm, the egg travels to the uterus.

If pregnancy does not occur, the concentration of estrogen and progesterone decreases. The inner layer of the uterus exfoliates, menstruation occurs. The ovulation phase is located between the follicle-stimulating period and the luteinizing stage. It takes forty-eight hours in duration. The onset of ovulation occurs on the fourteenth day of the cycle (cycle of 28 days).

Stimulation of ovulation

Lack of ovulation is the main problem of infertility. Violation of the natural process of ovulation is caused by a disorder of hormonal regulation, inflammation of the reproductive organs, dysfunction of the adrenal cortex, thyroid gland, and stress. To correct the level of hormones, an injection of hCG is prescribed. For the simultaneous maturation of several eggs, ovulation is stimulated by an injection of hCG. The injection increases the chances of fertilization and is actively used in in vitro fertilization.

HCG injection

HCG injection is used to restore ovulation. The main indication for the introduction of artificial chorionic gonadotropin is infertility.

Indication for injection:

• Corpus luteum deficiency
• Cause of infertility – anovulation
• Stable miscarriage
• Threat of spontaneous abortion

HCG injection. Contraindications:

• “Young” menopause
• Breastfeeding
• Malignant neoplasm of pituitary gland
• Ovarian cancer
• Tubal obstruction
• Thyroid dysfunction
• Drug resistance

When an HCG injection is prescribed

In case of repeated miscarriages, an HCG injection is prescribed after confirming the pregnancy. In such cases, the injection is carried out at the eighth week. Therapy with artificial gonadotropin is continued for forty to forty-five days. With the danger of miscarriage – up to the fourteenth week inclusive.

If a woman is planning a pregnancy, an HCG injection is given after the absolute maturity of the follicles has been reached. The injection is performed once. The egg after the hCG injection leaves the follicle in twenty-four to thirty-six hours.

Pregnancy test after hCG injection

Usually, after the hCG injection, ovulation occurs in a day. After making sure that the egg is released, a reinforcing therapy is prescribed: progesterone preparations. Next, the time of sexual intercourse is calculated, the result of which will be the reunion of the sperm with the egg. With ideal indicators of spermogram, the action is carried out every other day. If the stimulation of ovulation with an hCG injection ends successfully, a long-awaited pregnancy occurs.

A pregnancy test should be performed when the artificial hCG has completely “left” the body – after two weeks. If you do not follow the recommendations, then pregnancy tests after an hCG injection will be incorrect.

Stimulation of ovulation with an injection of hCG increases the chances of conception. However, there are contraindications to the procedure:

• Inflammation of the ovaries
• Serious hormonal disorders
• Age restrictions
• Allergic reactions

Stimulation of ovulation with an injection of hCG should be carried out under the strict supervision of a physician. Illiterate therapy is the cause of trouble in the female body.

Choosing the right clinic is the first step towards achieving your goal. Qualified medical assistance, diagnostic laboratory, psychological support, the latest equipment – an incomplete range of services offered by the “IVF Center” in Kursk.

HCG injection – when is it prescribed? HCG and Pregnancy

HCG, or Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, is a hormone produced during pregnancy to support pregnancy. Chorionic gonadotropin is very important during pregnancy. Without it, the embryo does not survive and a miscarriage can occur. An injection of hCG can be prescribed both to a woman with natural fertilization, and after in vitro fertilization to support pregnancy. Also, the hCG injection is the final stage of provoking superovulation during IVF. The level of hCG determines the course of pregnancy, as well as the number of fetuses.

What is HCG

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone produced during pregnancy (specific pregnancy hormone). The hormone is produced by the chorion, the outer shell of the embryo, immediately after it is implanted in the uterine wall. HCG is necessary for the normal development of pregnancy. It provokes the production of progesterone by the corpus luteum until the placenta can produce this hormone on its own.

HCG detects pregnancy as early as 6-7 days after conception, although home research methods (test strips) in such a short period of time can give a false positive result.

The normal content of hCG in a non-pregnant woman and in a man is 0-5 mU/ml. Its increase can also be associated with the appearance of tumor diseases in a man or a non-pregnant woman.

During pregnancy, the level of hCG increases significantly and grows every day. In the first weeks of pregnancy, it can be about 200 IU / ml, and by the 7th week it can increase to 200 thousand IU / ml. The number of fruits also affects the level of hCG: it will grow in proportion to their number. That is, if two fetuses develop, then by the 7th week the hCG level will not be 200 thousand, but 400 thousand mU / ml.

This intensive growth of the hormone continues until the 12th week of pregnancy. Further, the level gradually begins to subside. However, if the decline occurs early, it may be a wake-up call. A decrease in hCG may be associated with a threatened miscarriage, pregnancy fading, or an ectopic pregnancy. In this regard, it is necessary to regularly visit a doctor to monitor the status of pregnancy.

Superovulation after hCG injection

Superovulation is one of the necessary stages of IVF. Normally, a woman produces one egg per menstrual cycle. Sometimes, very rarely, there may be more of them, due to which twins or triplets are born. The maturation of more than one egg in a natural cycle is an uncontrolled process and cannot be used in in vitro fertilization.

For IVF, several eggs are used: among them, the highest quality ones are selected, which, after fertilization, will be transplanted into the woman’s body. For transplantation, 2 cultured embryos are usually used to increase the success of the IVF procedure. The effectiveness of one IVF procedure is 30-40%. Therefore, the transfer of more than one embryo increases the chances of implantation. For example, the efficiency of natural fertilization is about 20% in each menstrual cycle. However, IVF is often not recommended. Firstly, during IVF, a woman undergoes hormone therapy, which should be carried out no more than once every 3-4 months. Secondly, IVF is an expensive procedure, the repetition of which for many couples takes time. In any case, the repetition of IVF is an individual matter and will depend on the condition of the woman.

Stimulation of superovulation begins with the introduction of gonadotropic drugs for the growth and development of follicles with eggs. The duration of the use of drugs is approximately 10 days from the 2nd day of the menstrual cycle. The dose and timing of drug administration are determined strictly individually by the attending physician.

Observation of the growth and development of follicles is carried out using ultrasound. When the follicles become the size necessary for ovulation (about 20-25 mm), an hCG injection is prescribed. An injection of hCG serves as a kind of “trigger” for ovulation, while preventing the regression of follicles and the formation of follicular cysts.

After an injection of hCG, ovulation occurs approximately 24-36 hours later, monitored by ultrasound. Next, the woman undergoes an ovarian puncture to collect germ cells. On the same day, the man donates sperm.

Among the male and female germ cells, the highest quality and viable are selected. The cells are placed on a special nutrient medium that is as adapted as possible to the natural environment of the fallopian tubes where they will connect. The resulting zygotes continue to be cultured in the incubator until the blastocyst phase. Further, the highest quality embryos are transplanted into the uterine cavity, where they are implanted in its walls and continue to develop.

IVF procedure is performed at the IVF Center clinic in Smolensk. The specialists of the clinic have extensive experience in the field of eliminating infertility of various etiologies.

HCG injection after IVF pregnancy

After the embryos are transferred into the woman’s uterus, she is given an HCG injection. This is necessary to support the intrauterine development of the child. When the level of this hormone rises in a woman’s body after an hCG injection, the body “thinks” that pregnancy has occurred and begins to produce progesterone, which is very important for pregnancy. Since the female body does not produce the necessary amount of pregnancy hormones during in vitro fertilization, it must be “helped” with hormones from the outside. This happens until the female body itself begins to produce the required amount of hormones.

In addition to the hCG injection, a woman may be given progesterone (also to support pregnancy). The hCG injection is usually given intramuscularly, and progesterone is taken orally in the form of tablets or suppositories vaginally.

The first check of IVF results takes place 14 days after embryo transfer. By this time, the hCG level should have increased significantly. The value of hCG can also indicate the fertility of pregnancy: the level of hCG increases in proportion to the number of fetuses.

The final confirmation of pregnancy, its localization and the number of fetuses is carried out using ultrasound. HCG and progesterone support can last up to 12 weeks or more as directed by your doctor.

Natural Pregnancy HCG Injection

Natural Pregnancy HCG can be given in case of ovulation problems and to support an already existing pregnancy. With violations of ovulation or in its absence (anovulation), pregnancy, respectively, cannot occur. In the absence of maturation of full-fledged eggs in the ovaries, women stimulate ovulation with hormonal drugs. The goal of hormone therapy is the formation in the female body of such eggs that are capable of fertilization.

There are many hormonal ovarian stimulation drugs, but they should not be prescribed alone or on the advice of friends or relatives. The name, dosage of drugs and the duration of the course are prescribed strictly by the attending physician. Otherwise, you can get absolutely not the result that you expected. Especially in cases where the cause of ovulation disorders has not been established.

Before starting hormone therapy, a woman undergoes a hormone test. Based on the blood results for thyroid hormones, male hormones (testosterone, dihydroepiandrosterone sulfate, androstenedione), prolactin, the issue of starting hormone therapy is being decided. If the level of these hormones is not normal, then the stimulation of ovulation is postponed until they normalize. Perhaps, this will restore natural ovulation.

Also, to determine the causes of ovulation disorders, a woman is prescribed an ultrasound examination. The first ultrasound is done on the 8th-10th day of the cycle with a duration of 28 days. Further, ultrasound is done every 2-3 days. As a result of such a study, deviations in the process of egg maturation are revealed. And based on the results, treatment is prescribed, if necessary.

If the cause of anovulation is the non-opening of the follicle, then the woman is given an injection of hCG, which stimulates the ovulation process. After an injection of hCG, ovulation occurs after 24-36 hours. Ovulation is confirmed by ultrasound. Further, the couple can conduct sexual intercourse to conceive a child. The frequency of sexual intercourse will depend on the man’s spermogram. If the indicators are normal, then it is enough to have sexual intercourse every other day.