What is HCG injection used for? What are the dosage guidelines and potential side effects? Get detailed answers to these questions and more in this comprehensive article.

Understanding HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) Injections

HCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin, is a hormone that plays a crucial role in maintaining pregnancy. It is sometimes referred to as “the pregnancy hormone.” HCG injections have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat specific medical conditions in both females assigned at birth (FAABs) and males assigned at birth (MAABs).

HCG Injections for Males (MAABs)

Doctors may prescribe HCG injections to men for a variety of reasons, primarily to 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.

Treating Testosterone Deficiency

HCG injections are sometimes used as an alternative to testosterone products in MAABs with testosterone deficiency, defined as testosterone blood levels less than 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) along with symptoms of low testosterone. Using HCG can help increase gonad size, testosterone levels, and fertility, potentially avoiding some of the side effects associated with testosterone products.

Improving Sexual Function

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

Reversing Steroid Side Effects

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

Clinical Research on HCG for MAABs

While the clinical research on HCG for MAABs with low testosterone levels is limited, some studies have shown promising results:

• A 2002 study found that HCG increased testosterone levels in older MAABs with partial hypogonadism, although it had no effect on sexual function.
• A 2005 study showed that MAABs taking testosterone along with HCG were able to maintain testosterone production in the testicles.
• A 2013 study found that MAABs taking testosterone along with HCG were able to maintain adequate sperm production.
• A 2018 study concluded that HCG can help MAABs with hypogonadism preserve their fertility, whether it’s used alone or in combination with testosterone.
• A 2019 study determined that HCG was safe and effective for MAABs who experience the symptoms of hypogonadism but have testosterone levels above 300 ng/dL, which is considered normal.

Side Effects of HCG Injections

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

• Gynecomastia (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 or experienced allergic reactions, including mild skin rashes and severe anaphylactic reactions.

HCG and Weight Loss

Some products 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, and any OTC products claiming to contain HCG aren’t legally authorized. Additionally, the FDA has advised consumers that there’s no substantial evidence that HCG works for weight loss.

The “HCG diet” typically involves taking HCG supplements while following a low-calorie diet of 500 calories per day. While this low-calorie diet can help reduce weight, there’s no evidence that using HCG products provides any additional benefits. In fact, this extremely low-calorie diet can be unsafe for many people and may lead to side effects such as gallstones, electrolyte imbalances, and arrhythmias.

When to Avoid HCG Injections

HCG should not be used by MAABs with prostate cancer, certain brain cancers, or uncontrolled thyroid disease. It’s important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor before starting any HCG treatment.

Conclusion

HCG injections can be a useful treatment option for MAABs who are experiencing symptoms of hypogonadism, such as low testosterone and infertility. While the clinical research on HCG for this purpose is limited, the available studies suggest it can be a safe and effective way to address these issues. However, it’s crucial to work closely with your healthcare provider to ensure that HCG is the appropriate treatment for your specific situation and to monitor for any potential side effects.