Does the medicine contain hCG with shovels? Pregnyl (Gonadotropin). Chorionic gonadotropin in bodybuilding

Chorionic gonadotropin is a biologically active substance, a hormone that is part of drugs that are used when there is hypofunction of the female gonads (decreased activity), as well as the gonads in men, which is based on a disorder of the hypothalamic-pituitary system.

pharmachologic effect

The suppression of the function of the gonads can occur due to many reasons, including genetic disorders... Such diseases can be of a primary or secondary nature. In the latter case, the cause of the disease lies in other factors, one way or another, affecting the growth and development of the gonads.

Preparations containing chorionic gonadotropin have a gonadotropic effect, therefore, stimulate the activity of the female and male genital glands - the ovaries and testicles.

The mechanism of action of the drug is based on the activation of gonadotropin-specific receptors, as a result of which the activity of the gonads is normalized, other processes regulated by testosterone and estrogens are triggered.

The use of chorionic gonadotropin preparations in men helps to stimulate the development of the testicles, activates the reactions underlying spermatogenesis, therefore, increases the volume of ejaculate. Is a factor in the development of secondary sexual characteristics.

In women, under the influence of drugs, the reactions of biological synthesis of estrogens are stimulated, ovulation occurs, the secretory activity of the corpus luteum appears, the cycle normalizes, and other important processes are activated.

The action of chorionic gonadotropin is similar to its biological analogue - luteinizing hormone, but unlike the latter, it lasts for a much longer period of time, since it is characterized by a longer half-life.

Chorionic gonadotropin preparations are used both for congenital dysfunctions of the gonads, and for acquired ones. With cryptorchidism, this substance contributes to the descent of the testicles and the normalization of their functional component.

With the introduction of drugs of chorionic gonadotropin, the therapeutic concentration is created after 30 - 40 minutes. The half-life is about 8-10 hours. Withdrawal medicinal substance carried out with urine.

Indications for use

The appointment of the substance chorionic gonadotropin is possible for the implementation of replacement therapy in the presence of the following diseases:

Delayed sexual development;
Anovulatory ovarian dysfunction (lack of ovulation);
Insufficiency of the corpus luteum of the luteal phase menstrual cycle;
Uterine bleeding in women of fertile age;
Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism;
Testicular hypoplasia;
Eunuchoidism;
Pituitary dwarfism;
Disorders of spermatogenesis.

The use of such drugs is possible only with the explicit approval of a specialist who has laboratory and instrumental research... Unsupervised use, for example in sports practice, can be extremely negative consequences.

Contraindications for use

The appointment of chorionic gonadotropin drugs should not be carried out in the presence of the following conditions:

Oncological pathology of the pituitary gland;
Hormone-dependent prostate tumors;
Mammary cancer;
Lack of genital glands;
Individual intolerance to chorionic gonadotropin;
;
Ovarian cysts;
Early menopause;
Premature sexual development;
Age less than 4 years old;
Arterial hypertension;
Migraine conditions;
Severe kidney disease.

In addition, the drug is not used for epilepsy.

Application and dosage

The dosage of the drug is determined by the indications for use and the level of luteinizing hormone and can vary from 500 to 10,000 IU. The solution for administration is prepared immediately before use. For dilution, use the supplied diluent. The finished medicine is not subject to storage, therefore, it should be used immediately.

In the absence of ovulation, 3000 IU should be injected intramuscularly starting from 10, 12 days of the cycle. Usually 2 or 3 injections are given with an interval of 3 days.

Overdose

Given the extremely low degree of toxicity, there is no reason to talk about the possibility of an overdose of chorionic gonadotropin preparations. Such cases have not been recorded at the present time.

Side effects

On the part of the endocrine glands: reversible enlargement of the mammary glands in men, water retention, sodium, the appearance of acne, a significant increase in the testes, premature puberty, atrophy of the testicles or ovaries, a decrease in the number of sperm, the formation of ovarian cysts, multiple pregnancies.

From the nervous system: depressive states, persistent headache, irritability, unmotivated anxiety, increased fatigue, weakness, apathy.

Preparations containing chorionic gonadotropin

This substance is contained in the following medicines: Horagon, Prophazi, Pregnil, Gonacor, Chorionic Gonadotropin.

Conclusion

Human chorionic gonadotropin for whom we have given instructions, use, indications, contraindications, action, side effects, analogs, composition, dosage, is prescribed when there is hypofunction of the gonads of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. Violations of the genital glands are most often determined during puberty. Therefore, teenagers in mandatory should have regular medical examinations, during which specialists may suspect the presence of pathology and prescribe adequate treatment in time.

This test determines the level of the hCG hormone in the woman's blood, which is produced by the chorion, one of the membranes of the fetus. Pregnancy tests work on the same principle, but their sensitivity is not so great, and besides, the result can be false positive or false negative. In this regard, a blood test will be much more accurate and will be able to determine pregnancy much faster than tests. Its value is quite large:

• If you donate blood for several days, at intervals of a day, then by the growth of hCG, you can determine whether pregnancy is developing.
• The analysis will be able to early dates tell about whether your pregnancy is multiple or not.
• According to the results of the study in dynamics, it is possible to determine whether the pregnancy is frozen or not.
• In addition, monitoring hCG over time will help establish whether the ovum has been removed from the uterine cavity, or whether the pregnancy continues to progress. This is shown in cases where the pregnancy had to be terminated for a short period of time for medical reasons.
• An increase in hCG in non-pregnant women and in men will indicate the possible development of various diseases, and this will allow such people to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Thus, a blood test for hCG is important not only during pregnancy or planning it, but also in other situations that require medical supervision.

When to take an HCG test

Despite the fact that the level of hCG in the blood is the fastest way to herald the presence of pregnancy, this does not mean that you can donate it a few hours after intercourse during ovulation. The fact is that this hormone begins to be produced only when implantation occurs. fetal egg to the wall of the uterus (or to the wall of the fallopian tube if the pregnancy is ectopic). Implantation does not take place in the first hours of conception. In the overwhelming majority of cases, it does not occur even in the first two or three days after fertilization of the egg. According to observations, implantation of the ovum can occur no earlier than 4 days after ovulation, and the main percentage is put on. In total, implantation can occur on any day from 4 to 12 days after ovulation.

If you keep a schedule basal temperature, then it can be characteristic decrease temperature during this period: for one day it will drop by 0.3 - 0.4 degrees. For example, it can drop from 37.4 to 37.0 degrees. This is called implantation retraction, and it means that from now on, the fetus begins to produce the hCG hormone, which can now be found in the blood of its mother.

In this regard, many women ask themselves the question: when to take a blood test for hCG? Experts recommend doing this no earlier than a week after the expected ovulation. And it is advisable to donate blood not once, but at least twice, in order to make sure that the pregnancy is alive and progressing in its development. A little later by the indicator increase hCG I can be sensitive tests for pregnancy: at first, their test strip will be dim, but if you repeat the procedure with a test of the same brand after 48 hours, then you can see progress in coloring.

It is important to know some of the features of blood sampling for this test:

1. HCG is given on an empty stomach, the break should be at least 5 hours, starting from the last meal;
2. blood is taken from a vein for analysis;
3. the analysis for hCG must be taken no earlier than 7 days after the expected ovulation;
4. blood donation preferably in the morning, when the break between meals will be quite long.

Now you can get the test results for hCG by e-mail, just a few hours after the blood was taken. This helps to act quickly if a hormone is suddenly detected, and a woman, for example, has a lack of progesterone.

HCG hormone and drugs containing progesterone

There is a category of women who have progesterone deficiency and in the second phase of the cycle they have to take special drugs that artificially increase the level of this hormone in the blood. As a rule, it is either Duphaston or Utrozhestan in various dosages prescribed by the doctor. In this regard, such women often ask themselves the question: how to take hCG if you have to take hormonal drugs? Will they affect the analysis result?

To answer this question, let's turn to what is progesterone. This is a hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands and which is indispensable during pregnancy: it helps her to hold on, successfully implant and develop, bypassing detachment and regression. In turn, we know that hCG is a hormone that is secreted not by the woman herself, but by the ovum. Thus, it is obvious that taking Duphaston or Utrozhestan is not able to affect the blood test for hCG, causing the result to be false positive.

However, these two hormones are related, but only in the sense that progesterone helps pregnancy stay in the uterus and develop. Accordingly, the level of hCG is also growing, because the future baby is alive. If there is no pregnancy, and progesterone is being taken, then the test result will still be negative.

HCG growth in ectopic pregnancy

With an ectopic pregnancy, the increase in the level of hCG in the blood has a completely different dynamics. With the uterine attachment of the ovum, the hormone doubles its amount in a woman's body every 48 hours. However, in a fallopian tube pregnancy, hCG growth will not be so fast. If a woman looks at the dynamics of several of her tests, she will notice that the doubling of the level of this hormone will not occur in 48 hours, but only after a few days. Of course, the final diagnosis can only be made by ultrasound and after examination on a gynecological chair, but early observation of a blood test for hCG in dynamics will determine an ectopic pregnancy much earlier than it usually happens. This will help remove the ovum from the fallopian tube, avoiding its rupture and thus avoiding a direct threat to the woman's life.

The rise and fall of hCG in frozen pregnancies

A frozen pregnancy only in rare cases gives a slight increase in the level of the hormone. Deciphering the analysis in dynamics, usually, shows that immediately after the death of the embryo, this hormone begins to break down in the woman's body. For some time, its amount can be unchanged and remain at the same level. Then hCG falls, which will finally indicate that the pregnancy has died.

In other cases, the level of chorionic gonadotropin begins to decrease immediately, on the first day after the end of the ovum.

It is characteristic that, unlike an ectopic pregnancy, a frozen pregnancy may have absolutely no signs. A woman may not have bleeding and pain, even all signs of pregnancy (toxicosis, breast tenderness) may still persist. It so happens that she may not even know for two or three weeks that the pregnancy has died. It is in these cases that the state of the embryo can be diagnosed by monitoring the dynamics of the blood test for hCG, and by weeks of pregnancy, when decoding the data, it will become clear whether the embryo is alive or died.

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HCG: level and norm, deviations - increased and decreased, in women and men

In the body of each of us, many complex biochemical processes take place, which are regulated by special substances - hormones. Most of them are the same in both sexes, the sexes are excellent, and during pregnancy new substances appear, including hCG, human chorionic gonadotropin.

Without hormones, it is impossible to imagine the correct metabolism, reactions to stress, adaptation to constantly changing conditions. external environment... Pregnancy is a very special condition of the female body, which makes increased demands on its functioning and requires additional regulatory mechanisms. In organism future mother the hCG hormone appears, which is produced by the tissues of the developing embryo and reflects the normal course of pregnancy.

Chorionic gonadotropin is essential substance supporting the growth of the fetus, he is the first to "notify" the expectant mother about her special condition. The pregnancy test is based on the appearance of hCG, which is why most women have heard of it in one way or another.

HCG is formed by the membranes of the fetus, so it cannot be detected outside of pregnancy. Its content determines the physiological or impaired development of the embryo, and the appearance in the body of a man or not a pregnant woman indicates the development of a tumor.

Properties and role of hCG in the body

After the fusion of the sperm and the egg, the embryonic cells begin to multiply intensively, and by the end of the first week it is ready to attach to the inner wall of the uterus. At this stage, the embryo is represented by only a small bubble, but the cells of its outer part (trophoblast) are already intensively producing a hormone that ensures normal growth.

The trophoblast is fixed to the endometrium and is converted into chorion, which makes up the bulk of the placenta. Through the villous membrane, the connection between the blood flow of the mother and the fetus, metabolism, delivery of useful and removal of unnecessary metabolic products is carried out. Chorion throughout pregnancy secretes chorionic gonadotropin, which helps not only to develop the future baby, but also maintains the "pregnant" state of the woman.

At the onset of pregnancy, progesterone becomes the main regulatory substance in a woman, which at the very first stages of its development is formed by the corpus luteum of the ovary. HCG during pregnancy is needed to maintain the function of the corpus luteum and a constant increase in the concentration of progesterone, so it is not surprising that corpus luteum in a pregnant woman, it does not disappear, as with a normal menstrual cycle.

The biological properties of hCG are similar to those of luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormone, but the effect on the corpus luteum is significantly predominant. In addition, it is more active than the "usual" luteinizing hormone, which is formed in the second phase of the menstrual cycle, because pregnancy requires significant concentrations of progesterone.

In terms of chemical structure, hCG is represented by two subunits - alpha and beta. The first completely coincides with that of the gonadotropic hormones LH and FSH, the second - beta - is unique, which explains both the originality of the functions performed and the possibility of a qualitative analysis of hCG in blood or urine.

• Maintenance of the corpus luteum and the formation of progesterone by it;
• Implementation of correct implantation and formation of the chorionic membrane;
• An increase in the number of chorionic villi, their nutrition;
• Adaptation to the state of pregnancy.

The adaptation of a woman to a developing pregnancy is to increase the production of adrenal cortex hormones under the influence of hCG. Glucocorticoids provide immunosuppression - suppression of immune responses from the mother in relation to fetal tissues, because the fetus is half genetically foreign. These functions are performed by hCG, while "ordinary" gonadotropic hormones are not able to enhance the work of the adrenal cortex.

With the introduction of drugs of chorionic gonadotropin to a woman, ovulation and the formation of a corpus luteum are stimulated, the production of endogenous sex steroids increases. If hCG is administered to a man, then there is an increase in testosterone production and spermatogenesis increases.

A blood test for hCG is used to establish the presence of pregnancy and to monitor its course. If a tumor of the gonads is suspected, it may also be necessary to determine the concentration of this hormone. HCG in urine allows you to quickly and fairly reliably confirm the presence of pregnancy, so this method is applicable for express diagnostics.

Indicators of the norm

The level of hCG is determined by gender, duration of pregnancy, and the presence of a tumor. In men and non-pregnant women, it is absent or does not exceed 5 mU / ml. During pregnancy, it appears about a week after conception, and its indicators continuously increase, reaching a maximum by the end of the first trimester.

If a pregnancy is suspected, it is possible to determine a negative hCG, the reason for which may be in a test carried out too early or in the ectopic localization of the embryo.

The table of norms by week is used to control the level of hCG and the timely detection of deviations. In the first or second week, it is mU / ml, by 6 weeks it can reach mU / ml, the maximum hCG falls on the 11th week of gestation - homeU / ml.

Table: hCG rate for obstetric weeks

Thus, this hormone first increases, and from the second trimester slightly decreases, since the needs for it are highest at the time of the formation of the placenta. The ripe placenta from the second trimester of gestation itself forms the necessary amounts of progesterone and estrogen, therefore hCG gradually decreases, but it is still necessary for the nutritional role and stimulation of testosterone production by fetal tissues for correct development sex glands.

A blood test for hCG allows you to absolutely accurately confirm a pregnancy of a short term. In urine, this substance appears one or two days later, and to determine it, any woman can use an express test bought at a pharmacy. To obtain a reliable result and eliminate errors, it is recommended to use not one, but several test strips at once.

The level of hCG by days from conception is determined based on the average rate and rate of growth of the hormone per given time... So, in the first 2-5 weeks, the hCG level doubles every one and a half days. If the fetus is not alone, then the concentration will increase in proportion to the number of embryos.

Table: Estimated HCG level by day from ovulation (conception)

With pathology, it is possible either to increase or decrease the amount of hCG required at a particular stage of pregnancy. An increase in this hormone may indicate the presence of diabetes, preeclampsia, or an incorrectly set gestational age. If a woman has had an abortion, and the concentration of hCG does not decrease, then this is a sign of the progression of pregnancy.

Low hCG or insufficient growth usually indicates a delay in fetal development, ectopic localization of the embryo, pathology of the placenta, and the threat of miscarriage.

When is hCG determination necessary?

It is necessary to determine the content of chorionic gonadotropin:

1. To confirm the fact of pregnancy;
2. In order to control its course;
3. With possible complications from the fetus (defects) or placental tissue;
4. To control the quality of medical abortion;
5. With amenorrhea of ​​unknown origin;
6. When diagnosing neoplasms that release hCG.

In men and non-pregnant women, the hCG test is usually negative, in rare cases, trace amounts of it are possible, not exceeding 5 U per liter of blood. With an increase in the concentration of the hormone in a woman, it is possible to draw a conclusion about the onset of pregnancy, while conception occurred at least 5-6 days ago. Then hCG increases continuously, its amount is compared with the values ​​normal for this period. For the correct decryption of the data, you need to accurately calculate the time of conception.

Determination of hCG during pregnancy is included in the so-called triple test, which includes, in addition to hCG, α-fetoprotein and estriol indicators. Comprehensive assessment deviations of these substances allows one to suspect possible violations on the part of the mother or the embryo.

In non-pregnant women and males, the need for hCG determination may arise in case of suspicion of neoplasia of the ovaries, testicles and other organs. Trophoblastic diseases ( cystic drift, chorionepithelioma) are also accompanied by a change in the amount of hCG.

Blood sampling from a vein for hCG is usually taken in the morning, on an empty stomach. It does not require any preparation. When diagnosing pregnancy, in order to obtain more reliable results, it is better to donate blood at the earliest 4-5 days after a delay in menstruation. Pregnant women are prescribed it in the second trimester. If it is necessary to control the degree of increase in hCG in the first trimester of gestation, the analysis can be repeated every few days.

Deviations in hCG content

Any deviation from the data of the hCG table in a pregnant woman can be considered a sign of pathology of both the fetus and the placental tissue, therefore, requires close attention and further examination.

HCG increased

Exceeding normal hCG values possible both during pregnancy and outside of it. In pregnant women, elevated hCG may indicate:

• More than one developing embryo(HCG rises according to their number);
• Prolonged pregnancy;
• The presence of preeclampsia;
• Diabetes mellitus in the expectant mother;
• Fetal malformations;
• Taking hormonal drugs.

If a woman is not pregnant, or the analysis is taken from a man, and hCG is elevated, the reason for this may be:

It is known that during menopause, when there are jumps in hormone concentrations, an increase in the content of hCG in the blood is possible. In elderly patients with kidney disease requiring hemodialysis, hCG can significantly exceed the norm (up to 10 times). This is due to a violation of the natural excretion of the hormone from the body and its accumulation in the blood, while its production by various tissues remains at the physiological level.

HCG lowered

Pathology is evidenced not only by an increase, but also by a decrease in the concentration of chorionic gonadotropin. An insufficient amount of it causes a delay in the development of organs and tissues of the future baby, negatively affects the maturation of the placenta, and, therefore, blood flow, metabolism suffers nutrients and oxygen between the mother and the fetus. Intrauterine hypoxia can lead to serious abnormalities in the development of the embryo, therefore, low hCG also requires increased attention to the patient.

A decrease in hCG production in a pregnant woman may indicate:

• Ectopic embryo fixation;
• Slowing down the development of the embryo;
• "Frozen" pregnancy or intrauterine death in the second or third trimesters;
• Threatened miscarriage;
• Insufficiency of the placenta;
• Postterm pregnancy.

With an ectopic pregnancy, the embryo is not implanted into the lining of the uterus; it develops in the fallopian tube, ovary, or even on the peritoneum. In these organs, there are no conditions for normal fixation of the embryo, the correct development of trophoblast and chorion, therefore the level of hCG does not increase as expected in a particular gestational period. Determination of hCG, along with ultrasound data, can be important diagnostic criterion ectopic pregnancy.

An increase in hCG in non-pregnant women and men indicates a probable tumor growth. If a neoplasm is detected and the patient is undergoing treatment, then the determination of hCG can help to assess the effectiveness of therapy.

Human chorionic gonadotropin in pharmacology

Chorionic gonadotropin is not only an important diagnostic indicator. This hormone can be successfully used in the treatment of certain diseases, and athletes decide to take the drug to achieve better training results.

HCG-based medicines are obtained by secreting the hormone from the urine of pregnant women, or with the help of special microorganisms. The most common are rot, horagon, prophasi.

HCG, having a gonadotropic effect, stimulates ovulation, maturation of spermatozoa, improving their quality and quantity, increases the production of sex steroids, and affects the formation of secondary sexual characteristics.

Indications for prescribing a drug based on hCG can be:

1. Violation of menstrual function in women due to a decrease in the production of gonadotropic hormones;
2. Infertility;
3. Stimulation of the ovaries during the in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure;
4. The threat of termination of pregnancy;
5. Violation of the development of the sex glands in men (hypogonadism), sperm pathology.

HCG-based drugs are contraindicated for tumors of the gonads, decreased function thyroid gland and adrenal glands, thrombophlebitis. This hormone should not be taken by nursing mothers, and special care should be taken when prescribing it to adolescents, persons suffering from cardiac ischemia, hypertension, and impaired renal function.

Usually, hCG is injected intramuscularly, and the scheme, frequency and duration of treatment depend on the goals of treatment and the gender of the patient. To provoke ovulation or "superovulation" in IVF, the drug is administered once in a high dose (up to 10 thousand IU). With the threat of termination of pregnancy, impaired sexual development in boys, hypogonadism, hCG is administered for 1-3 months, the dose is determined by the indications.

It is no secret that athletes are showing increased attention to various drugs that can improve training results. Using steroid hormones, it is possible to increase muscle mass and strength, but there are also side effects of this effect: a decrease in testosterone production, the risk of testicular atrophy.

In order to reduce the side effects of steroids and "smooth" the manifestations of the withdrawal syndrome, athletes use hCG drugs, which increase the concentration of testosterone and prevent atrophic changes in the testicles. It is worth noting that hCG is not a panacea, it does not eliminate muscle mass loss and side effects of steroid use, but it can somewhat reduce them and only "delay" withdrawal symptoms.

Experts have an extremely negative attitude to the use of hCG drugs by athletes, because metabolic disorders after taking steroid hormones can be further aggravated. In addition, the risk of tumors increases under the influence of hormone therapy. It is noticed that the level of testosterone may not increase, but excessive stimulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary system will result in adverse reactions.

Thus, athletes should not trust the unverified information and advice of their colleagues who decide on such treatment. The effect of hCG drugs in athletes, and even more so against the background of steroid therapy, has not been fully studied, so there is no reason to assert that it is effective and, most importantly, safe. Not a single competent specialist will prescribe hormonal drugs without medical indications.

Preparations containing hCG list

It seemed to me a good article I am sharing with you.

1. Examination before the program. 2. Preparation for IVF. 3. Which protocol to choose. 4. What drugs are preferable. 5. When ICSI is recommended. 6. How many embryos can you get. 7. How to carry out embryo transfer - with ultrasound or not. 8. How many embryos to transfer. 9. What should be the analysis and support after the transfer. 10. When to test blood for hCG and other hormones. For a detailed answer to these 10 questions, see under the cut So: 1. Examination before the program. Must be versatile and include everything Possible reasons, on.

Valuable information. Pregnancy after IVF.

Unsuccessful attempts (((I want a baby Add as friend Information Private message Add to blacklist Complain Send a complaint 1 hour ago These measures, of course, do not guarantee 100% embryo implantation, but will significantly increase your chances of pregnancy. Source www.liveinternet. ru / community // post / http://www.baby.ru/blogs/post/ HOW TO SAVE IVF PREGNANCY This topic has been repeatedly discussed. knowledge and experience.We have so many excellent different tops about preparing for the protocol, choosing a clinic, etc.

An interesting article about the causes of toxicosis and the fight against it

Girls who are interested, read under the cut

(LikNo, stolen) CONCEPTION

Preparation for conception

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE CONCEPTING Conception determines the onset of pregnancy. It is necessary to prepare for this important step in advance so that nothing later overshadows the meeting with your child. It is necessary to take into account many factors, such as age, the existence of hereditary and acquired diseases, nutrition, the presence of bad habits, etc. All this should be paid attention not after the onset of pregnancy, but before conception. Our ancestors treated pregnancy as absolutely natural state women, and no wonder: not only in peasants, but also in noble, merchant, bourgeois families of women.

(LikNo, stolen) CONCEPTION

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE CONCEPTION Conception determines the onset of pregnancy. It is necessary to prepare for this important step in advance so that nothing later overshadows the meeting with your child. It is necessary to take into account many factors, such as age, the existence of hereditary and acquired diseases, nutrition, the presence of bad habits, etc. All this should be paid attention not after pregnancy, but before conception.

Toxicosis: 8 theories and five ways to fight

Theory # 1: Toxicosis appears due to a special hormone called human chronic gonadotropin (hCG). This, according to experts, is a specific pregnancy hormone that not all women have. Theory # 2:. Cause feeling unwell in the immunological incompatibility of mother and child. Over time, the mother's body "gets used" to the baby, and discomfort disappear by themselves. Theory # 3:. Since pregnancy imposes increased demands on the woman's body, the body of the expectant mother does not always immediately adapt to new conditions. Because of this, the nervous system fails and arises.

Home birth and not so ..

The birth of a new life. or A story about how you can experience the birth of your children as happiness no matter what. Tetrology. Foreword. Why did I describe all this? This time - not because of simple desire perpetuate your personal experience for posterity. I wanted to convey to other women my idea that in any situation there is a chance to give birth to a child in a human way. Often, girls believe that they have a special situation, in which it will not work out normally, anesthesia, stimulation, incisions, that is necessary.

CONCEPTION

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE CONCEPTION Conception determines the onset of pregnancy. It is necessary to prepare for this important step in advance so that nothing later overshadows the meeting with your child. It is necessary to take into account many factors, such as age, the existence of hereditary and acquired diseases, nutrition, the presence of bad habits, etc. All this should be paid attention not after pregnancy, but before conception. Our ancestors treated pregnancy as an absolutely natural state of a woman, and no wonder: not only in the peasants, but also in the nobility, merchants, and bourgeois.

HCG - Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone synthesized by the genitals of men and women, but in medicine it is usually referred to as female hormones, because it is its concentration that increases in the blood and urine of a woman when she prepares to become a mother. An increase in the level of this hormone is the first sign of the development of the ovum, it is on the detection of an excess of its permissible norm in urine that pregnancy tests are based on. Normally, its concentration in the blood of men and women is contained in small quantities. What is the evidence of the excess of its permissible values, if pregnancy has not occurred, and what is its use in medicine?

The hormone and its role in the body

Like any hormone synthesized human body, gonadotropin is also presented in the form of a drug in pharmaceuticals. Normally, it begins to increase in pregnant women on the seventh day after fertilization of the egg, and the maximum concentration occurs by the end of the first trimester of pregnancy. Further, its amount gradually decreases, but it remains above the permissible norm until the very birth of the baby.

However, there are situations when gonadotropin is increased, but there is no pregnancy. This occurs with the development of some types of malignant tumors, so it can be used as a tumor marker for some types of cancerous tumors.

There are two types of this hormone. One is synthesized by the body of a pregnant woman, the other - by the pituitary gland of the brain and is called luteinizing hormone (LH). The action of the two types is similar to each other, but only hCG is used in medicine. It is mainly used to stimulate ovulation in the fair sex, to maintain pregnancy in women with a tendency to spontaneous abortion, or with previously diagnosed infertility.

This element is also used to treat men. Medicines containing hCG are prescribed to stimulate the synthesis of testosterone with a lack of LH. Its deficiency in men can lead to cryptorchidism, a condition in which the testes do not descend into the scrotum. Gonadotropin is also used by athletes to stimulate testosterone production during the period of taking steroids or immediately after their withdrawal. With a course of steroid drugs, the natural production of testosterone stops and in order to restore this process, the use of this hormone in medications is prescribed.

However, the main task of the hormone is to maintain the ovum in the first months of pregnancy, since the fertilized egg contains the man's DNA, the body perceives it as a foreign organism and tries to get rid of the fetus. The increasing level of hCG prevents this, protecting the unborn baby from the cells of the immune system. Its second function is to enrich the tissues of the uterus with new blood vessels, which will help support the development of the baby.

How is the hormone used in medicine?

It is primarily used to diagnose pregnancy in women, but other ways of using it are also known.

So, with some types of oncological neoplasms, its rate in the blood rises. An excess of hCG values ​​above 5 mIU / ml in men may be a sign of a developing malignant process in the testes.

In women suffering from the absence of ovulation, the follicle is stimulated with gonadotropin. It is also used by patients who have undergone artificial insemination.

After the onset of pregnancy, taking medications containing hCG can be prescribed to stimulate the synthesis of progesterone, a hormone also responsible for the normal course of pregnancy and the maintenance of the fetus in the uterus.

Also, recently, the issue of taking Gonadotropin medications for all pregnant women with HIV-positive status has been studied during all months of gestation. This is due to the fact that in the first trimester, due to the high content of hCG, the virus is not transmitted from the mother to the fetus through the placenta. And in order to reduce the risk of transmission in the coming months, levels must remain high.

In men, human gonadotropin is used to treat infertility by stimulating testosterone-producing cells (Leydig cells).

Treatment, and especially the stimulation of ovulation in women, with products containing hCG, has its own undesirable consequences. So, the number of ectopic pregnancies after using these medicines is much higher than in the usual case. If the hormone was injected before in vitro fertilization, the release of the egg from the fallopian tubes should be regularly monitored using ultrasound diagnostics. This will help to make the decision to terminate the pregnancy in time if the fetus's egg is fixed in the fallopian tubes. The hormone also affects the work of the circulatory system, so it is forbidden to put its preparations on the prescription list for patients who are overweight, varicose veins and thromboembolism. except high risk ectopic pregnancies, the risk of spontaneous abortion is also increased, which should also be taken into account.

In the treatment of men, such drugs are used to stimulate the synthesis of androgens.

However, representatives of the stronger sex also have contraindications for use. Do not prescribe funds to patients suffering from:

• acute heart failure in any form;
• high blood pressure;
• dysfunction of the kidneys;
• migraines;
• epilepsy.

It is not advisable to put these drugs on the prescription list for adolescents. During puberty, there is a strong hormonal disruption in the body, and if at this moment you start taking hormones from the outside, there is a high risk of malfunction of the pineal gland, which is responsible for the production of growth hormone. Like any drug medical purpose, this medication may cause allergic reactions in patients with hypersensitivity to individual components.

It is worth noting that the uncontrolled intake of these funds can provoke the growth of malignant tumors in the mammary glands in women, the prostate gland and the scrotum in men.

Medicines have not only stimulating, but also a substitution function.

If, during a course of hormone replacement therapy, stimulate the production of testosterone with medications for a long period, then their natural production by the body will stop. And when the course is canceled, the body will begin to produce testosterone in larger quantities than before the treatment. In addition to an increase in the norm of the hormone, the growth of the testes is also observed in patients, the restoration of their basic functions, as well as the resumption of the work of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in the brain.

Prescribing HCG medications to athletes

People who are professionally involved in sports, especially bodybuilding, often take drugs aimed at fast growth muscle mass. They are based on the hormone testosterone, which reduces the functionality of the ovaries. To avoid these unpleasant consequences, all athletes using steroids are prescribed Gonadotropin. This use is justified by a preventive action. Also, thanks to hCG in combination with testosterone preparations, muscles grow faster. This medication is also effective on drying, when the diet is changed to a less caloric one - this helps to avoid weight loss and muscle size.

However, prolonged and uncontrolled use of it harms the body more than helps. Side effects are very large - this big problems with health, the risk of developing oncology, etc. And the results that hCG gives are lower than when using only testosterones. The only positive effect of the use of Gonadotropin is the prevention of testicular atrophy, but only under the supervision of doctors and courses.

With the course of hCG therapy, the dose of the drug is much lower than when it is prescribed as an anabolic. The risks of developing side effects from use are significantly reduced, and the benefits increase several times. One more positive property of these funds in small doses - a decrease in side effects from the use of testosterone preparations.

Application features

Chorionic Gonadotropin is available at any pharmacy without a prescription. They are produced in the form of injections injected under the skin. Before the introduction of the agent, it must be diluted with distilled water, which can also be purchased at the pharmacy. The action of the injections is quite long - 5-6 days.

On a short course of using anabolic steroids, there is no need to use Gonadotropin, but if anabolic steroids are used for more than two months, then hCG is prescribed in the amount of two injections per week, the dosage should not exceed ME. The second way to use the hormone is after a course of taking anabolic steroids. In this case, a single dose of the drug is 2000 IU, and injections are given once every two days. The maximum course of treatment is three weeks.

Professional athletes are prescribed such drugs on an ongoing basis if there are no breaks between courses of anabolic steroids. In this case, medications are taken in minimal dosages, and every five weeks they take a break for one to two weeks.

Side effects include the appearance of rashes on the skin of the face and body, malfunctioning of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, testicular atrophy, hair loss and enlargement of the prostate gland. In women, mastitis and excessive muscle mass can be added to these symptoms.

You can find out about the level of this substance in the blood by passing the appropriate test. To do this, you should visit an endocrinologist. Self-administration of hormonal drugs is strictly prohibited, since the risk of side effects is extremely high. Do not neglect your health and if you have any complaints, seek help from a medical institution.

By the way, this hormone does not always increase with the onset of pregnancy! My friend did not have a single test for two months positive result, only the ultrasound could identify. that she is already 7 weeks pregnant!

In this article, we will consider preparations containing hCG.

In the case when the result of an ultrasound examination shows that the follicles have the required size or they have grown to 25 millimeters, then to achieve fertilization, the doctor prescribes special injections of hCG, that is, the so-called human chorionic gonadotropin. These are, first of all, hormonal agents that help to get pregnant. HCG preparations are allowed to be administered only a day after the use of Puregon, Menogon and other similar drugs.

What is HCG?

It is a unique hormone with special functions. It is produced, as a rule, in pregnant women, since bearing a child acts as a kind of condition, which involves an additional regulation mechanism along with a restructuring in the body's work.

Answering briefly to the question of what hCG is, it should be said that it is, first of all, a hormone produced by the tissues of the fetus, it supports the growth of the child and has a direct impact on the course of all pregnancy processes. Considering that gonadotropin is synthesized by the embryonic membrane, it is not possible to detect it outside of pregnancy. Thus, when the hormone in question is found not during gestation or in males, this indicates the presence pathological condition, in particular, for the presence of a tumor in the body.

HCG functions

At the end of the first seven connections of the sperm with the egg, the embryo attaches to the uterine wall, however, on this stage it is just a small bubble. Already during this period, his cells begin to actively produce chorionic gonadotropin, aimed at providing normal growth... The main part of the placenta is represented by the chorion formed by the endometrium, to which the outer part of the embryo is attached.

It is the chorion that, for all nine months, is engaged in the synthesis of hCG for the development of the child and the maintenance of a certain state in the mother. After conception is achieved, the main regulating hormone in female body becomes progesterone, which is produced initially by the corpus luteum. In order to ensure the functions of the latter and a continuous increase in the content of progesterone in the presence of pregnancy, a woman needs the hCG hormone.

Thus, it explains why the corpus luteum does not disappear during the period of gestation, as it always happens in the presence of menstruation. The structure of the hormone in question is represented by the units of beta and alpha. The latter is completely identical to the analogous unit for some gonadotropic components, while the former is considered absolutely unique. This explains the features of the functions that hCG performs, and, in addition, the possibility of its detection in urine and blood. So, the following main functions are performed:

• Ensuring the normal adaptation of a pregnant woman to bearing a child.
• Corpus luteum support and progesterone production.
• Helping the chorionic membranes to form properly.
• Help in increasing the number of chorionic villi.
• Providing nourishment to the villi.

Under the action of gonadotropin, the production of adrenal hormones additionally increases, which makes it possible for the pregnant woman to adapt to the new condition. Thanks to glucocorticoids, immune reactions to the tissues of the developing fetus are suppressed (the fact is that at the genetic level, the embryo that has been conceived is partly considered by the woman's body as a foreign body).

List of drugs

The list of drugs containing hCG includes drugs called "Horagon", "Profazi", "Gonacor", "Pregnil", "Puregon", "Menogon" and others. They are usually prescribed with one injection. Already a day after administration, ovulation begins to occur in the female body. In order for this or that medication to help well, exactly one day before the injection and after twenty-four hours after that, you need to have sex.

The dosage form "Gonacor" is a lyophilisate for the preparation of a solution for intramuscular administration.

It is a hormonal drug secreted from the urine of pregnant women. It has luteinizing and follicle-stimulating effects. It is indicated for hypofunction of the gonads (caused by a violation of the activity of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus). Women with dysmenorrhea, ovarian dysfunction, anovulatory conditions.

"Pregnyl" can be found in lyophilisate format for making a solution for intramuscular administration. It is also considered a hormonal drug that is secreted from the urine of a pregnant woman. Has a luteinizing and follicle-stimulating effect.

It is prescribed for violation of the activity of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, as a result of which the functions of the gonads decrease. Indicated for women suffering from dysmenorrhea, ovarian dysfunction.

Medicines "Profazi" and "Horagon" are absolute analogues of the drugs described above. Produced in the same format, indications and pharmachologic effect they have the same.

When is it used?

Chorionic gonadotropin is widely used parenterally instead of the well-known luteinizing hormone as a kind of ovulation inducer. In the case of the presence of one or several mature follicles in the ovary at once, ovulation can be induced by the administration of the hCG preparation. When this process is carried out between the thirty-eighth and fortieth hours after the injection, intercourse may be scheduled. In addition, patients undergoing in vitro fertilization usually use hCG preparations to start the ovulation process. But against this background, recovery of oocytes can be observed in the period from thirty-fourth to thirty-six hours after injection.

Given that hCG supports the corpus luteum, the introduction of this hormone in certain circumstances is used to increase the production of progesterone in the body. For men, HCG drugs are used to stimulate the so-called Leydig cells, which form testosterone. Intratesticular testosterone is required for spermatogenesis. As a rule, hCG in men is used in the case of hypogonadism and in the treatment of infertility. In the first few months of pregnancy, transmission of HIV from woman to fetus is rare. It is assumed that this is possible due to the high concentration of hCG. It should be noted that the beta subunits of the hormone are active against the HIV virus.

Description of medicines

The level of hCG is not only an indicator for conducting diagnostic studies, various diseases are treated with gonadotropin and it is used as part of various drugs. As noted earlier, the most popular drugs containing hCG are following means: Horagon, Puregon, Menogon, along with Pregnil and Profazi. All these drugs are obtained either with the use of special organisms, or by isolating components from the urine of pregnant women. Their main functions are the following:

• Conducting stimulation of ovulation.
• Increasing the quantitative and qualitative characteristics sperm.
• Genital formation secondary signs.
• Increased production of sex hormones in the body.

To understand the effects and methods of using drugs that affect hCG, you need to read their instructions.

Indications for use

For women, such medicines are prescribed in the presence of the following violations:

• The presence of a malfunction in the functioning of the ovaries.
• Problems with the formation of the corpus luteum.
• The presence of dysmenorrhea.
• The emergence of the risk of termination of pregnancy.
• The presence of infertility along with miscarriage.

In order to enhance the effect, chorionic gonadotropin is often combined with various reproductive techniques.

What hCG drug is best to choose, the doctor will tell you.

When are medications prescribed for men?

Such drugs can also be prescribed to males if they have the following deviations:

• Lack of descent of the testicle into the scrotum.
• When there are no sperm in the ejaculate.
• In the presence of anomalies of the gonads.
• Against the background of inhibition of the formation of sexuality.
• In the presence of adiposogenital dystrophy.
• In the presence of dwarfism.

Men are prescribed the use of the hormone and in the presence of certain genetic abnormalities.

We told you which drugs increase hCG. But are they all allowed to use?

Contraindications to use

According to the instructions, it is forbidden to use hCG preparations if the patient has the following pathologies and conditions:

• In the presence of neoplasms in the gonads.
• Against the background of thrombophlebitis.
• With hypofunction of the adrenal glands.
• Against the background of hypofunction of the thyroid gland.
• During periods of breastfeeding.

With great care, such drugs are prescribed to patients in adolescence, and, in addition, to patients suffering from the following disorders:

• The appearance of a malfunction of the kidneys.
• The onset of ischemia of the heart.
• In the presence of arterial hypertension.

In this regard, it is required to inform the treating doctor about the presence of certain pathologies and diseases before starting therapy.

Side effects

In some cases, chorionic gonadotropin in the form of drugs can cause the following undesirable diseases in patients: ascites along with the development of cysts, thromboembolism and hydrothorax. These phenomena are mainly due to ovarian hyperstimulation, which is observed in rare cases with the use of drugs.

In males, against the background of an injection of hCG, the following may appear adverse reactions: enlarged prostate and breast growth along with water retention and skin acne. Boys may experience behavioral changes characteristic of the initial stage of puberty. It is important to note that these signs are only temporary and will certainly disappear on their own immediately after the completion of therapy.

Dosages and use of drugs

Chorionic gonadotropin is produced in powder format, to which a solvent is attached in the package. It is administered through intramuscular injections. Preparations with hCG are produced in the following variations: 1000 units, and, in addition, 1500, 5000 and 10000 units. The dosage and duration of the course of treatment are determined by the doctor for each individual case. However, there are standard dosages that apply in the following way:

• As part of maintaining the corpus luteum, doctors prescribe 1,500 units or 5,000 hCG medication.
• In the event that ovulation is stimulated, as a rule, 5000 or 10000 units are used once.
• If there is a risk of termination of pregnancy, a dose of 10,000 units is initially used, and then 5,000 units twice in seven days.
• In order to maintain pregnancy, a dose of 10,000 hCG is first prescribed, and then 5,000.
• In the treatment of disorders in sexual development in men, injections are given at a dosage of 5000 units for each week for three months.

It should not be forgotten that improper use of the drug can provoke extremely serious complications. Next, let's move on to reviewing the comments that people leave on the Internet about the use of hCG-based drugs, and find out how they respond about them.

Chorionic gonadotropin

International name:

Dosage form:

Pharmachologic effect:

Indications:

Gonacor

International name: Chorionic gonadotropin (Gonadotrophin chorionic)

Dosage form: lyophilisate for the preparation of a solution for intramuscular administration

Pharmachologic effect: Hormonal drug excreted from the urine of pregnant women. It has a luteinizing and follicle-stimulating effect. Stimulates synthesis ...

Indications: Hypofunction of the gonads (due to impaired activity of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland). In women: dysmenorrhea, ovarian dysfunction, anovulatory ...

Pregnil

International name: Chorionic gonadotropin (Gonadotrophin chorionic)

Dosage form: lyophilisate for the preparation of a solution for intramuscular administration

Pharmachologic effect: A hormonal drug secreted from the urine of pregnant women. It has a luteinizing and follicle-stimulating effect. Stimulates synthesis ...

Indications: Hypofunction of the gonads (due to impaired activity of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland). In women: dysmenorrhea, ovarian dysfunction, anovulatory ...

Profazi

International name: Chorionic gonadotropin (Gonadotrophin chorionic)

Dosage form: lyophilisate for the preparation of a solution for intramuscular administration

Pharmachologic effect: A hormonal drug secreted from the urine of pregnant women. It has a luteinizing and follicle-stimulating effect. Stimulates synthesis ...

Indications: Hypofunction of the gonads (due to impaired activity of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland). In women: dysmenorrhea, ovarian dysfunction, anovulatory ...

Horagon

International name: Chorionic gonadotropin (Gonadotrophin chorionic)

Dosage form: lyophilisate for the preparation of a solution for intramuscular administration

Pharmachologic effect: A hormonal drug secreted from the urine of pregnant women. It has a luteinizing and follicle-stimulating effect. Stimulates synthesis ...

Indications: Hypofunction of the gonads (due to impaired activity of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland). In women: dysmenorrhea, ovarian dysfunction, anovulatory ...

Pharmacological group: gonadotropic hormones.
Pharmacological action: prevention and treatment of infertility, stimulation of ovulation in women and spermatogenesis in men.
Effects on receptors: luteinizing hormone receptor
V molecular biology Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced by a fertilized egg after conception. Later, during pregnancy, hCG is produced during the development of the placenta, and then through the placental component of the syncytiotrophoblast. This hormone is produced by some cancers; thus, an elevated hormone level in the absence of pregnancy may indicate a cancer diagnosis. It is not known, however, whether the production of the hormone is a cause or a consequence of cancerous tumors. An analogue of hCG in the pituitary gland, known as luteinizing hormone (LH), is produced in the pituitary gland of men and women of all ages. On December 6, 2011, the FDA banned the sale of "homeopathic" and unlicensed HCG-containing diet products, making them illegal.

Description

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a prescription drug containing chorionic gonadotropin of natural (human) origin. Chorionic gonadotropin is a polypeptide hormone that is usually found in a woman's body during the first months of pregnancy. It is synthesized in placental syncytiotrophoblast cells, and is responsible for increasing the production of progesterone, a hormone important for maintaining pregnancy. Chorionic gonadotropin is present in significant amounts in the body only during pregnancy, and is used as a pregnancy indicator in a standard pregnancy test. The level of chorionic gonadotropin in the blood becomes noticeable already on the seventh day after ovulation, and gradually reaches a peak at about 2-3 months of pregnancy. After that, it will gradually decrease until the moment of birth.
In molecular biology, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced by a fertilized egg after conception. Later, during pregnancy, this hormone is produced during the development of the placenta, and then through the placental component of the syncytiotrophoblast. Some cancers produce this hormone; thus, an elevated hormone level in the absence of pregnancy may indicate a cancer diagnosis. It is not known, however, whether the production of the hormone is a cause or a consequence of cancerous tumors. An analogue of hCG in the pituitary gland, known as luteinizing hormone (LH), is produced in the pituitary gland of men and women of all ages. On December 6, 2011, the US FDA banned the sale of "homeopathic" and unlicensed hCG-containing diet products, declaring them illegal.
Although the hormone has insignificant, close to FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) activity, the physiological action of chorionic gonadotropin is basically similar to luteinizing hormone (LH). As a clinical drug, hCG is used as an exogenous form of LH. It is commonly used to support ovulation and pregnancy in women, especially those suffering from infertility due to low gonadotropin concentrations and inability to ovulate. Because of the ability of LH to stimulate the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone, hCG is also used by men to treat hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, a disorder characterized by low testosterone levels and insufficient LH release. It is also used to treat prepubertal cryptorchidism (the undescendedness of one or both testicles into the scrotum). Male athletes use hCG for its ability to increase endogenous testosterone production, mainly during or at the end of the steroid cycle when natural hormone production is interrupted.

Structure

Human chorionic gonadotropin is a glycoprotein consisting of 237 amino acids with a molecular weight of 25.7 kDa.
It is a heterodimeric compound, with an alpha subunit identical to luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and a unique beta subunit.
The alpha subunit is 92 amino acids.
The beta subunit of hCG gonadotropin contains 145 amino acids encoded by six highly homologous genes located in tandem and inverted pairs on chromosome 19q13.3 - CGB (1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8).
These two subunits create a small hydrophobic core surrounded by an area with a high surface-to-volume ratio: 2.8 times that of a sphere. The vast majority of external amino acids are hydrophilic.

Function

Human chorionic gonadotropin interacts with the luteinizing hormone / chorionic gonadotropin receptor and contributes to the maintenance of the corpus luteum in early pregnancy. This allows the corpus luteum to produce progesterone during the first trimester of pregnancy. Progesterone enriches the uterus with a thick lining of blood vessels and capillaries so that it can support a growing fetus. Due to its highly negative charge, hCG can repel the cells of the mother's immune system, protecting the fetus during the first trimester of pregnancy. It is also suggested that hCG may act as a placental link for the development of local maternal immunological tolerance. For example, endometrial cells treated with hCG induce an increase in T cell apoptosis (dissolution of T cells). These results indicate that hCG may be a link in the development of immune tolerance and may promote the invasion of trophoblasts, which is known to accelerate the development of the fetus in the endometrium. It has also been suggested that hCG levels are associated with symptoms such as morning sickness in pregnant women.
Because of its similarity to LH, hCG can also be used in clinical practice to induce ovulation in the ovaries, as well as to produce testosterone in the testes. Some organizations collect urine from pregnant women to extract hCG from it for further use in fertility treatment.
Human chorionic gonadotropin also plays important role in cell differentiation / expansion and can activate apoptosis.

Production

Like other gonadotropins, the substance can be extracted from the urine of pregnant women or from cultures of genetically modified microorganisms with recombinant DNA.
In laboratories such as Pregnyl, Follutein, Profasi, Choragon and Novarel, it is extracted from the urine of pregnant women. In the Ovidrel laboratory, the protein is produced by microbes with recombinant DNA.
It is produced naturally in the placenta in the syncytiotrophoblast.

History

Chorionic gonadotropin was first discovered in 1920 and about 8 years later was identified as a hormone important in pregnancy. The first formulation containing human chorionic gonadotropin came in the form of an animal extract of the pituitary gland, developed commercially by Organon. In 1931, Organon introduced the extract to the market under the brand name Pregnon. However, disputes over the brand forced the company to change its name to Pregnyl, which appeared on the market as early as 1932. Pregnyl is still marketed by Organon today, but it is no longer available in the form of a pituitary gland extract. In 1940, manufacturing techniques were improved to produce the hormone by filtering and purifying the urine of pregnant women, and by the late 1960s, this technology was adopted by all manufacturers who previously used animal extracts. In subsequent years, the manufacturing process has become more sophisticated, but in general, hCG is produced in the same way today as it was several decades ago. Because modern drugs are of biological origin, the risk of biological contamination is considered to be low (but cannot be completely ruled out).
Earlier indications for the use of chorionic gonadotropin preparations were much wider than now.
In the product literature since the 1950s and 60s, the use of drugs has been recommended, inter alia, for the treatment of uterine bleeding and amenorrhea, Frohlich's syndrome, cryptorchidism, female infertility, obesity, depression and male impotence. A good example of the widespread use of human chorionic gonadotropin is illustrated in Glukor, which was described in 1958 as “three times more effective than testosterone. Created for men with male menopause and older men. It is used for impotence, angina pectoris and coronary artery disease, neuropsychosis, prostatitis, [and] myocarditis. "
Such recommendations, however, reflect a period when drugs were less regulated by government agencies and their release to the market was less dependent on the success of clinical trials than they are now. Today, the FDA-approved indications for the use of hCG are limited to the treatment of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and cryptorchidism in men and anovulatory infertility in women.
HCG does not exhibit significant thyroid-stimulating activity, and is not effective in fat loss. This is especially true because hCG was widely used in the past to treat obesity. This trend became popular in 1954, following the publication of an article by Dr. A.T.W. Simons, in which he stated that human chorionic gonadotropin is an effective dietary supplement. According to the study results, effective suppression of hunger was observed with a low-calorie diet and use of the drug. Inspired by articles like this, people around the world soon after began putting themselves under serious calorie restriction (500 calories per day) while taking hCG injections. Soon, the hormone itself is beginning to be considered the main component that contributes to burning fat. In fact, by 1957, hCG was the most commonly prescribed weight loss drug by doctors. More recent and comprehensive studies, however, disprove the existence of any anorexic or metabolic effects in use of hCG and the drug is no longer used for this purpose.
Back in 1962, the Journal of the American Medical Association issued a consumer warning about the Simon diet, which included the use of HCG, and stated that severe caloric restriction meant that muscles and body tissues were not getting enough protein, which in itself is even more dangerous than obesity. By 1974, the FDA had received enough claims for the use of hCG for fat loss and issued a directive to print the following notice on prescribing information: “HCG HAS NOT DEMONSTRATED ITS EFFECTIVENESS AS AN ADDITIONAL THERAPY FOR OBESITY. THERE IS NO SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE THAT THE PREPARATION INCREASES WEIGHT LOSS WITHOUT CALORIE LIMITS, OR THAT IT CAUSES A MORE DESIRED OR "NORMAL" FAT DISTRIBUTION, OR THAT IT DECREASES
FEELING OF HUNGER OR DISCOMFORT RELATED TO CALORIE LIMITS ”. This warning is found on all products currently sold in the United States.
Human chorionic gonadotropin is a very popular drug today, due to the fact that it remains an integral part of ovulation therapy in many cases of female infertility. Currently popular drugs in the US include Pregnyl (Organon), Profasi (Serono), and Novarel (Ferring), although many other brand names of chorionic gonadotropin drugs have been popular over the years. The drug is also widely marketed outside the United States and can be found under many additional brand names, all of which cannot be listed here. Due to the fact that the drug is not controlled at the federal level, athletes and bodybuilders in the United States, who cannot find a local doctor who are ready to prescribe the drug for the treatment of steroid-induced hypogonadism, often order the product from other international sources. Given that the drug is relatively cheap and rarely counterfeited, most international sources are fairly reliable. Although in last years Since recombinant forms of human chorionic gonadotropin have been introduced to the market, the wide availability and low cost of biological hCG still make it the main product for both direct and off-label use.

HCG analysis

HCG is measured through blood or urine tests, such as during pregnancy tests. A positive result indicates blastocyst implantation and embryogenesis in mammals. It can aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of tumor germ cells and trophoblastic diseases.
Pregnancy tests, quantitative blood counts, and the most accurate urine tests usually detect hCG between days 6 and 12 after ovulation. However, it should be borne in mind that total hCG levels can vary over a very wide range during the first 4 weeks of pregnancy, which can lead to false results during this period of time.
Trophoblastic diseases such as chorionademona ("molar pregnancy") or choriocarcinoma can lead to high beta-hCG levels (due to the presence of syncytial trophoblasts - the villi that make up the placenta) despite the absence of an embryo. This, as well as some other conditions, can lead to elevated hCG levels in the absence of pregnancy.
HCG levels are also measured during a triple test, a screening test of certain chromosomal abnormalities fetal / birth defects.
Most tests use monoclonal antibodies specific for the beta subunits of hCG (beta-hCG). This procedure is performed in order to make sure that the similarity of hCG with LH and FSH is not overlooked during testing (the latter two substances are always present in the body in different quantities, while the presence of hCG almost always indicates pregnancy.)
Many hCG immunological tests are based on the sandwich principle, when antibodies labeled with an enzyme or with ordinary or luminescent dye are attached to hCG. Urine pregnancy tests are based on the lateral shift technique.
Urinalysis can be immunochromatographic or any other, and can be done at home, office, clinical or laboratory conditions... The threshold degree of detection ranges from 20 to 100 mIU / ml, depending on the brand of the test. In early pregnancy, more accurate results can be obtained by testing the first morning urine (when the hCG level is highest). When the urine is diluted (specific gravity less than 1.015), the hCG concentration cannot be indicative of blood concentration and the test can be falsely negative.
Serum tests using 2-4 ml venous blood usually include a chemiluminescence or fluorimetric immunoassay, which can detect beta-hCG levels below 5 mIU / ml and quantify beta-hCG concentrations. Quantitative analysis of beta-hCG levels is useful for monitoring the embryo in the cell and trophoblastic tumors, in post-miscarriage follow-up therapy, and in the diagnosis and follow-up therapy after treatment of an ectopic pregnancy. The absence of a visible fetus on vaginal ultrasound with beta-hCG levels reaching 150,000 mIU / ml indicates an ectopic pregnancy.
Concentrations are usually measured in thousand international units per milliliter (mIU / ml). The international unit for hCG was created in 1938 and revised in 1964 and 1980. Currently, 1 international unit is about 2.35 × 10-12 mol, or about 6 × 10-8 grams.

The use of hCG in medicine

Tumor marker

Human chorionic gonadotropin can be used as a marker of cancer, since its beta subunits are secreted in several types of cancer, including seminoma, choriocarcinoma, germ cell tumors, chorionadenoma, teratoma with choriocarcinoma elements, and islet cell tumors. For this reason, a positive result in men may indicate testicular cancer. The normal level for men is 0-5 mIU / ml. When combined with alpha-fetoprotein, beta-hCG is an excellent marker for monitoring germ cell tumors.

HCG and ovulation

Human chorionic gonadotropin is widely used parenterally instead of luteinizing hormone as an ovulation inducer. In the presence of one or more mature ovarian follicles, ovulation can be induced by the administration of hCG. If ovulation occurs between 38 and 40 hours after a single hCG injection, procedures such as intrauterine insemination or intercourse may be scheduled. In addition, patients who undergo IVF (in vitro fertilization) usually take hCG to initiate the ovulation process, however, oocyte recovery is observed between 34 and 36 hours after injection, several hours before the testes are released from the ovary.
Since hCG supports the corpus luteum, the administration of hCG in certain circumstances is used to increase the production of progesterone.
In men, hCG injections are used to stimulate Leydig cells that synthesize testosterone. Intratesticular testosterone is required for spermatogenesis from Sertoli cells. Usually, hCG in men is used in cases of hypogonadism and in the treatment of infertility.
In the first few months of pregnancy, transmission of the HIV-1 virus from woman to fetus is extremely rare. It is assumed that this is due to the high concentration of hCG, and that the beta subunits of this protein are active against HIV-1.

Warning for women taking HCG Pregnyl to induce ovulation:

a) infertile patients who undergo reproductive medical care procedures (especially in need of in vitro fertilization), often suffering from tubal anomalies, after using this drug may face ectopic pregnancy... This is why early ultrasound confirmation early in pregnancy (whether intrauterine or not) is critical. Pregnancy occurring after treatment with this drug will present a higher risk of multiplets. Women suffering from thrombosis, obesity, and thrombophilia should not be given this medication, as in this case there is increased risk the development of arterial or venous thromboembolism after or during the use of HCG Pregnyl.
b) After treatment with this drug, women are usually more prone to miscarriages.
In the case of male patients: Long-term use of Pregnyl HCG is known to generally lead to an increase in androgen production. Therefore: Patients suffering from overt or latent heart failure, hypertension, renal dysfunction, migraine and epilepsy are not advised to take this drug or are advised to take it in lower doses. In addition, the drug should be used with extreme caution to treat sexually mature adolescents in order to reduce the risk of premature sexual development or premature closure of the pineal gland growth zone. This type of skeletal maturation of patients must be closely and regularly monitored.
The drug should not be administered to both men and women suffering from: (1) hypersensitivity to the preparation or to any of its main ingredients. (2) known or possible androgen-dependent tumors, such as male breast cancer or prostate carcinoma.

Chorionic gonadotropin in bodybuilding

Testosterone replacement therapy causes the hypothalamus to stop producing GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone). Without GnRH, the pituitary gland stops releasing LH. Without LH, the testes (testes or gonads) stop producing testosterone. Have men hCG bears a close resemblance to LH. If, after prolonged use of testosterone, the testes have a wrinkled appearance, then, most likely, soon after hCG therapy, testosterone production will begin to increase again. HCG promotes testosterone production by the testes and increases their size.
HCG can be extracted from the urine of pregnant women or through genetic modification. The product can be purchased by prescription under the brand names Pregnyl, Follutein, Profasi and Novarel. Novire is another brand that is a recombinant DNA product. Some pharmacies can also make prescription HCG in a variety of bottle sizes. Branded hCG drugs in a regular pharmacy cost more than $ 100 for 10,000 IU. The same amount of IU with a special prescription can be purchased for $ 50. Many insurance companies do not pay for hCG, as its use is necessary for testicular atrophy during testosterone replacement therapy, which is considered off-label use. And most men buy the drug from prescription pharmacies that sell it for much less.
HCG is on illegal drug lists in some sports.
Professional athletes tested positive for HCG have been temporarily withdrawn from competition, including a 50-game MLB ban for Manny Ramirez in 2009 and an NFL 4-game ban for Brian Cushing.

Chorionic gonadotropin and testosterone

How long does the increase in testosterone levels last after an HCG injection? Scientists have looked into this question and have tried to determine if higher doses are more effective in maintaining this surge. After the administration of 6000 IU hCG, plasma testosterone and hCG levels were studied in normal adult men with two different options application. In the first variant, seven patients received one intramuscular injection. There was a sharp increase in plasma testosterone levels (1.6 ± 0.1 times) within 4 hours. Then the testosterone level dropped slightly and remained unchanged for at least 24 hours. A delayed peak in testosterone levels (an increase of 2.4 ± 0.3 times) was observed between 72-96 hours. After that, the testosterone level dropped and reached the initial level in 144 hours.
In the second case, six patients received two intravenous injections of hCG (at doses 5-8 times higher than the doses administered to the first group) with a 24-hour interval. The initial increase in plasma testosterone after the first injection was the same as in the first case, despite the fact that plasma hCG levels v this case were 5-8 times higher. Within 24 hours, testosterone levels were again decreased compared to those observed 2-4 hours after injection, and the second intravenous injection of hCG did not significantly increase them. A delayed peak in plasma testosterone levels (an increase of 2.2 ± 0.2 times) was noticed approximately 24 hours later than in the first case. Thus, research shows that when it comes to dosing hCG, more is not better. In fact, high doses can desensitize the Leydig cells in the testes. It has also been shown that blood testosterone levels peak not once, but twice after hCG injection.

Chorionic gonadotropin and Leydig cells

HCG can not only increase testosterone levels, but also increase the number of Leydig cells in the testes. It is known that Leydig cell clusters in the testes of an adult during HCG treatment increase significantly. However, in the past, it was unclear whether this increases the number of Leydig cells, or of all cells in the body. A study was conducted in which adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected daily subcutaneously with 100 IU of hCG for 5 weeks. The volume of Leydig cell clusters increased 4.7 times within 5 weeks of treatment. The number of Leydig cells (initially equal to an average of 18.6 x 106 / cc testis) increased 3 times.

Chorionic gonadotropin and replacement therapy

There are currently no guidelines for prescribing hCG for men undergoing testosterone replacement therapy and wanting to maintain normal testicular size. A study using 200 mg testosterone enanthate injections per week with hCG at doses of 125, 250, or 500 IU every other day in healthy young men showed that at a dose of 250 IU every other day, normal testicular function was maintained (without changing their size). It is not known if this dosage is effective in older men. Also, there are no long-term studies. hCG use for over 2 years.
Because of its effect on testosterone levels, hCG use can also increase estradiol levels and, although there is no data to demonstrate whether this increase is proportional to the dose used.
Thus, the best dose of hCG has not yet been established to maintain normal testicular function while maintaining a minimum level of conversion of estradiol and.
Some doctors recommend that men who are concerned about testicular size or want to maintain fertility while on testosterone replacement therapy use 200-500 IU of hCG twice a week. Higher doses have also been used, such as 1,000-5,000 IU twice a week. It is believed that this dosage can cause side effects usually associated with estrogens and, and possibly reduce the sensitivity of the testicles with long-term hCG use. Scientists have begun to investigate whether the use of estrogen receptor modulators ( trademark Nolvadex) or Anaztrozole (trademark of Arimidex) to counteract the increase in estradiol levels. High levels of estradiol can cause breast enlargement and fluid retention in men, but in acceptable amounts is essential for maintaining bone and brain health.

Shippen test for stimulation of chorionic gonadotropin (in men up to 75 years old)

Despite the fact that the required doses of hCG have not been approved and clinically proven, Dr. Eugene Shippen (author of the book "Testosterone Syndrome") has developed his own method of using the drug based on his personal experience.
Dr. Shippen found that a typical three-week course of treatment is best for patients who respond well to hCG. 500 units are injected daily by subcutaneous injection, Monday through Friday for three weeks. The patient is taught to self-inject with 50-unit insulin syringes with 30-gauge needles in the front of the thigh while sitting with free hands. Testosterone levels, total and free, plus E2 (estradiol) are measured before starting use and on the third Saturday after 3 weeks of administration (the author argues that saliva testing may be more accurate for dose adjustment). Studies have shown that subcutaneous injections are as effective as intramuscular injections.
Measuring the effect of hCG on total testosterone levels in his patients, Shippen divided them into those who would be undergoing testosterone replacement therapy and those who simply needed to "revitalize" their testes with hCG to obtain normal testosterone levels.
This is how it determines the function of Leydig cells (testicles):
1. If the intake of hCG causes less than 20%, the increase general level testosterone, we notice minimal preservation of Leydig cell function (primary hypogonadism or egonandotrophic hypogonadism indicates a combination of central and peripheral factors).
2. A 20-50% increase in total testosterone levels indicates a sufficient reserve, but slightly suppressed response, associated mainly with central inhibition, but sometimes possibly with a testicular response.
3. More than 50% increase in total testosterone levels speaks primarily of centrally mediated suppression of testicular function.
Then, depending on the patient's response to hCG, he suggests the following treatment options:
1. If there is an inadequate response (20%), testosterone replacement therapy will be performed.
2. The area between 20 and 50% usually requires increase hCG for some time, plus natural enhancement or "partial" replacement options.
Dr. Shippen believes that testosterone replacement therapy is always the last option in borderline cases, as improvement can often be observed over time and Leydig cell regeneration can occur. He argues that many of these factors are age dependent. Up to 60 years of age, an increase is almost always observed. It does not always happen in the 60-75 age range, but the result is usually quite predictable after the results of stimulation tests are received. Moreover, for adequate treatment basic processes (depression, obesity, alcoholism, etc.), diseases associated with a decrease in testosterone output can be completely reversible. He claims that this positive effect will not occur if the primary therapy is in the form of testosterone replacement therapy.
3. If there is an adequate response, expressed in more than 50% increase in testosterone, then the body has a very good supply of Leydig cells. HCG therapy is likely to be successful in restoring full testosterone production capacity without replacement therapy, the best option for long-term use and more natural recovery biological fluctuations for an optimal response.
4. Chorionic hCG can be administered independently and the dosage can be adjusted according to the body's response. In younger users with a high response rate (T> 1100 ng / dL), hCG can be taken every third or fourth day. It also minimizes its conversion to estrogen. Respondents at a lower level (600-800 ng / dl), or with a higher estradiol yield associated with a full dosage of hCG, can be assigned the following course of admission: 300 - 500 units Mon-Wed-Fri. Occasionally less responsive users may need higher doses to achieve better testosterone production.
Dr. Shippen checks the level of free testosterone in saliva on the day of injection before injection to determine the effectiveness and adjust the dose accordingly. He argues that later, when Leydig cell regeneration occurs, it may be necessary to reduce the dose or frequency of administration.
5. To assess the effectiveness of treatment, he recommends monitoring testosterone and estradiol levels 2 to 3 weeks after hCG changes, as well as periodically during constant admission. He argues that saliva tests more fully reflect the true levels of free estrogen and testosterone in the body. Most insurance companies do not pay for saliva testing. Blood test - standard way checking testosterone and estradiol levels.
6. In addition to reports of antibodies developing against hCG (the author mentions that he has never encountered such a problem), it is argued that with the constant use of hCG, there are no side effects.
Dr. Schippen's book was published in the late 90s. I do not know of a single doctor who has used this method dosage. I don’t know if it’s effective or not. The idea that testicular function can be improved through hCG cycles in men with low testosterone levels caused by sluggish Leydig cell function is an interesting concept to be explored. Because this protocol requires very careful monitoring, many doctors avoid such use. The very nature of this off-label use of hCG can also make it expensive for patients who have to pay cash to use and monitor it.

Other Uses of HCG in Bodybuilding

A very well known physician in the field of testosterone replacement therapy, Dr. John Chrysler recommends 250 IU hCG twice a week for all testosterone replacement therapy patients on the day, as well as the day before, weekly injections of testosterone cypionate. After analyzing numerous laboratory analyzes and subjective reports of patients, as well as studying information about hCG, he shifted this regimen forward by one day. In other words, his injectable testosterone cypionate patients were now taking 250 IU hCG two days before, and also on the day immediately preceding their weekly intramuscular injections. All patients received hCG subcutaneously, and the dosage could be adjusted as needed (he reports that doses of more than 350 IU twice a week were rarely required).
For men using testosterone gels, the same dosage every third day helped maintain testicular size (the dose of the gel should be adjusted after a month of HCG use to compensate for the increased testosterone levels caused by HCG intake).
Some doctors believe that stopping testosterone replacement therapy for a few weeks, during which weekly doses of 1000-2000 IU hCG are used, provides good stimulation of testicular function without continuous use of hCG. However, there is no data to support such claims. Others believe that cycling hCG while maintaining testosterone replacement therapy may prevent a decrease in the number of Leydig cells in the testes. Again, there is no data or published reports to support this point.
According to Dr. Chrysler, using HCG alone does not provide the same subjective benefits in terms of sexual functions like testosterone, even with similar serum androgen levels. However, with the addition of more “traditional” transdermal or parenteral agents, testosterone combined with properly dosed HCG stabilizes blood levels, prevents testicular atrophy, helps balance the expression of other hormones, and significantly increases well-being and libido. But in excess, hCG can cause acne, water retention, bad mood, and gynecomastia (enlarged breasts in men).
Many men complain that their doctors are unaware of HCG and its use. Some people spend a lot of time trying to find doctors who can write a similar prescription. There is one good way Finding out which doctor in your area can prescribe these drugs is to call your local prescription pharmacy and ask which doctors are calling them about their patients' prescriptions.
If you decide (in consultation with your doctor) that you want to use hCG with testosterone replacement therapy at a dose of 500 IU per week, respectively, you will need 2000 IU of substance per month. HCG quality can deteriorate over time after mixing with bacteriostatic water, even if stored in a refrigerator. Thus, a vial containing 3000 or 3500 IU should last for 6 weeks.
Taking HCG requires a lot of discipline as you must remember to apply it once a week in addition to your weekly or biweekly testosterone injections. However, many men can feel quite comfortable with smaller testicles as long as testosterone improves sex drive. And some lucky people do not experience any testicular atrophy at all when using testosterone (users with large testicles experience less discomfort from their reduction than men with smaller testicles). So, in the end, it's everyone's personal business.
HCG is also used in combination with Clomiphene to help normalize your own testosterone production after stopping testosterone or anabolic steroids after prolonged use. This method only works for those who start taking testosterone or anabolic steroids at normal baseline testosterone levels (bodybuilders and athletes), and does not work for those who are testosterone deficient (hypogonadism).
There is no consensus about correct dosage and the frequency of use of hCG.
HCG not only restores the size of the testicles, but also increases sex drive. It is worth remembering, however, that when the drug is discontinued, testicular atrophy will begin again. It is recommended to apply hCG in small amounts (250 IU twice a week subcutaneously). HCG can increase the levels of estradiol in the blood, so it is very important to analyze both indicators after starting the use of the drug. When using hCG along with testosterone, testosterone doses may need to be reduced as hCG can additionally affect blood testosterone levels.

"HCG Diet"

HCG use for weight control

All the controversy, as well as the market shortage of injectable hCG for weight loss, has led to a significant proliferation of "Homeopathic HCG" for weight control on the Internet. It is often not clear from what ingredients such products are made, but if it is made from real hCG by homeopathic dilution, then it either does not contain hCG at all, or contains it only in trace amounts.
The US FDA has stated that unlicensed products containing hCG are illegal and ineffective for weight loss. These drugs are not homeopathic and have been deemed illegal. HCG itself is classified as a drug in the United States and has not been approved by the FDA for sale as a weight loss aid or for any other purpose, and therefore neither pure HCG nor HCG-containing products can be found commercially in USA, excluding prescriptions by a physician. In December 2011, the FDA and FTC begin to take action to remove unauthorized hCG products from the market. Subsequently, some vendors switch to "non-hormonal" versions of weight loss products, where the hormone is replaced with a free mixture.

HCG instructions for use

General Provisions
Human chorionic gonadotropin is usually given by intramuscular injection. Subcutaneous injections are also used, and it has been recognized that this mode of administration is therapeutically roughly equivalent to intramuscular injections.
Peak concentrations of chorionic gonadotropin are reached approximately 6 hours after intramuscular injection, and 16 to 20 hours after subcutaneous injection.

For men
For the treatment of hypogonandotropic hypogonadism, current FDA recommended protocols recommend either a short 6-week program or a long-term program of up to 1 year, depending on the individual patient's needs. Prescribing guidelines for short-term use recommend 500 to 1000 units 3 times a week for 3 weeks, followed by the same dose twice a week for 3 weeks. For long-term use, doses of 4000 units 3 times a week are recommended for 6 to 9 months, after which the dose is reduced to 2000 units 3 times a week and used for another 3 months.
Bodybuilders and athletes use HCG either in a cycle to maintain testicular integrity when using steroids, or post-cycle to restore hormonal homeostasis more quickly. Both types of use with correct application considered effective.

After the end of the cycle
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin is often used with other drugs as part of a post-cycle advanced therapy program aimed at as much quick recovery endogenous testosterone production at the end of the steroid cycle. Restoring endogenous testosterone production is important at the end of each cycle when subnormal androgen levels (associated with steroid-induced suppression) can be very difficult for the body. The main concern is the effects of cortisol, which are largely counterbalanced by the effects of androgens. Cortisol sends the opposite message to testosterone in the muscles, or it breaks down protein in the cell. If not controlled low level testosterone, cortisol can quickly reduce a significant portion of muscle gain.
Post-cycle HCG protocols typically involve the use of 1500-4000 IU every 4 or 5 days, for no more than 2 or 3 weeks. With long-term use or with too high doses, the drug can reduce the sensitivity of Leydig cells to luteinizing hormone, which will prevent further return to homeostasis.

During the cycle
Bodybuilders and athletes can also use chorionic gonadotropin during the steroid cycle to avoid testicular atrophy and the resulting decreased ability to respond to LH stimulation. Basically, this practice is used to avoid the problem of testicular atrophy, to prevent such a problem after the end of the cycle. It is important to remember that with this use, the dosage must be carefully adjusted, since high levels HCG can lead to an increase in aromatase in the testes (increased estrogen levels) as well as decrease the sensitivity of the testes to LH. So, for misuse the drug can provoke primary hypogonadism,
significantly extending the recovery period.
Current hCG protocols therefore recommend the administration of 250 IU subcutaneously twice a week (every 3rd or 4th day) for the entire duration of the steroid cycle. Some users may require higher doses, but in no case should they exceed 500 IU per injection.
These protocols for using HCG during a cycle were developed by Professor John Chrysler, a renowned figure in the field of anti-aging and hormone therapy, for patients undergoing testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Although TRT is often carried out on a long-term basis, testicular atrophy is a common problem in most patients, regardless of maintaining normal androgen levels. The HCG program proposed by Dr. Chrysler is designed to address this problem with long term use. For those who are interested in the timing of HCG use in relation to a given testosterone replacement program, Dr. Chrysler recommends in his article "Updating to Chrysler's HCG Protocol" the following: “In my analysis, patients undergoing TRT took HCG at doses of 250 IU two days before, as well as on the day immediately preceding the intramuscular injection. All patients used hCG subcutaneously, and if necessary, the dose was adjusted (however, I have not yet seen the use of more than 350 IU per dose) ... Patients who prefer to use transdermal testosterone, or even testosterone tablets (although I am against such use), took hCG every third day".

For women
When used for the induction of ovulation and pregnancy with anovulatory infertility in women, the next day after taking the last dose of menotropins, doses of 5,000 to 10,000 units are taken. The timing is adjusted so that the hormone is received exactly at the right time in the ovulation cycle.
Human chorionic gonadotropin is not used by women for sports purposes.

Availability

HCG is always packaged in 2 different vials / ampoules (one with powder and the other with sterile diluent). Before injection, they must be mixed, and for later use, the remains of the drug should be stored in the refrigerator. Make sure the product matches this
description. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin is widely manufactured and readily available on the black market. To date, the problem of counterfeiting is small, despite the fact that several such cases have occurred (all in multi-dose vials).
HCG comes in powder form in vials of 3500 IU, 5000 IU or 10,000 IU (depending on the pharmacy, the numbers may differ). You can call your prescription pharmacy and order a vial of the required amount of IU. They usually come with a 1 ml (or cc) bottle of bacteriostatic water for diluting the powder into a liquid solution. Bacteriostatic water (preservative water that comes with the prescription drug) is mixed with the powder to resuspend, or dissolve, before injection. This water can keep the solution stable for 6 weeks when stored in the refrigerator. Some patients do not use the 1ml vials of water available from commercial pharmacies and instead ask their doctors to prescribe 30ml vials of bacteriostatic water so that they can dilute the hCG to a more workable concentration that is more practical for men when using low doses of hCG on a weekly basis.
HCG is used as an injection subcutaneously or intramuscularly (there is still debate about which method is better). The number of IU per injection will depend on how much bacteriostatic water is added to the dry powder. If we add 1 ml to 5000 IU of powder, then we get 5000 IU per ml, so 0.1 ml will be 500 IU. If we add 2 ml to 5000 IU of powder, then we get 2500 IU / ml; 0.1 ml (or cc) in an insulin syringe will be equal to 250 IU. If it is necessary to enter 500 IU, then 0.2 cubic meters will be required. see this mixture.
For subcutaneous injection of hCG, syringes with an ultra-thin insulin needle are used, which makes it easier to administer the drug, even for patients who are afraid of injections. Typical sizes:
1 ml, 12.7 mm long, size 30 and
0.5 ml, 8 mm, 31 sizes.
Syringes require a separate prescription. Some prescription pharmacies automatically include them in the kit, but do not forget to inquire about this in advance. Never use the syringe that was used to inject it, the needle will already be worn out. Remember, you should also stock up on alcohol swabs to clean the injection area and the tip of the bottle. Typical injection sites are the abdominal region, closer to the navel, or the pubic adipose tissue... Squeeze some fatty tissue in your hands at the abdominal muscles and insert the syringe into this area, and then rub the area with a swab dipped in alcohol. Dispose of the syringe in a sharps container that your pharmacy may provide.
As mentioned earlier, prescription HCG is a much cheaper option than the commercially available one. pharmaceutical products... In addition, it is sometimes difficult to find commercially available HCG in mainstream pharmacies.
A literature review demonstrates a wide range of hCG doses used and there is considerable disagreement among physicians on this issue. For the treatment of male infertility, doses ranging from 1250 IU three times a week to 3000 IU twice a week are prescribed (men undergoing testosterone replacement therapy were not included in the study area).

Availability:

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin is widely available in a variety of pharmaceutical and veterinary markets. The composition and dosage varies by country and manufacturer, but typically contains 1,000, 1,500, 2,500, 5,000, or 10,000 international units (IU) per dose. All forms are supplied as a lyophilized powder requiring reconstitution with sterile diluent (water) prior to use.