HCG Monotherapy for Hypogonadism

[skipper149]

Long time lurker, first time poster here.

I visited my endo for low testosterone (diagnosed about a year ago) and he did bloodwork and a bone mineral density test. Result: I have borderline low testosterone, low-normal LH and FSH; and E2 at the very lowest end of normal. And I was told I am osteopoenic (borderline osteoporotic), that is, I have bones weaker than an 80 year old! I can post test results tomorrow if needed.

So my doc put me on hCG monotherapy for 4 months. Here's the thing: I was given Pregnyl hCG which I am to inject subq twice a week. The dosage comes in 5000IU's. The package information says to take 500-1000 IU everytime. I asked my doc about this and he told me it's ok to take such a large does as 5000IU, and anyway, the medicine comes in ampoules (2 separate ones, one containing the hCG in powder form and the other purified water which I should mix together), and it can't keep for long once opened(sterility issue). Since I will be taking this twice a week, that works out to 10,000IU every week. I asked the doc abt OD issue and he said its no issue; my HPGA will not be affected and the pituitary will just go back to normal once the therapy is stopped.

From what I have read from this great forum and others, this dosage is way too much. The recommended dose is about 200IU ED? Does a high dosage lead to permanent damage to the pituitary? Will me testicles become desensitized to all that hCG? I am worried and hope you guys can help me with this.

By the way, I am a recreational bodybuilder and have not previously taken any AAS, except for that one time back in 1999 when I took Deca for a week whilst trekking in the Himalayas without any PCT, which I doubt would have anything to do with my low test.

Thanks!

[skipper149]

By the way, I am 43.

[colkurtz_spf]

I was diagnosed with the same and placed on 5000 IUs twice per week three years ago. For the first year, I injected no less than 8000 IUs per week. Now I do well on 750 twice per week, and my bone density is very good. I also supplement with calcium and omega oils high in EPA (1.2 grams min./day).

I believe my doctor was right to start me on a high dose. My testicles were shut down from Testosterone therapy. I don't know your doctor's reason. Maybe you should ask. If he doesn't have a good answer then gradually reduce your dose to 1000 IUs twice per week, and eventually to 500. Find your sweet spot.

Many here prefer more frequent injections. It has been my experience they are less effective and cause negative sides. Research has shown that HCG receptors need to be cleared. The doctor who started me on this path had 15 years experience with the protocol, and understood the same to be true.

Good luck!

Long time lurker, first time poster here.

I visited my endo for low testosterone (diagnosed about a year ago) and he did bloodwork and a bone mineral density test. Result: I have borderline low testosterone, low-normal LH and FSH; and E2 at the very lowest end of normal. And I was told I am osteopoenic (borderline osteoporotic), that is, I have bones weaker than an 80 year old! I can post test results tomorrow if needed.

So my doc put me on hCG monotherapy for 4 months. Here's the thing: I was given Pregnyl hCG which I am to inject subq twice a week. The dosage comes in 5000IU's. The package information says to take 500-1000 IU everytime. I asked my doc about this and he told me it's ok to take such a large does as 5000IU, and anyway, the medicine comes in ampoules (2 separate ones, one containing the hCG in powder form and the other purified water which I should mix together), and it can't keep for long once opened(sterility issue). Since I will be taking this twice a week, that works out to 10,000IU every week. I asked the doc abt OD issue and he said its no issue; my HPGA will not be affected and the pituitary will just go back to normal once the therapy is stopped.

From what I have read from this great forum and others, this dosage is way too much. The recommended dose is about 200IU ED? Does a high dosage lead to permanent damage to the pituitary? Will me testicles become desensitized to all that hCG? I am worried and hope you guys can help me with this.

By the way, I am a recreational bodybuilder and have not previously taken any AAS, except for that one time back in 1999 when I took Deca for a week whilst trekking in the Himalayas without any PCT, which I doubt would have anything to do with my low test.

Thanks!

[LeanGuy]

I'm doing well with pregnyl 250IU EOD and just a little arimidex for E2 control. My TT is around 900-1000 consistently now. When I injected larger doses my E2 skyrocketed. Everyone responds differently.

[jinxie]

I'm doing well with pregnyl 250IU EOD and just a little arimidex for E2 control. My TT is around 900-1000 consistently now. When I injected larger doses my E2 skyrocketed. Everyone responds differently.

I'm now on 625 IUs twice per week. Gradually, I have reduced my dose, finding the sweet spot.

Hope that helps. Good luck.

[colkurtz_spf]

I'm doing well with pregnyl 250IU EOD and just a little arimidex for E2 control. My TT is around 900-1000 consistently now. When I injected larger doses my E2 skyrocketed. Everyone responds differently.

You're doing around 900 per week. At that dose I don't need arimidex.

[skipper149]

I was diagnosed with the same and placed on 5000 IUs twice per week three years ago. For the first year, I injected no less than 8000 IUs per week. Now I do well on 750 twice per week, and my bone density is very good. I also supplement with calcium and omega oils high in EPA (1.2 grams min./day).

I believe my doctor was right to start me on a high dose. My testicles were shut down from Testosterone therapy. I don't know your doctor's reason. Maybe you should ask. If he doesn't have a good answer then gradually reduce your dose to 1000 IUs twice per week, and eventually to 500. Find your sweet spot.

Many here prefer more frequent injections. It has been my experience they are less effective and cause negative sides. Research has shown that HCG receptors need to be cleared. The doctor who started me on this path had 15 years experience with the protocol, and understood the same to be true.

Good luck!

Thanks colkurtz.

So long term dosing of 8000 per week had no negative effects on you? Apart from the raised E2 perhaps? I checked with my doc and he said the reason was that pregnyl was only available at 5000IU per dose where I live. It's usually prescribed for women trying to get pregnant and seldom for a situation like mine. I called him with my concerns about OD and he said in that case I should inject 2000IU and throw away the rest. He said it's not advisable to store the remainder, as once its mixed, it may lose its efficacy or worse, have some detrimental effect. Overall he didn't seem convincing. I think I'll take your advice and experiment to find my sweet spot.

Thanks again!

[skipper149]

Thanks for your inputs Leanguy and jinxie! Good luck with your respective therapies.

[skipper149]

So no cases of high doses affecting testicular function permanently?

[CrazyChemist]

I think for anyone without a medical degree, a look at the bloodwork, and a thorough history on the 'patient' (OP) to recommend ignoring the doctor's orders is irresponsible. That being said, the doctor's orders seem to conflict with my knowledge of the treatment. That, my friends, is why they invented the second opinion. Go to another a doctor and get a second opinion. Either that, or tell your doctor you plan on taking a different dose than what we prescribed and see what he says. There may be a reason why you can or should be on that dose. I'm not an endocrinologist and I would not be so arrogant as to contradict a specialists orders.

[Philec48]

I've read that once you mix in the sterile water, hcg will be ok for 4-6 weeks if kept in the frig, and that if kept in the frig pre-mixed it can last up to a year.

[skipper149]

Thanks crazychemist, good points.

The reason I am not convinced by my endo is the reason he gave for putting me on 5000IU. That's the only dosage available! Maybe I should get a second opinion. Problem is, good endos are hard to come by in Singapore and some of the forum regulars here are practising doctors themselves (eg Swale)...

[skipper149]

I've read that once you mix in the sterile water, hcg will be ok for 4-6 weeks if kept in the frig, and that if kept in the frig pre-mixed it can last up to a year.

Thanks for the input. I found this in another forum: How to mix HCG? - Anabolic Steroids - Steroid.com / Anabolic Review Forums

[skipper149]

oops! I am not allowed to post links...

[CrazyChemist]

Thanks crazychemist, good points.

The reason I am not convinced by my endo is the reason he gave for putting me on 5000IU. That's the only dosage available! Maybe I should get a second opinion. Problem is, good endos are hard to come by in Singapore and some of the forum regulars here are practising doctors themselves (eg Swale)...

Ahh i see - you're in Singapore. Well I don't know what the health care is like over there. I personally take hCG on cycle and I mix the 5000iu amp and take 500iu 2x/wk (so it sits in my fridge for 5 weeks)

[skipper149]

Healthcare here is expensive, and not so good for HRT. Consultation charges are high and this kind of treatment is not covered by insurance, and I'm paying out of my pocket. Hence my hesitation to get 2nd opinion.

[colkurtz_spf]

How has the therapy made you feel?

Healthcare here is expensive, and not so good for HRT. Consultation charges are high and this kind of treatment is not covered by insurance, and I'm paying out of my pocket. Hence my hesitation to get 2nd opinion.

[skipper149]

How has the therapy made you feel?

I started the therapy exactly a week ago, so I have done 2 shots so far. I feel slightly better, libido is slightly up. Morning wood is there somewhat. Managed to make love to my wife after a long time last week. I wouldn't say the full effects have kicked in though.

Feeling more lethargic, otherwise no change in mood etc. Just started going back to the gym since yesterday. Let's see how it progresses...

[skipper149]

I have decided to mix the hCG and store it for multiple use, as has been suggested.

Does anyone know any reliable websites that ship bac water and sterile vials to overseas destinations?

I came across a source that mixes 0.9% sodium chloride in their bact water. I have never come across any other bact water product with NaCl in it. Is this ok to use?

Thanks for your time.

[jinxie]

hCG mixed with bacto water will generally last 4 weeks. If beyond that, I would recommend freezing a portion in syringes, at the time of reconstituting. I found it did not undermine potency by a noticeable margin.

PM me if you need a water source. I know of several. You can buy it without a script, perhaps even at your local pharmacy. DO NOT MIX WITH THE SODIUM CHLORIDE -- THAT'S FOR SINGLE USE.