In his book "Anabolics 2007: Anabolic Steroids Reference Manual", author William Llewellyn explains that some bodybuilders---competitive and recreational---use hormones to promote muscle hypertrophy and fat burning. These hormones include insulin, human growth hormone and human chorionic gonadotropin or HCG for short. HCG is a hormone produced by females during pregnancy and, as a performance enhancing drug, offers no benefits to female users---but some male bodybuilders use it in conjunction with anabolic steroids.
Why Bodybuilders Use HCG
Steroids fall into two main categories: anabolic and androgenic. Anabolic steroids build muscle with minimal impact on natural testosterone production, whereas androgenic steroids build muscle and result in a significant suppression of natural testosterone production. When a bodybuilder stops using steroids, there is a testosterone "crash" as the drugs are no longer in his system and his body is not producing very much natural testosterone. HCG stimulates the testes to begin producing testosterone again, and therefore minimize a crash on cessation of steroid use.
HCG Administration
HCG is supplied in sealed vials in dry powder form with a similar vial containing a sterile solvent. The two compounds are mixed and injected intramuscularly or subcutaneously---into muscle or under the skin. According to "Anabolic Steroids: Ultimate Research Guide" by Anthony Roberts and Brian Clapp, the typical dosage is 1500 to 3000 International Units, or I.U., every third to fifth day for the three weeks following a steroid cycle.
Benefits of HCG Use
At the end of a steroid cycle, a bodybuilder's natural testosterone production has diminished significantly. If left uncorrected, testosterone suppression will lead to the bodybuilder losing much of the muscle that was built during his steroid cycle. By restoring natural testosterone production, HCG reduces post steroid cycle muscle loss, promotes sex drive and also minimizes the testicular atrophy or shrinkage normally associated with steroid use. Some bodybuilders may use small amounts of HCG during a steroid cycle to minimize testicular shutdown and atrophy as well as using it in their post cycle recovery.
Risks of HCG Use
HCG increases your natural testosterone production, but this also causes a rise in estrogen. Increased estrogen in men can lead to development of breast tissue---a condition called gynecomastia. To eliminate this problem, bodybuilders will also use an anti-estrogen medication such as Clomid or Nolvedex. HCG is a commonly counterfeited substance, which raises issues with both drug safety and hygiene. Legitimate medicinal hormones are produced in sterile environments and to a very high standard of purity, whereas counterfeit HCG may contain little or no active ingredient and may also be contaminated. HCG obtained by any means other than medical prescription is likely to be counterfeit.
Legal Considerations
Steroid use is illegal in many countries and athletes who test positive for steroids face bans from competition. Because of its association with steroids, HCG is on the banned substance list of many sporting bodies and, depending on your location, may also be illegal to purchase, own or use. If caught you may face fines and/or imprisonment.
References
- "Anabolics 2007: Anabolic Steroids Reference Manual"; William Llewellyn; 2007
- "Anabolic Steroids: Ultimate Research Guide"; Anthony Roberts and Brian Clapp; 2006
- "The Steroid Bible"; Steve Gallaway; 1997
