One of the primary effects of HCG in the modern era is as a diet aid.

Effects of HCG:
One of the primary effects of HCG in the modern era is as a diet aid. The HCG diet has rapidly become popular in western medicine, but the overall effectiveness is perhaps the most debatable topic surrounding HCG. Both the American Medical Associated and American Society of Bariatric Physicians have been highly critical of the HCG diet. Both organizations have stated the only reason weight loss occurs is due to the starvation that often accompanies such a plan. HCG diets are often comprised of a total caloric intake of only 500 calories per day. When we look at the effects of HCG on the metabolism we further find it carries no thyroid stimulating abilities, it is not a beta-2 stimulant, it does not suppress or curb appetite and carries no functions or traits associated with a thermogenic or fat burning agent. However, numerous physicians have reported success with the HCG diet, but the starvation factor is met with a lot of criticism as this in of itself cannot be deemed a healthy long-term practice. Currently there is no solid evidence that the HCG diet itself is the reason for such patients experience weight loss that would not occur without HCG use if the same starvation plan was implemented. The debate on this diet will, however, more than likely continue for many years to come.

The effects of HCG on the anabolic steroid user can be broken down into two separate categories, PCT use and on cycle use. Due to the use of anabolic steroids, natural testosterone production is suppressed. The rate of suppression is dependent on the steroids being used and to a degree the total doses, but it is generally significant. Once the use of all anabolic steroids comes to an end, natural testosterone production will begin again on its own. However, this assumes there was no prior existing low testosterone condition or severe damage caused to the HPTA during anabolic steroid use due to improper practices. While production does begin again on its own, it is a very slow process. There will be a period of very low testosterone levels and often the symptoms associated with such a condition. Such symptoms cannot only be bothersome, but they often cause the steroid user to lose a lot of the muscle mass he’s gained due to cortisol now becoming the dominant hormone in testosterones absence. For this reason most steroid users will implement a PCT plan in order to enhance recovery. This will speed up the recovery process. It will not return your levels to normal on its own, but it will ensure you have enough testosterone for proper bodily function while your levels continue to naturally rise.

There are several PCT plans we can implement, most all will include SERM’s such as Nolvadex (Tamoxifen Citrate) and/or Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate). However, many have found that if a PCT plan begins with HCG prior to SERM use the total recovery is enhanced. In a sense, HCG mimics LH and primes the body for the SERM therapy to come producing a far more efficient recovery.

The second positive effect of HCG for the anabolic steroid user is use during a cycle of anabolic steroids. Due to steroid use, this will cause testicular atrophy due to the now suppressed state of natural testosterone production. By supplementing with HCG during steroid use, the individual can keep his testicles full. While this is merely a cosmetic effect that presents no strategic benefit, there is a possible benefit to be had. By keeping the body primed with exogenous LH, this can lead to an easier road of recovery once use of all anabolic steroids has been discontinued, but there’s also a problem. It is very easy, extremely easy for the body to become dependent on HCG for its LH needs, while the human body cannot become dependent on anabolic steroids it most certainly can HCG. For the low testosterone patient who’s using HCG, this is of no concern. However, if you are not a low testosterone patient HCG use on cycle must be regulated heavily and monitored closely in order to ensure an LH dependency does not occur. Many anabolic steroid users have done far more damage to their body with HCG use than most any anabolic steroids due to overzealous HCG use. Such on cycle use can, however, be very beneficial as it can help with the individual easing into a more efficient recovery, but it must be responsible use. Truly, regardless of the period of use, on cycle or as a kick start to PCT, HCG use must be regulated.