HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
HCG, or Human chorionic gonadotropin , which is derived from the urine
of pregnant women, is an injectable drug available commercially in the
United States as well as many other countries. Pregnyl, made by Organon,
and Profasi, made by Serono, are FDA approved for the treatment of undescended
testicles in very young boys, hypogonadism (underproduction of testosterone)
and as a fertility drug used to aid in inducing ovulation in women. Among
athletes, HCG is used to stimulate natural testosterone production during
or after a steroid cycle which has caused natural levels to be reduced.
Stopping a steroid cycle abruptly, especially when endogenous androgens
are absent, can cause a rapid loss in the athlete's newly acquired muscle.
When HCG is used to stimulate natural production, a notably pronounced
crash may be avoided. Although fakes are not very
common, they do exist and should be avoided. More than one athlete
has reported unpleasant side effects (fever, aches) due to an un-sterile
fake so take caution. HCG is always packaged in 2 different vials,one with
a powder and the other with a sterile solvent. These vials need to be mixed
before injecting, and refrigerated should any be left for later use.