It is obtained from human origin and is obtained from women who are in their first few months of pregnancy.
While it won’t have a huge effect on the FSH. It does, however, have a great effect on stimulating the LH which in turn can help the Leydig cells found in the testes to start creating testosterone.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin is mainly prescribed for women, yet it does have some medical uses for men. For teens who have issues with their testicles not dropping during puberty, HCG is prescribed to help. It is also prescribed for men with low testosterone.
Having first been in manufacture since 1920 and has been a prescribed medication since the 1930s. It has had much clinical use and thousands of trials, which is why it is quite trusted in the bodybuilding world.
HCG Dose and Availability
HCG is available in pharmaceutical grade. It comes as a power puck which you will need to mix with sterile water.
Once reconstituted the doses range from 1500iu 2500iu to 5000iu and 10000iu. The general price is between £25 – £35 per box.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin has been a staple as a part of a PCT for many, many years. It has solidified its place in the bodybuilding world by being one of the most effective treatments to boost natural testosterone production in men.
After a cycle, a user’s natural production of testosterone has been significantly slowed or completely shut down. The difference between those who keep some gains and those who lose everything is usually a good PCT and how quickly the natural testosterone production can recover.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin works by stimulating the Leydig cells inside the testes to being making testosterone again. Thanks to its ability as a fertility drug it is very effective.
HCG is usually injected two-three times a week for around three weeks from the start of the PCT. FDA approved protocols involve 500 – 1000iu being injected three times a week for a three-week cycle.
Most users will feel the benefit of using 1500iu three times a week for three weeks.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin isn’t injected like steroids are. It follows a similar injection technique to that of HGH or Insulin.
Once prepared in your insulin pin you grab some fat in the lower abdomen and inject the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin into the fat under the skin, this is referred to as a subcutaneous injection.
Insulin pins are also much, much smaller than steroid injections and are extremely easy and painless to do.
HCG is usually a very tolerable drug and not many people will experience side effects from using it. However, there are some side effects to be aware of including; headaches, irritability, restlessness, fatigue, depression and gynecomastia.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin should only be used while also running Nolvadex to protect the user from any gynecomastia symptoms
Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate) is a powerfully effective anti-estrogen officially classified as a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM). In many ways, it is very similar to another popular SERM in Nolvadex (Tamoxifen Citrate). Clomid first gained worldwide attention in the early 1970’s as a strong fertility aid and is still used for that purpose today. It is also one of the most commonly used SERM’s by anabolic steroid users. No, it is not an anabolic steroid but can be used to combat estrogenic side effects sometimes caused by anabolic steroids. It can also be used as a Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) medication in order to stimulate suppressed testosterone production due to anabolic steroid use. PCT use of Clomid is the most common purpose and most beneficial point of use for the anabolic steroid user.
Clomiphene Citrate is a SERM that is specifically used as a fertility aid due to its ability to enhance the release of gonadotropins. Clomid has the ability to oppose the negative feedback of estrogens on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian-Axis. This will increase the release of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) significantly. By increasing gonadotropin release, this can lead to the egg being released, thereby increasing the chance of conception.
Clomid also carries strong anti-estrogen properties that could be used therapeutically, but its anti-estrogen properties are most commonly associated with anabolic steroid use. Testosterone and many testosterone derived steroids have the ability to convert to estrogen through testosterone’s interaction with the aromatase enzyme. As estrogen levels rise, this can lead to gynecomastia and excess water retention. Heavy water retention can also promote high blood pressure. By supplementing with Clomid during anabolic steroid use, the SERM will bind to the estrogen receptors, therefore inhibiting the estrogen hormone from binding. This can be very useful in combating gynecomastia, as when Clomid binds to the receptor it prevents estrogen from stimulating the mammary tissue. It can also have a positive impact on water retention, but as it won’t actively reduce serum estrogen levels it’s sometimes not enough.
Clomid also possess functioning traits that are beneficial to the anabolic steroid user post anabolic steroid use. Specifically we’re referring to Post Cycle Therapy (PCT). In men, Clomid also has the ability to stimulate the pituitary to release more LH and FSH, which will in turn stimulate enhanced natural testosterone production. This is extremely beneficial to the anabolic steroid user post cycle as natural testosterone levels will be very low due to suppression caused by anabolic steroid use.
In a therapeutic setting as a fertility aid, the effects of Clomid are simple. The woman is having difficulty becoming pregnant, Clomid enhances the chance of conception and pregnancy occurs. It doesn’t always work and we’ll look at the process in the administration section, but it will greatly increase the odds of conception and is fairly successful.
As an anti-estrogen for on cycle steroid use, Clomid is fairly effective at staving off gynecomastia. It will not reduce estrogen levels or inhibit the aromatization process, but in many cases, binding to the receptors is enough protection for many men. In fact, while there are stronger protective agents, many men would be surprised as to how well a SERM like Clomid can work if they would give it a chance. More importantly, when using Clomid for this purpose it can also have a positive impact on cholesterol levels. While an anti-estrogen, Clomid actually acts as estrogen in the liver, which in turn will promote healthier cholesterol levels. This can be very beneficial to the anabolic steroid user as anabolic steroid use is notorious for promoting unhealthy cholesterol levels.
For many men, especially hardcore anabolic steroid users, Clomid is not enough for estrogenic protection. In this case, an Aromatase Inhibitor (AI) like Arimidex (Anastrozole) or Femara (Letrozole) will be needed. AI’s actively inhibit the aromatase process and will see serum estrogen levels reduced. By far they are the most effective at combating gynecomastia and will have more success in combating water retention. In fact, SERM’s like Clomid often do very little to combat water retention. However, in many cases, many performance athletes would do a better job controlling water retention if they did a better job controlling their diet. In off-season bulking plans this requires excess calories to grow. However, many take it too far, especially carbohydrate consumptions, and this will cause you to hold water with or without anabolic steroid use. Add in aromatizing steroids to the equation and water retention will be even greater. Further, AI’s while effective will have a negative impact on cholesterol, which leads us to only one sane conclusion. Control your diet and if you can control gynecomastia with a SERM like Clomid it should be your first choice.
Then we’re left with the effects of Clomid as they pertain to PCT. When we supplement with anabolic steroids, this will suppress natural testosterone production. The rate of suppression will be dependent on the steroids being used and to a degree the total dosing, but it will generally be substantial. For this reason, most men will always include exogenous testosterone in their steroid cycles. In fact, it’s not uncommon for it to be the only steroid used. This will protect the individual from a low testosterone condition while on cycle. Unfortunately, once steroid use comes to an end natural testosterone levels will be very low. Natural testosterone production will begin again on its own, but it will take a significant amount of time for levels to reach their previous high state. In fact, total recovery can take months to even a year. Further, natural testosterone recovery is dependent on no prior low testosterone condition existing and assumes that no severe damage was done to the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular-Axis (HPTA) through improper anabolic steroid use.
Due to natural testosterone levels being low post cycle, most men are encouraged to implement a PCT program. This will stimulate natural testosterone production greatly and shorten the total recovery time. It will not return your levels to normal on its own; there is no PCT plan on earth that can do this. However, a solid PCT plan will ensure you have enough testosterone for proper bodily function while your levels continue to naturally rise. Clomid is an excellent choice for this purpose and one of the most commonly used PCT medications. Highly successful PCT programs will often include Clomid and Nolvadex as well as the powerful peptide hormone HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin).
Those who forgo Clomid therapy post cycle or any type of PCT plan and are going to be off cycle for an extended period of time will rest in a low testosterone condition for an extended period of time. Not only is this an extremely unhealthy state, it can come with all the traditional low testosterone symptoms. Many will find cortisol levels greatly increase as testosterone levels are low, and as a result, body fat levels go up and strength and muscle mass decrease. If you’re going to be off cycle for an extended period of time, 8 weeks or more there is no reason for forgoing a PCT program. If you are going to be off cycle for less than 8 weeks or bridging with a low dose of exogenous testosterone, which is very common in hardcore bodybuilding circles, this is the only time a PCT would be counterproductive.
Clomid is one of the most well-tolerated SERM’s and anti-estrogens on the market, and this applies to both men and women. While it carries a very high threshold of toleration, side effects of Clomid do exist and are possible. However, “possible” is the key word and a very important one. Anytime anabolic steroids are discussed as well as non-steroidal items used by anabolic steroid users, many seem to enjoy implying side effects are assured. This is not the case; in fact, most should be able to use Clomid side effect free.
When it comes to the possible side effects of Clomid, we will find most are fairly rare. Some women who have used the SERM as a fertility aid have experienced ovarian enlargement, but again this is very rare. Other possible side effects of Clomid use include:
The side effects of Clomid are also well noted for including possible visual disturbances. Data shows that approximately 1.5% of all those who use Clomid may experience some type of visual disturbance normally in the form of blurred or hazy vision. If this occurs, use should be discontinued and alternative medications should be examined. In most all cases, once use is discontinued vision will shortly return to normal. However, there have been a few reported cases over the years of visual disturbances that did not remedy post discontinuation. Normally, such cases have been linked to long term and extremely high dose use. Again, if visual disturbances occur, discontinue use immediately and choose another SERM to meet your needs.
A final note on the side effects of Clomid, some may experience acne. This appears to be most common when the SERM is used as part of a PCT program. In this case, it’s not really the SERM that’s causing the issue but rather the high influx of natural testosterone that is now being produced. Most should not have an issue, but those who are already genetically sensitive to acne may find a few pimples appear on their back, shoulders or chest.
For the purpose of fertility aid, Clomid doses will normally be at 50mg per day. The process is very simple; five days into the menstrual cycle a daily 50mg dose is administered every day once a day for five straight days. If this doesn’t result in conception, the dose is sometimes increased to 100mg per day. This cycle will be repeated 5-6 times over the course of the woman’s menstrual cycles until pregnant. If conception does not occur after 5-6 cycles of therapy, alternative treatments will need to be examined.
For the anabolic steroid user, standard Clomid doses for on cycle estrogenic protection will normally be 50mg per day throughout the duration of the cycle. If this doesn’t do the trick it’s unlikely any amount of Clomid will work. If this does not provide the protection you need, keep in mind many have reported greater success with the SERM Nolvadex for on cycle protection. However, you may very well need an AI like Arimidex.
Then we’re left with PCT Clomid use. Standard PCT Clomid doses will normally start at 100-150mg per day for 1-2 weeks. From here the dose will drop to 50-100mg per day for 1-2 weeks and finish with 1-2 weeks at 50mg per day. Total Clomid therapy should last 4-6 weeks, so dosing should be based and considered on that total schedule. Most will also be far more successful in their PCT recovery by including Nolvadex and HCG. Timing is also important when planning your Clomid PCT use, and this timing factor will vary depending on the inclusion of HCG:
Anastrozole
Arimidex, known by its chemical name Anastrozole is an aromatase inhibitor. Why should that concern bodybuilders? The aromatase enzyme is responsible for the production of estrogens in the body. By inhibiting it, Arimidex lowers estrogen levels in the body [R]
Here’s why that is important. Many bodybuilders use anabolic steroids to build muscle, lose fat and improve athletic performance. What most anabolic steroid users may not know is that they increase estrogen levels in the body, exposing your body to serious side effects.
That is where Arimidex enters the picture. By inhibiting the aromatase enzyme and slowing the production of estrogen, this drug helps prevent gynecomastia. That’s because estrogen is to the breast tissue as gasoline is to your car. The latter needs the former to function.
Keep in mind that the benefits of Arimidex aren’t limited to preventing gynecomastia. This drug may also prevent infertility, erectile dysfunction, and depression in the male population. All of these are the side effects of the anabolic steroid cycles. [R]
If you’re in a hurry and want to have a quick overview of the benefits and side effects of Arimidex PCT, this section has you sorted.
Remember that most of these side effects tend to be mild, as long as you stick to the recommended dosage (more on this below).Also, if you’re looking for an alternative to anabolic steroids, one that could boost your body’s natural testosterone production, check out our guide on selective androgen receptor modulators.Bodybuilders use Arimidex as a Post Cycle Therapy because it inhibits the production of estrogen. This hormone has many vital functions in the body, both male and female. But its elevated levels in men’s system lead to gynecomastia, or breast growth. That’s what Arimidex helps prevent.Arimidex does that by reducing estrogen production in the body. This, in turn, lowers the supply of the female hormone to the breast tissue. With the incoming supply of fuel (estrogen) that it needs to grow depleted, the ability of the breast tissue to expand nosedives.
One of the major benefits of Arimidex is that it might help or treat gynecomastia. However, its utility doesn’t end there. This aromatase inhibitor has also shown promise in treating erectile dysfunction, infertility and depression among the male population.Here are the major benefits you may expect from Arimidex:
According to an estimate, gynecomastia is one of the most common male breast disorders. Up to 70% of boys and men develop ‘man boobs’ in early to mid-puberty. Most of them develop gynecomastia due to regular hormone changes. Some, however, get it due to anabolic steroids use. [R]
Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) is one of the oldest and most popular selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERM’s) in the world. Tamoxifen Citrate was developed in 1961 by Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) under the trade name Nolvadex. Later, AstraZeneca purchased ICI. Tamoxifen can be used to treat a large amount of dysfunctions, that’s why it was included in the World Health Organization’s list of essential medications. Nolvadex is also widely used by androgenic anabolic steroid users.
The drug was created to treat hormone-responsive breast cancer, then it turned out that it also can be used to prevent breast cancer. Nolvadex also can be used to treat women’s infertility, however studies have shown less effective results than from Clomid (Clomiphene).
In bodybuilding Tamoxifen can be used for two goals. The first option is as an anti-estrogen during an androgenic anabolic steroid cycle in order to prevent estrogen related side effects such as gynecomastia, bloating, high blood pressure, etc. However, similar to the case with Clomid (Clomiphene), I believe that there are more effective drugs such as Anastrozole or Proviron to prevent estrogenic side effects. The second most beneficial option is going through Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) in order to boost the Luteinizing Hormone and testosterone level.
Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) with both estrogen agonist and antagonist properties. For the androgenic anabolic steroid users, one of the desired effects is in the prevention of gynecomastia. Tamoxifen also reduces other estrogenic side effects like water retention and blood pressure but not significantly. That’s why I recommend using other drugs to reduce the estradiol level like Anastrozole and Proviron, however Nolvadex can be used for a weak cycle and it has less side effects. Additionally, Nolvadex has a positive impact on cholesterol levels.
The most valuable effect of Nolvadex is boosting the testosterone level for Post Cycle Therapy (PCT). During the cycle your body stops producing its own testosterone because it realizes there are too many hormones. The rate of suppression depends on the steroid cycle, the more advanced the cycle the worse your natural testosterone level will be. Once the cycle is done the natural testosterone production will start slowly recovering again. However, after you’ve finished the cycle your natural testosterone level will be extremely low and it will take time to recover naturally.
No one, especially bodybuilders, would want to stay in a low testosterone condition because it can lead to high body fat, loss of muscles, etc.
Most athletes have a post cycle therapy plan in order to recover their testosterone level faster. Nolvadex one of the medications that is very effective in helping to recover the testosterone level. Nolvadex stimulates the higher release of both luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone. When the body indicates a rise in luteinizing hormone (LH) it starts producing testosterone. That helps in maintaining a higher testosterone level until your natural testosterone has completely recovered.
Dosages
In bodybuilding, for the purposes of post cycle therapy, your dosage should depend on the cycle. If the cycle was short (6-8 weeks) with one steroid or small steroids dosages you should use 20 milligrams for 14 days. If your cycle was advanced, the dosage of Nolvadex can be up to 50 milligrams per day for 6 weeks with gradually decreasing dosages. Also you can use a combination Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) with Clomid (Clomiphene) after advanced cycles.
The same as with Clomid it’s very important to start using Tamoxifen timely. After oral only cycles like Turinabol, Winstrol and Dianabol you should start using Nolvadex a day after your cycle is completed. If a cycle contains short duration esters, begin using Nolvadex 3 days after the cycle. If a cycle includes long lasting esters you should wait 14 days before using Nolvadex.
For the purpose of decreasing estrogenic side effects during an androgenic anabolic steroid cycle, the optimal dosage is from 10 to 20 milligrams per day. If this dosage does not help to protect from gynecomastia you should consider using aromatase inhibitors such as Anastrozole or Proviron.
(Mesterolone)
Proviron represents one of the oldest anabolic androgenic steroids on the market. A product of the giant pharmaceutical company Schering, it would first appear in 1934. Officially known as Mesterolone, it has appeared under numerous brand names over the years, but the Proviron name has continually remained dominant. It has also remained one of the most misunderstood anabolic steroids among steroid users.
In many ways, Proviron is a very unique anabolic steroid. It shares some strong similarities to Masteron (Drostanolone) and to a degree Anavar (Oxandrolone) and Winstrol (Stanozolol) but in totality it is its own unique animal. In a performance capacity, Proviron is not used to promote large buildups in mass, although it can serve an important purpose during such a phase of training. We will, however, find Proviron to be far more common in cutting cycles, but once again its purpose will be somewhat unique.
As a therapeutic agent, Proviron is one of the most commonly used anabolic steroids in modern medicine. However, the Mesterolone hormone has never been approved by the U.S. FDA. It will primarily be found in European medicine, especially in Western Europe. The primary purpose of use is treating androgen deficiencies, age being the most common culprit of the condition. It is, however, also used in pre-pubescent males as well. The hormone is also used as a fertility aid in men and this alone makes it a very unique anabolic steroid as most anabolic steroids tend to have the opposite effect.
Mesterolone is a dihydrotestosterone (DHT) derived anabolic androgenic steroid. Specifically it is a structurally altered DHT hormone possessing the addition of a methyl group at the carbon one position. This allows the hormone to survive oral ingestion by protecting it from hepatic breakdown. This is one of the only oral anabolic steroids that is not C17-alpha alkylated (C17-aa) but instead carries the added methyl group. Oral Primobolan is the other most well-known oral steroid that carries this same methyl group. While the added methyl group does in fact protect it from breakdown, the total bioavailability of Proviron will be far less than most all C17-aa oral steroids. For this reason it has fallen out of popularity among many performance enhancing athletes but as we will see perhaps unjustifiably so.
Proviron carries an androgenic rating of 30-40 and an anabolic rating of 100-150. All ratings derive from and are measured against testosterone, which carries a rating of 100 in both categories. Despite having an anabolic rating that is potentially greater than testosterone, Proviron will display very low anabolic traits. This is very similar to Halotestin (Fluoxymesterone), which carries a massive anabolic rating but very little translatable anabolic activity. In the case of Proviron, while structurally very anabolic, the Mesterolone hormone converts and reduces to Diol metabolites, in turn reducing anabolic activity. However, Proviron’s androgenic rating is a different story. In fact, its translatable androgenic activity appears to commonly be higher than its structural rating would imply.
On a functional basis, Proviron carries four primary traits that largely define its mode of action. First and foremost the Mesterolone hormone has a strong binding affinity to Sex-Hormone-Binding-Globulin (SHBG). In fact, it appears to be one of the strongest anabolic steroids in this regard. By binding to SHBG, a hormone partially responsible for reducing free testosterone, binding SHBG will enhance the amount of circulating free testosterone. More importantly for the anabolic steroid user, it will make a larger percentage of the anabolic steroids used available in a free rather than bound state. A simple way to look at it is the anabolic steroids you’re taking become more powerful and potent.
Proviron also has the ability to interact with the aromatase enzyme, the enzyme responsible for the conversion of testosterone to estrogen. By binding to the aromatase enzyme, Proviron can actually inhibit aromatase activity, thereby offering protection against estrogenic side effects. It will not carry an anti-estrogenic effect near the level of power of an Aromatase Inhibitor (AI) but it will be notable. Depending on the nature of the cycle the individual undertakes it is quite possible for Proviron to take care of all your anti-estrogen needs.
The Mesterolone hormone will also carry a strong binding affinity to the androgen receptor. Once again this will promote the functionality of other steroids to a degree but more importantly promote enhanced metabolic activity through direct lipolysis. Then we’re left with the final issue that surrounds Proviron as a fertility medication. This is an anabolic steroid that does not suppress gonadotropins similarly to other anabolic steroids. With minimal suppression and its extremely strong androgenicity, this will enhance sperm production as androgens are necessary to spermatogenesis stimulation. This not only enhances the amount of sperm produced but greatly and equally important enhances the quality of the sperm. Before we go any further understand Proviron does have the ability to suppress gonadotropins, but there’s a line that has to be crossed for notable suppression to interfere with sperm production. This will make sense once we dive into the side effects section.
During a bulking phase Proviron is not going to be a foundational steroid, and for most men it will not have a place in an off-season cycle. There are exceptions and we’ll go over those here. Adding in Proviron could possibly help the individual breakthrough a sticking point during his cycle. At some point and time in all cycles the progress begins to wane, and in some cases come to a complete halt. By the way Proviron enhances the total free state of the other steroids being used in a stack, it could possibly help the individual breakthrough this sticking point. During the off-season, this is where most will use the largest amount of testosterone. Many will use large amounts during cutting cycles too, especially competitive bodybuilders but lower testosterone plans are more common during the cutting phase. However, there are those for numerous reasons who choose to run off-season cycles with limited testosterone doses. In such plans, including Proviron could give them a slight needed androgen boost. While it may not always be necessary it could prove to be beneficial.
Without question the best time to use Proviron will be during the cutting phase. This steroid has the ability to provide a bit of a hardening effect similar to Masteron, but more importantly the hardening effects of other steroids will be enhanced. Then we consider its strong binding to the androgen receptor, which will in fact enable the individual to burn body fat at a far more efficient rate. From here we must consider the anti-estrogen effect of Proviron. This will ensure the individual is less prone to water retention and as discussed, depending on the total cycle, it could negate the need for a traditional anti-estrogen. Then we’re once again left with the enhancement of circulating free testosterone. This can be a tremendous benefit when testosterone levels are often much lower during this phase of anabolic steroid use. In fact, with a low dosed testosterone cycle that includes other anabolic steroids, we can confidently say the total results will be greater for the individual who includes Proviron compared to the one who does not. In the end, the primary base benefit is the increased androgenicity of other steroids being used in order to promote a much harder and far more defined physique. It should be noted while Proviron can most certainly provide these traits they will not be noticeable unless you are lean.
There are possible side effects of Proviron use; however, this steroid carries one of the highest safety ratings among all anabolic steroids. Most men will be able to use this steroid without any negative issue, but possible side effects do exist despite a low probability. When it comes to female use, in a therapeutic or performance capacity this steroid cannot be recommended. The rate of virilization is much to high and should be avoided by females who wish to protect their femininity. In order to help you understand the possible side effects of Proviron, we have broken them down into their separate categories along with everything you need to know.