TRT and HCG, is it mandatory or just suggested...

[DeltaZulu]

Quick question for everyone out there, how important is it to be on HCG while on TRT? My current doc is doing 200 of test cpy a week and says I do not need HCG... Is this true? I have another doc that said he would prescribe me the HCG and said that I should run it at 250 twice a week.

Will HCG effect the blood work enough that it would raise it alot?

Thanks in advance

Delta Zulu

FYI, I have been on TRT for about 1 year.

 

[Havasu]

Well it depends. Some don't use HCG, balls shrink some, and it doesn't bother them, and they aren't looking to stay fertile.

If you are young enough that you may want to have kids then I'd suggest HCG to maintain fertility. MY TRT doc says 250 iu 2x a week if you're below 45, 500iu a week if you're 45 and above. So far I'm personally feeling like 500 iu keeps my balls like they were before TRT, and doesn't leave them feeling odd. The shrinkage cause a weird feeling for me, and cramping if I let them atrophy. So, from a general quality of life perspective, comfort, etc. I use HCG. Also, HCG helps back fill some hormone pathways that you loose when you start supplementing with testosterone, or so say my TRT Doc.

 

[DeltaZulu]

Thank you for the input, I'm 43 and already have a lil guy 13 mos.... no need for any more lol.... I like sleep. I do appreciate the input. Thank you again.

Delta Zulu

 

[Havasu]

Thank you for the input, I'm 43 and already have a lil guy 13 mos.... no need for any more lol.... I like sleep. I do appreciate the input. Thank you again.

Delta Zulu

I'm not looking to have children. However, I still like the hormonal pathways getting back filled, fullness of my testicles from my an aesthetics point of view, and not having an odd feeling or cramping in my balls. I don't like the ideas of atrophy, basically something on your body withering away and dying. Don't like the idea. I'll keep everything "alive" and normal as possible.

 

[TRTnooby]

I went my first 4 months with out it. Some shrinkage, loads were smaller, but nothing that really bothered me. About 3 months in I noticed a decrease in sensitivity during sex, it just didn't feel as good, I didn't get the same endorphin rush at climax, and afterwards I felt like it wasn't even worth the effort. My sex drive was still high, like I wanted it every day, erections fine, but the actual act was disappointing, and it never had been before. That was a deal breaker for me, I couldn't live with sex being boring.

I started on HCG (250 IU 2x a week, day before my T shot which is also 2x a week) a few days ago and I already notice the difference, its not all the way back, but its well on its way. I also notice an increase in mood and well being, I just feel more like myself then I did before. I know that is a fairly vague statement, but I can't really pin point it better than that.

 

[Jimstigator]

Not to be a jerk and sidetrack things but I love how we all, myself included, use the term "backfill hormone pathways"... The absolute most vague set of words on earth being used to describe something that is very complex and not fully understood by Drs and researchers.

To the OP... HCG is not necessary but in most cases, makes guys feel even better.

Thanks
Jim

 

[Havasu]

Not to be a jerk and sidetrack things but I love how we all, myself included, use the term "backfill hormone pathways"... The absolute most vague set of words on earth being used to describe something that is very complex and not fully understood by Drs and researchers.

To the OP... HCG is not necessary but in most cases, makes guys feel even better.

Thanks
Jim

Jim,

When a doc says that aren't they typically talking about stimulating LH AND FSH? The other hormones that should be supplemented usually is pregnenolibe and dhea if it doesn't mess with e2 levels too much, correct?

 

[Megatron28]

I did my first couple of years on TRT without hCG. I prefer having hCG in my protocol.

Testicles aren't all shriveled up.

Sex is noticeably better.

But it absolutely is not required. And keep in mind that for some guys, hCG makes estrogen more difficult to manage.

 

[cybrsage]

My wife asked me if there was anything I could do to make the boys look like they used to. I had not really noticed, but they had shrunken quite a bit. Now they are back, the wife is happier, which means I am happier. Oh, and the orgasms are better now too.

 

[Chiefy]

For me, it's damn close to mandatory. Without it, I experience significant testicular discomfort and aches. My grapes start to migrate upward as well, leading to more discomfort.

 

[Mdrive]

Delta,
Your TRT protocol is similar to what I'm prescribed. I don't run HCG although there may have been some slight shrinking, but nothing major.
My Dr. explained it to me and was open to adding later if needed or something I was interested in.
I'm sure there are some benefits but for me personally I would like to keep it simple I don't want to add another med. I also do not need to maintain fertility as I already have kiddos.

 

[pedro6011]

I'm not looking to have children. However, I still like the hormonal pathways getting back filled, fullness of my testicles from my an aesthetics point of view, and not having an odd feeling or cramping in my balls. I don't like the ideas of atrophy, basically something on your body withering away and dying. Don't like the idea. I'll keep everything "alive" and normal as possible.

I would have to agree, Things shriveling up and going away really can affect someone's psyche.

 

[theheat]

I would use 250 IUs 2x a week minimum, 500 IUs 2x a week if you were concerned about fertility. The problem is that damage to your testicles can be irreversible. I'd rather spend a little extra to prevent my testicles from shrinking up into raisins.

 

[DeltaZulu]

Ok, after reading, I have the HCG, Could you run it for a few months and off for a few, benifits to this? As Mega said, how much will this affect my estrogen? would I need to up my adex? what sides would I start to see if this was affecting my estrogen?
Everything seems in check currently, a little shrinkage but nothing major... no pain or anything... Just didn't know if it was worth adding another compound to this.

Delta Zulu

 

[Havasu]

Ok, after reading, I have the HCG, Could you run it for a few months and off for a few, benifits to this? As Mega said, how much will this affect my estrogen? would I need to up my adex? what sides would I start to see if this was affecting my estrogen?
Everything seems in check currently, a little shrinkage but nothing major... no pain or anything... Just didn't know if it was worth adding another compound to this.

Delta Zulu

It's different for everyone. HCG doesn't effect my estrogen really at all. What does is taking DHEA while on TRT, which my DOC really wants me to take. But, until I get my e2 back under control I've dropped it. Then I'll try to add it, and adjust AI accordingly.

As far as what side effects if your e2 was rising, it could manifest in a number of different ways as I understand it. It could be a rise in blood pressure, water retention, sexual side effects (varying degrees of ed, or lack of interest), itchy nipples, hard bumps forming under the nipples (Gyno), etc. I'm extremely gyno sensitive. The nipple issues has been my first sign so far. Blood pressure doesn't get affected. There was some water retention, but not a ton, however I didn't really notice it until I started getting e2 back under control. Suddenly I lost 3 lbs in a matter of days. Didn't lose any strength, just less bloated. Appeared leaner afterwards.

 

[DeltaZulu]

Thanks for your input.

Delta Zulu

 

[thefantom1]

I did my first couple of years on TRT without hCG. I prefer having hCG in my protocol.


Sex is noticeably better.

.

I highly concur with this. Much more sensitivity.

 

[Black Beard]

This abstract is very encouraging for hcg users.

Low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin maintains intratesticular tes... - PubMed - NCBI



Wow! @ 500 IU's the "testicular hormonal pathways" were 26% HIGHER than baseline despite exogenous testosterone supplementation. (at least for testosterone)