Can anyone explain HCG suppression? What does it suppress? How?

JCUSN

Member
I haven’t really found a straight answer on this, but see HCG suppression often mentioned.

These questions afd for a man taking ONLY HCG, and no other compounds along with it (no TRT or testosterone at all):

What exactly does it suppress? If one takes HCG, and is NOT also taking testosterone, does HCG suppress their testosterone levels? I thought it increased test levels.

If one stops taking HCG only (monotherapy, no test), does test drop after stopping and PCT is required?
 
These questions afd for a man taking ONLY HCG, and no other compounds along with it (no TRT or testosterone at all):

What exactly does it suppress? If one takes HCG, and is NOT also taking testosterone, does HCG suppress their testosterone levels? I thought it increased test levels.
It suppresses the hypothalamus (GnRH) and pituitary (LH, FSH) components of the HPTA axis. The only part that isn't suppressed is the testicles, which are being stimulated to produce testosterone by hCG, hopefully above your baseline depending on hCG dose. The hypothalamus and pituitary glands don't atrophy when they are suppressed because they have plenty of other things to do besides secrete GnRH, LH and FSH. This makes hCG less disruptive and easier to recover from than exogenous testosterone, where the testicles atrophy and their capacity to produce hormones has actually been diminished.

If one stops taking HCG only (monotherapy, no test), does test drop after stopping and PCT is required?
I'll let others speak to this part of your question. I've heard mixed reports on whether there is a drop in HPTA activity afterwards and how long or significant it would be.
 
It suppresses the hypothalamus (GnRH) and pituitary (LH, FSH) components of the HPTA axis. The only part that isn't suppressed is the testicles, which are being stimulated to produce testosterone by hCG, hopefully above your baseline depending on hCG dose. The hypothalamus and pituitary glands don't atrophy when they are suppressed because they have plenty of other things to do besides secrete GnRH, LH and FSH. This makes hCG less disruptive and easier to recover from than exogenous testosterone, where the testicles atrophy and their capacity to produce hormones has actually been diminished.


I'll let others speak to this part of your question. I've heard mixed reports on whether there is a drop in HPTA activity afterwards and how long or significant it would be.

Thank for this! So does the hypothalamus and pituitary just starting firing back up again once the HCG is out of the system? Or is that what you meant at the end of your reply in letting someone else answer that part?
 

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Understanding Your Hormones

Estradiol (E2)

A form of estrogen produced from testosterone. Important for bone health, mood, and libido. Too high can cause side effects; too low can affect well-being.

DHT

Dihydrotestosterone is a potent androgen derived from testosterone. Affects hair growth, prostate health, and masculinization effects.

Free Testosterone

The biologically active form of testosterone not bound to proteins. Directly available for cellular uptake and biological effects.

Scientific Reference

Lakshman KM, Kaplan B, Travison TG, Basaria S, Knapp PE, Singh AB, LaValley MP, Mazer NA, Bhasin S. The effects of injected testosterone dose and age on the conversion of testosterone to estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in young and older men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Aug;95(8):3955-64.

DOI: 10.1210/jc.2010-0102 | PMID: 20534765 | PMCID: PMC2913038

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