Do you really need to inject HCG twice a week?

Dr Saya showed that 500 IU HCG only stays in your system for around 72 hours. 150 IU lasted 1 day.

The problem with this study is that the results are right at the limit of detectability—1 mIU/mL. If you take the 500 IU data and divide it by 3.333 (500/150), then add a little noise, the result is still consistent with the 150 IU data. I don't think the conclusion of a shorter duration for a smaller dose is justified by this alone.
 
The problem with this study is that the results are right at the limit of detectability—1 mIU/mL. If you take the 500 IU data and divide it by 3.333 (500/150), then add a little noise, the result is still consistent with the 150 IU data. I don't think the conclusion of a shorter duration for a smaller dose is justified by this alone.

Good point. Do your testicles remain full at 150 IU of HCG per day?

In the case of HCG (in my opinion), the peak is as important as the area under the curve.
 
None of those doses have made any difference for me either. 500 IU twice per week is effective for me (for testicular fullness)

I should have been clearer: All three doses have seemed adequate for reducing testicular atrophy. But I haven't tried the 17 - OH Progesterone test. Have you?
 
I should have been clearer: All three doses have seemed adequate for reducing testicular atrophy. But I haven't tried the 17 - OH Progesterone test. Have you?

No. That test is for men who do not want to wait for 8 weeks to see if their semen has normalized on TRT + HCG. Doses under 500 IU three times per week usually don't work for that purpose.
 
No. That test is for men who do not want to wait for 8 weeks to see if their semen has normalized on TRT + HCG. Doses under 500 IU three times per week usually don't work for that purpose.

I wonder why that is? I see there is sort of a low-dose cutoff, but it's supposed to be somewhere under 250 IU hCG qod. This study on the correlation suggests that ~250 IU hCG qod restores ITT close to normal and 500 IU actually increases ITT significantly above normal. The 17 - OH Progesterone numbers reflect this, although not at the lower hCG dose of 125 IU qod.
 

hCG Mixing Calculator

HCG Mixing Protocol Calculator

TRT Hormone Predictor Widget

TRT Hormone Predictor

Predict estradiol, DHT, and free testosterone levels based on total testosterone

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This tool provides predictions based on statistical models and should NOT replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your TRT protocol.

ℹ️ Input Parameters

Normal range: 300-1000 ng/dL

Predicted Hormone Levels

Enter your total testosterone value to see predictions

Results will appear here after calculation

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

Beyond Testosterone Podcast

Online statistics

Members online
2
Guests online
415
Total visitors
417

Latest posts

Back
Top