Doc prescribed TRT - drop HCG?

Davethedog

New Member
I've been on doc prescribed TRT and HCG along with an AI for 5 years.
Recent increase in overall costs is straining the finances and making what was once a stretch too expensive long term.
Have previously considered dropping the HCG as i never felt it fully agreed with me. i have a reduced dose due to anxiety at higher level. i am currently stable but now reconsidering dropping the HCG but concerned about testicle and penis shrinkage. Is it really true one or both shrink if you stop the HCG, and if so, is it significant? And if it was uncomfortable or too much shrinkage, will restarting HCG bring back to current sizes (or is it a case of "once they're gone, they're gone?").
ps - not concerned about fertility as have already had vasectomy.
Cheers
 
The penis does not shrink. The trsticles however will shrink when you stop taking the HCG and continue taking testosterone.

The testicles will go dormant and atrophy and stop producing testosterone. If you reintroducee HCG or stopped trt they would eventually start up again. It's not permanent damage.
 
I've been on doc prescribed TRT and HCG along with an AI for 5 years.
Recent increase in overall costs is straining the finances and making what was once a stretch too expensive long term.
Have previously considered dropping the HCG as i never felt it fully agreed with me. i have a reduced dose due to anxiety at higher level. i am currently stable but now reconsidering dropping the HCG but concerned about testicle and penis shrinkage. Is it really true one or both shrink if you stop the HCG, and if so, is it significant? And if it was uncomfortable or too much shrinkage, will restarting HCG bring back to current sizes (or is it a case of "once they're gone, they're gone?").
ps - not concerned about fertility as have already had vasectomy.
Cheers
Most but not everyone testicles shrink with out HCG. Personally. I like injecting HCG, I inject 500 IU every third day.
 
I've been on TE for about a year; I wanted to keep things simple so I didn't take anything else. I don't care about fertility either, I'm 69 now. Penis doesn't shrink. Testicles are smaller, but not by a big amount, maybe 20% smaller. Maybe they'll shrink further, but right now I'm OK with it.

You might also look into your T numbers; maybe you don't need as much T as you're taking. I'm sure there are those on this board who love the feeling (I do!) and take more than they should. I find I do quite well on 70mg/week, having a TT level of 26.2.
 
I've been on TE for about a year; I wanted to keep things simple so I didn't take anything else. I don't care about fertility either, I'm 69 now. Penis doesn't shrink. Testicles are smaller, but not by a big amount, maybe 20% smaller. Maybe they'll shrink further, but right now I'm OK with it.

You might also look into your T numbers; maybe you don't need as much T as you're taking. I'm sure there are those on this board who love the feeling (I do!) and take more than they should. I find I do quite well on 70mg/week, having a TT level of 26.2.
Thank you. I'm on 100mg/week - nothing superphysialogical - this takes me to a T level of around 25 which i am happy with. Might give it a whirl to see what its like off the HCG.
 
Is it really true one or both shrink if you stop the HCG, and if so, is it significant?
I never heard of penis shrinkage from not using hCG. That's a new one. As far as testicle shrinkage, depends on how big they are to start with, if their small, than any shrinkage is going to be more noticable.

There are lots of men on TRT in isolation doing very well with no complaints.

HCG causes nothing but problems for some men.

My testicles came back after one week after stopping TRT after having been on for several years. I was on oral testosterone which has a very short half-life and was out of my system quickly which allowed me to bounced back fast!
 
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I never heard of penis shrinkage from not using hCG. That's a new one. As far as testicle shrinkage, depends on how big they are to start with, if their small, than any shrinkage is going to be more noticable.

There are lots of men on TRT in isolation doing very well with no complaints.

HCG causes nothing but problems for some men.
thank you. only reason i asked was that i saw a medical paper which suggested that hcg usage resulted in growth for some males so wasn't sure if i have benefitted from the use over past few years so wondered if stopping could reserve any gains (can't honestly remember or noticed them if there were gains)
 

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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.

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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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