HCG and Water rentention

I have used diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide when it gets bad with good results. But no more than once per week when it gets bad. I have to say that carbs (especially if I drink alcohol) and when I skip my 30 min of cardio at least 3 times per week, make it worse.

Just a warning to people about diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide, They can be very dangerous if not used properly! Be careful if venturing down this road.
 
Yes, HCG can cause water retention and bloating in some men. It is not all estradiol related. I have been looking for data on its effect on aldosterone but have found nothing yet.

Several members have complained about this issue.

Water Retention from HCG
In some cases, it seems that water retention tends to normalize after a few weeks.

Water Retention Caused by Anabolics and Testosterone

I've been digging into this as well. Another factor may be that HCG, as an LH analog, could increase the production of the hormone Androstenediol:

Steroidogenesis.svg

There is not a lot of research on androstenediol, but it appears to have a strong affinity for the estrogen receptors. It isn't estradiol, but it could have similar effects. Per Wikipedia:

Androstenediol possesses potent estrogenic activity, similarly to DHEA and 3β-androstanediol.[2] It has approximately 6% and 17% of the affinity of estradiol at the ERα and ERβ, respectively.[3] Although androstenediol has far lower affinity for the ERs compared to the major estrogen estradiol, it circulates at approximately 100-fold higher concentrations, and so is thought may play a significant role as an estrogen in the body.[4]
Androstenediol - Wikipedia

I am not sure of the role this plays, but I expect that it's possible HCG could increase this hormone.

But on the flip side, HCG also may increase production of progesterone which can have diuretic effects. Women who experience bloating and water retention during their monthly cycle have this symptom when progesterone is lowest:

menstrualcycle4_med.jpeg


Note that estradiol doesn't dramatically decrease, but instead progesterone increases. See this study for some overview. See this study for some overview.
 
Just a warning to people about diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide, They can be very dangerous if not used properly! Be careful if venturing down this road.

They are the number one drug class used for high blood pressure. Potasium sparing ones are not dangerous.
 

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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

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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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