HCG use in testosterone stimulation and restoration

dogburrito

New Member
Per Eugene Shippen, in the case of secondary hypogonadism, HCG (which mimics LH) is useful in stimulating and/or restoring permanently testosterone production. This topic is covered briefly in Nelson's book and at length in Shippen's work.

I get the impression that Shippen's approach is like a tinkering surgeon in that he want's to do more than correct testosterone (he addresses other hormones and metabolic stuff.) I also get the impression that testosterone replacement is 95% of what most men deficient in testosterone really need.

I'm curious as to why Shippen is practically alone in following the HCG approach to correcting testosterone.
 
I have worked with a few physicians who use hcg mono therapy to restore testosterone. Effectiveness depends on testicular response. I also believe over a long period of time it will decrease in effectiveness if used solo. This decrease would be do to loss of testicular function due to aging, and possible decrease in receptor sensitivity (tolerance). The longest I was able to observe patients on mono therapy was 6 years and the decline in effectiveness seemed to happen to most, but certainly not all. Of course a few years of observation on a small population concludes little but it can at least provide some observational perspective.

Since hcg essentially causes negative feedback (secondary) just like testosterone supplementation I would think combination therapy would be the best choice. The use of concurrent hcg + testosterone will keep the suppression in the pituitary while maintaining intratesticular T. In my humble opinion the combination protocol provides the best efficacy with the sane degree of negative feedback (roughly), in addition to more consistent T levels among other benefits.
 
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dogburrito first steps

Hi guys, thanks for the comments.

I am only now discovering that Shippen is not alone in using HCG therapy to boost low T, I'm unsure if I'll do mono therapy or not. I need a qualified doctor and clinic since the variables are adding up: (exonegeous testosterone, HCG, and testing the other hormones as well)

I've filled my script for testosterone (sub lingual 10mg/day) but have postponed using it. The best solution seems to possibly require HCG and testosterone (not to mention testing other hormones.) It's getting complex and I am intimidated.

Since I have HCG in hand I'm tempted to use (self medicating) it as a diagnostic round for 3 - 6 weeks and see if testosterone is boosted.

Can anyone recommend a good clinic or doctor?
 
dogburrito first steps

Hi guys, thanks for the comments.

I am only now discovering that Shippen is not alone in using HCG therapy to boost low T, I'm unsure if I'll do mono therapy or not. I need a qualified doctor and clinic since the variables are adding up: (exonegeous testosterone, HCG, and testing the other hormones as well)

I've filled my script for testosterone (sub lingual 10mg/day) but have postponed using it. The best solution seems to possibly require HCG and testosterone (not to mention testing other hormones.) It's getting complex and I am intimidated.

Since I have HCG in hand I'm tempted to use (self medicating) it as a diagnostic round for 3 - 6 weeks and see if testosterone is boosted.

Can anyone recommend a good clinic or doctor?
 

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

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