HCG On Cycle Therapy (OCT) by Dr.John Crisler
HCG On Cycle Therapy (OCT) by Dr.John Crisler
Bodybuilders and athletes may also administer Human Chorionic Gonadotropin throughout a steroid cycle, in an effort to avoid testicular atrophy and the resulting reduced ability to respond to LH stimulus. In effect, this practice is used to avoid the problem of testicular atrophy, instead of trying to correct it later on when the cycle is over. It is important to remember that the dosage needs to be carefully monitored with this type of use, as high levels of hCG may cause increased testicular aromatase expression (raising estrogen levels), and also desensitize the testes to LH. As such, the drug may actually induce primary hypogonadism when misused, greatly prolonging, not improving, the recovery window. Current protocol for the use of hCG in this manner involve administering 250IU subsutaneously twice per week (every 3rd or 4th day) throughout the length of the steroid cycle. Higher doses may be necessary for some individuals, but at no point should exceed 500iu per injection.
These on-cycle hCG protocols were developed by Dr.John Crisler, a well-known figure in the anti-aging and hormone-replacement field, for use with this testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) patients. Although TRT is often administered on a long-term basis, testicular atrophy is a common cosmetic complaint of patients irrespective of the maintenance of normal androgen levels. Dr. Crisler’s hCG program is designed to alleviate this concern in a manner that is acceptable for longer-term use. For those interested in precisely timing their hCG shots in relation to a prescribed testosterone replacement program, Dr. Crisler recommends the following in his paper, “An Update to the Crisler hCG Protocol,” “mmy test cyp TRT patients now take their hCG at 250IU two days before, as well as the immediately previous to, their IM shot. All administer their hCG subcutaneously, and dosage may be adjusted as necessary (I have yet to see more than 350IU per dose required)… Those TRT patients who prefer a transdermal testosterone, or even testosterone pellets (although I am not in favor of them), take their hcg every third day.”