HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is a hormone, which was discovered in the 1950s. Itβs been used in infertility treatments for years and has recently become popular among men who are trying to lose weight. Some people call it βthe most significant discovery since insulinβ.
HCG injections can help you shed extra pounds faster than any other diet plan. HCG injections work by both suppressing your appetite and increasing your metabolism.
This post will discuss how HCG works, letβs jump into it.
What is HCG?
HCG is short for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin. It performs various functions, ranging from helping a pregnant mother to continue her pregnancy to sperm maturation in males and even more.
It is produced by the placenta of the pregnant woman. It helps to maintain the pregnancy and growth (thickening) of the uterine wall to contain the embryo. [1]
However, there is limited research on how effective the HCG diet is for weight loss. Nevertheless, there are some potential benefits of HCG for men, including improved cholesterol levels and increased testosterone production. There are also some potential side effects of HCG, including fatigue, headache, nausea, etc.
HCG can also interact with other medications that you might be taking. Therefore, itβs essential to talk to your doctor before starting the HCG diet to ensure it is safe for you.
What does HCG do for men?
In men, it is responsible for testosterone production. [2]
When used as part of a weight loss plan, HCG can help to boost your metabolism and encourage your body to burn the stored fat.
HCG also helps keep your muscles healthy and strong while you lose weight. This is important because you may also lose muscle mass along with fat when you lose weight through diet and exercise alone.
HCG can help prevent this from happening, keeping your metabolism high and helping you maintain your muscle mass while burning the fat.
HCG is most effective when combined with a nutritious diet and exercise, it can help you quickly achieve your weight loss goals.
Who should use HCG?
If any of these issues apply to you, talk to your doctor about whether HCG therapy is right for you.
What are the side effects of HCG injections?
While HCG injections can be an excellent option for weight loss, knowing about possible side effects is essential. After all, you are using it as a medicine and it can have some untoward effects like any other drug available on the market.
Many people who use this drug have not had any bad experiences, but some report having problems, which may include:
Therefore, when choosing an HCG injection treatment plan, make sure your doctor recommends you.
Dosage guidelines for HCG injections
There are different recommendations for dosage guidelines of HCG injections for different people. If you consider this method, itβs best to speak with your doctor about the individual hormone levels in your body and how much of an increase will be beneficial to you depending upon your requirements according to your goals.
Typically, men inject subcutaneously (just like women), administering 100-200 IU every other day at first.
This can rise to 500 to 1000 IU per dose if needed, based on your requirement. [3]
You may also consider taking oral supplements along with testosterone replacement therapy for more pronounced effects like increased muscle mass and improved mood.
What time of day should I take HCG?
It appears that among healthy women, the best chance to become pregnant is if intercourse occurs up to six days before ovulation. If this is applied to the IUI protocol, the hCG should be injected after the insemination rather than before it. [4]
If you use HCG injections to increase testosterone levels, you must take them simultaneously every day. For most people, this is in the morning, before breakfast. This will help to keep your hormone levels stable and consistent.
Whatever the reason you are taking HCG, you should take it around the same time each day. This can be in the morning or evening, whichever works best for you.
Just stick to the schedule that works best for you as closely as possible. If you miss a day or two, you should be fine if you donβt let it go much longer than that.
How long should I wait to eat after taking an HCG injection?
If you are going to take a shot in the morning, you should consume some healthy calories after 30 minutes of taking a shot. Because breakfast is the meal that will jump-start your day and play an important role in your metabolism and diet results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of HCG for men?
HCG has many benefits for men, including weight loss, increased energy levels, improved moods, testosterone production, and reduced cravings. HCG can also help increase muscle mass. So, if you are looking to improve your overall health and well-being, HCG may be right for you. Talk to your doctor to find out if HCG is right for you.
Can children take HCG?
HCG is not recommended for children or teenagers under the age of 18 for weight loss. However, if you have a child that has had an eating disorder in the past and wants to try this treatment method, you should consult your physician/pediatrician first to discuss the case and plan accordingly.
HCG injections may be indicated for teenagers in conditions like cryptorchidism (a medical condition in which testes fail to descend because of hormonal imbalance). [5]
What if I miss a dose?
You should follow your schedule strictly and never miss a dose. However, if you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If you forget until the next day, skip the missed doses and continue with the schedule. In case of any other queries, consult your physician.
Takeaway
Nowadays, many men are struggling with weight issues. Why is that? Itβs because they simply donβt have the time to go out and exercise or cook healthy meals every day.
They just run around completing 9 to 5 duty cycles to feed their families. Most people work long hours at jobs that donβt even pay well enough for them to afford an organic diet of fresh food. In the meantime, their bodies are deteriorating from being overweight.
Theyβre becoming more prone to diabetes and heart disease, not to mention itβs putting a strain on their relationships because they canβt keep up with an active lifestyle. This is why therapies such as the HCG diet are so helpful; give it a try!
Citations
- "Human Chorionic Gonadotropin - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf." 11 Aug. 2021, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532950/ Accessed 09 June 2023.
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) Injections for Men. 19 April 2023. https://www.healthline.com/health/mens-health/hcg Accessed 09 June 2023.
- Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) Dosage. 21 Sep 2021. https://www.drugs.com/dosage/chorionic-gonadotropin-hcg.html Accessed 09 June 2023.
- Improved pregnancy rate with administration of hCG after intrauterine insemination: a pilot study. 23 Feb 2010. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2838901/#:~:text=However%2C%20it%20appears%20that%20among,insemination%20rather%20than%20before%20it Accessed 09 June 2023.
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, HCG injection https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/18559-human-chorionic-gonadotropin-hcg-injection#:~:text=HCG%20is%20used%20in%20combination,birth%20problem%20of%20the%20testes Accessed 09 June 2023.