Hucog (human chorionic gonadotropin, also known as HCG) supplements the body with a naturally-occurring hormone when natural production is low. It is also used to treat certain conditions or trigger certain responses when natural levels are not necessarily too low.

Note that Hucog is administered by injection. This product comes pre-mixed. Unopened vials may be stored at room temperature; once opened, the medication should be refrigerated. It should not be frozen. Solution drawn into a syringe should be allowed to reach room temperature before injection.

Hucog Uses

Hucog is quite good at treating some conditions. In most cases the medication is used to:

• Stimulate ovulation in women
• Improve fertility in men and women
• Treat hypogonadism (low testosterone) in men
• Cause the dropping of testicles in boys prior to puberty

The above can have many different causes; some Hucog will be preferred for, others it may not be preferred or may not be suitable at all. A doctor's input is vital for most patients in determining use of this medication, at what dosage, frequency of administration, and duration of use.

Controversial uses include:

• Aiding dieting or weight-loss
• Boosting performance

In many areas the above uses are frowned upon or outright illegal. Some patients claim that Hucog promotes weight loss, helps burn fat, reduces the discomfort associated with reduced carbohydrate intake, and so forth; others claim the medication does nothing at all in these areas.

As a performance enhancer Hucog is usually used during or immediately after a steroid cycle. Use typically lasts only two or three weeks before taking a four-week break. It is claimed that Hucog prevents rapid muscle loss following abruptly ending steroids.

Treatment Guidelines

Treatment with Hucog can be quite variable. A doctor should take into account a number of personal factors, including age, weight, other medications being taken, and so forth, as well as the actual condition being treated. Treatment can range from 125 iu (international units) per injection to considerably more, and ranges from daily injections to two or three times per week, or, in the case of stimulating ovulation, a single injection.

Patients are strongly encouraged to consult a doctor before starting treatment.

Rough guidelines are as follows:

• Stimulating ovulation requires only one injection, usually following an injection of human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG). Ovulation will take place 38 to 40 hours after injection.
• Improving fertility usually involves 2 or 3 injections a week for 6 months to a year.
• For hypogonadism, 2 or 3 injections a week, for as long as needed. Ceasing treatment will likely cause symptoms of hypogonadism to return, unless the underlying cause has been corrected.
• For undescended testicles injections are typically given 3 times a week until successful or until a doctor determines treatment is ineffective. Boys undergoing treatment should monitored closely for signs of early puberty.
• As a diet or weight-loss aid treatments vary widely, from daily injections to weekly. Most call for 125 to 200 IU per day. Such diet plans also usually involve extreme calorie reduction.
• For performance enhancement, the hormone is typically used during or right after a steroid cycle. 250 to 500 IU per day is common, used for 2 to 3 weeks before taking a 4 week break. The medication stimulates natural testosterone production, preventing the rapid muscle loss experienced with abrupt steroid cessation.

In most cases duration of treatment is also best determined by a doctor. While Hucog can work wonders as far as addressing certain conditions, there is a risk of side effects. Regular doctor checkups not only ensure the medication is working as intended but also monitor for developing adverse reactions.

Warnings & Side Effects

Some patients are poor candidates for Hucog, being at much greater risk of serious side effects, particularly patients with:

• Premature puberty
• Hormone-receptive cancers
• Heart, kidney or liver issues
• Ovarian cysts
• Migraine headaches
• Thyroid or adrenal gland issues
• Asthma

The above conditions do not necessarily rule out use of Hucog, but dosage may need to be adjusted and additional checkups may be scheduled to monitor effects.

In otherwise healthy adults, side effects are unusual and typically mild, including:

• Upset stomach
• Headache
• Tender or swollen breasts
• Water retention
• Restlessness

Rarely more serious adverse effects develop, in which case treatment should be stopped until speaking with doctor:

• Severe mood swings
• Severe edema
• Severe abdominal pain, pressure or swelling
• Symptoms of early puberty in boys
• Symptoms of hypergonadism (excessive testosterone) in men

Be sure the prescribing doctor is aware of any other medications being taken, including over-the-counter varieties, vitamins, and supplements. They're unlikely to cause serious side effects but may reduce the effectiveness of Hucog.