One of the options that you should be offered (or ask for if you’re not offered) when signing up for testosterone replacement therapy is hCG.
What is hCG?
hCG is short for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin. So what the heck is that? Interestingly enough, it’s the hormone that is checked during a pregnancy test. It’s used in women to help treat infertility but it’s also used in men with hypogonadism (“low-T”).
Do I need hCG if I’m already on testosterone?
It really depends. You won’t need hCG to raise your testosterone levels because we’ll give you an adequate dose to get you to optimal levels. However, you’ll want to add hCG in case you want to maintain a healthy sperm count and/or prevent testicular atrophy.
While you’re on testosterone, your body reduces the production of luteinizing hormone – which stimulates your testicles to product testosterone and sperm. This is because you’ll have a healthy level of testosterone during replacement. As a result, your testicles aren’t “working” as hard and aren’t producing as much sperm.
hCG acts like luteinizing hormone and keeps the testicles working. You’ll continue producing sperm cells and it’ll prevent atrophy (shrinkage), if you’re prone to it.
So if you’re trying to conceive or your testicular size means a lot to you, make sure to add hCG to your TRT regimen!
Summary
In summary, make sure that you’re getting the right testosterone treatment because it can avoid unwanted side effects. At Thrive Men’s Clinic, we’ll ensure that you get the ideal treatment for low testosterone available in Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley.