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Articles
This article appeared in the Spring 2002 Issue
of Frank Zane's Newsletter "Building the Body"
What is HCG?
By Tom Pia
Any hormone replacement regimen should be one
based on Anti-Aging theory and recommended dosages; and one closely
monitored by a licensed physician knowledgeable in this area. That
being said, Human Chronic Gonadatropin is a valuable component in
a program designed to maintain optimal hormone levels within the
body for males 25 to 35 years of age and beyond. Those under 25
still produce adequate natural levels of hormones, and hormone replacement
therapy is generally not necessary. HCG functions to mimic what
Leutinizing hormone (LH), and to a lesser degree what Follicle Stimulating
Hormones (FSH) do in the body. These hormones are produced in the
pituitary gland and signal the Leydig cells of the testicles to
manufacture testosterone. It is important to remember that all human
functions and metabolic processes are directed by hormones within
our body, the primary one within the male body being testosterone.
Upon completion of a mild anti-aging cycle of
androgen, the body's ability to produce its own male hormone has
been somewhat compromised due to exogenous introduction of testosterone.
With the body's own hormone production factory slightly turned down
and sometimes turned off with the abuse of these agents, a host
of ailments loom nearby. Depression, body fat increases, lack of
appetite, irritability, sickness and lethargy-- OK... Is that enough?
... are certainly probable. The introduction of HCG to the cycle
for a 20-30 day period helps to recalibrate the body's hormone levels
back to normal levels. It also helps to minimize the effects of
cortisol, which is released during times of low testosterone levels
and is known to strip the body of lean muscle mass. This chemical
sends the opposite messages to the muscle to break down protein.
This is an inherited evolutionary process designed to break down
muscle protein for strength and sustenance in times of inadequate
food availability. Unlike modern man, our ancestors did not always
have a large and variable supply of food stuffs as we do now. This
is why obesity is such a large scale problem today.
Back to cortisol: cortisol levels are generally
balanced out with adequate levels of androgens, but with a lowered
natural androgen level coming off a cycle, cortisol levels can run
rampant and the effects can be detrimental. A positive note on HCG:
it can be used alone to help increase testosterone levels without
having to rely on the introduction of other hormones. The fewer
hormones introduced into the body the better. Remember, it takes
years to build a proportioned physique and adequate strength levels.
The problem is that everyone wants results now. Patience and persistence,
wisdom along with determination are far more important than anything
else. This is a life long pursuit of health and fitness, and the
journey is far more important and gratifying than the destination
point. Eat smart, train diligently and get adequate rest. These
are the keys to continually progressing, avoiding injury and aging
gracefully.
HCG Research
Appearing on the Internet at http://hcgobesity.org/introduction.htm
is an introduction to HCG therapy by Dr. Daniel Beluscio, director
of HCG Research Clinic: "Few substances have been so neglected
and misunderstood regarding their potential therapeutic effects
as HCG (Human Chorionic Gonatropin). Secreted by the human placenta,
the presence of HCG in the urine of pregnant women was first reported
in 1927. Since then thousands of articles have been published about
the effect of HCG on gonads (testicles and ovaries), but comparatively
a small number of these have investigated its vast therapeutic potential
on diseases ranging from asthma, psychoses, artheriopates, osteopenia,
alcoholism, glaucoma. HCG is one of the few drugs of natural origin
(up to one million I.U.s of HCG are secreted per day on average
by a pregnant woman) that, fortunately, still remain in the current
Pharmacopoeia. HCG proved to be effective in the above mentioned
conditions, but insufficient data were gathered to determine conclusively
its clinical utility. The effectiveness of treating obesity with
HCG was also a neglected issue, so in 1991 I designed a research
program using the effect of oral HCG on obesity. The results of
this study demonstrate that a formulation of oral HCG plus a very
low caloric diet mobilizes fat from specific fat deposits more effectively
than a placebo plus a very low caloric diet. Based on 20 years of
experience in the treatment of obesity and obesity related disorders,
Dr. Belcusio has concluded that the HCG method for obesity treatment
meets the patients expectations for a safe and effective weight
loss program that is easy to follow and can improve their quality
of life, without negative side effects."
So not only is HCG used by male bodybuilders
but also by women who want to lose weight. In both cases, however,
it should be realized that little or no fat loss will occur unless
a low calorie, low carb diet is adhered to on a strict basis. Many
bodybuilders take testosterone up until about one month before competition,
(which consequently, along with added strength and muscle size,
also increases fluid retention in the body, causing a round puffy
look. Although some mass and strength is lost after abstaining from
exogenous testosterone for several weeks, a new defined muscular
hardness seems to emerge. Then the competition occurs and hormonal
administration would cease for at least one month to allow the body
to go back to "baseline". Probably not a good idea to
keep up the testosterone/HCG cycle indefinitely without taking a
break from it, especially when you are in the post season and not
training really hard. When the program is re-administered, it will
work better because a tolerance has not been developed.
Hormonal usage, although helpful for many aging
individuals should always be done with discretion, parsimony,
and
medical supervision.
Click here if you would
like to gain from Tom's extensive knowledge and experience in natural
physique training.
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