Pregnyl, Gonadotropin additional information

Common uses

Pregnyl, gonadotropin, mimics the action of the pituitary hormone luteinising hormone (LH) which controls the release of eggs from the ovary in women, and controls production of testosterone in men. Pregnyl is used to stimulate egg release in some infertile women after follicle development has been stimulated with follicle stimulating hormone. In men it is used in the management of delayed puberty, undescended testes and oligospermia (low sperm count).

Athletes use HCG to increase the body's own natural production of testosterone which is often depressed by long term steroid use.

Directions

When administered intramuscularly, gonadotropin causes ovulation to occur. Pregnyl is administered when your physician feels appropriate stimulation criteria have been reached. In certain cases of over-response, the injection may be withheld.

If you do not conceive, Pregnyl may be given again in the next menstrual cycle. However, treatment cycles are not always consecutive, as therapy is individualized for each patient.

Therapy may continue for as long as six cycles, after which time other options may be discussed with you.

For male athletes it is of interest that, when administered, HGC raises serum testosterone very quickly. Gonadotropin therapy is very effective in the prevention of testicular atrophy and to use the body?s own biochemical stimulating mechanisms to increase plasma testosterone level during training.

The optimal dosage for an athlete using HCG has never been established, but it is thought that a single shot of 1000 to 2000 IU per week will get the desired results.

Cycles on HCG should be kept down to three weeks at a time with an off cycle of at least a month in between. For example, one may use gonadotropin for two to three weeks in the middle of a cycle, and for two or three weeks at the end of a cycle.

Precautions

There is no information available regarding the safety of Pregnyl during breastfeeding.

Possible side effects

An injection of Pregnyl can cause pain at the injection site, as well as headache, irritability, restlessness, depression, fatigue, and swelling due to retention of fluid.

A concern with fertility drugs is the risk of multiple pregnancies. About 80% of pregnancies, following fertility drug treatments with products like Pregnyl result in single births. In instances of multiple pregnancies, the majority are twins. However, three or more babies may be conceived. Your physician should discuss the risk of multiple births with you before you begin your treatments.

Be sure to discuss with your doctor side effects and any other concerns associated with your treatment prior to beginning therapy.

For athletes it may be of interest that the prolonged use of HCG could repress the body's own production of gonadotropins permanently, why short cycles are recommended.

Side effects from HCG use include gynecomastia, water retention, increased sex drive, mood alterations, headaches and high blood pressure.

HCG raises androgen levels in males by up to 400% but it also raises estrogen levels dramatically which can cause a real case of gynecomastia if dosages get too elevated.

Another side effect seen from HCG use is morning sickness (nausea and vomiting).

Overdose

Additional information

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