What is HCG?
HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is a naturally occurring hormone that plays a vital role in both male and female reproductive health. Known primarily as the “pregnancy hormone,” it is biologically very similar to Luteinizing Hormone (LH). Because it mimics LH, HCG serves as a powerful messenger that signals the gonads (testes in men and ovaries in women) to produce essential sex hormones and maintain reproductive function. At Balanced Medical Solutions, HCG is utilized as a cornerstone of hormone optimization and medical weight loss.
Common Uses of HCG for Balanced Medical Solutions’ San Francisco and East Bay Area Patients:
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Prevention of Testicular Atrophy: For men on Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), HCG is essential for maintaining testicular size and function. It provides the “stimulus” that prevents the testes from shrinking while the body receives external testosterone.
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Fertility Support for Men: Unlike traditional TRT, which can lower sperm count, HCG stimulates the natural production of both testosterone and sperm. It is a preferred choice for men who want to improve their vitality while preserving their ability to conceive.
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Metabolic Support for Weight Loss: When used in a medically supervised “HCG Diet” protocol, low doses of the hormone are thought to help the body access “abnormal” fat stores (such as in the abdomen, hips, and thighs) for fuel, helping to preserve lean muscle mass during calorie restriction.
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Natural Testosterone Boosting: For men with secondary hypogonadism, HCG can be used as a “monotherapy” to prompt the body to produce its own testosterone naturally, restoring libido, energy, and mood without the use of synthetic hormones.
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Hormonal “Bridge” Therapy: HCG is frequently used in “Post-Cycle Therapy” (PCT) to help re-awaken the body’s natural hormonal signaling after it has been suppressed by other treatments, ensuring a smooth transition back to natural endocrine balance.
