Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) | Oxandrolone (Anavar) | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Hormones | Hormones |
| Standard Dose | Research indicates 250-500 IU administered subcutaneously 2-3 times per week as a TRT adjunct for fertility and testicular maintenance. | Research indicates 5-20 mg/day orally for therapeutic/recovery applications. Clinical burn protocols use 0.1 mg/kg twice daily. |
| Timing | Administer on non-testosterone injection days if using twice-weekly TRT split. Consistent schedule (e.g., Tuesday/Saturday). Refrigerate reconstituted solution; use within 30-60 days. | Split into 2 doses (morning and evening) due to 9-hour half-life. Take with food to reduce GI discomfort. |
| Cycle Duration | Ongoing for as long as TRT continues and fertility preservation is desired. Can be used in 4-8 week pre-PCT bursts to 'prime' testicular recovery. | Typical therapeutic cycles: 6-12 weeks. Clinical burn protocols have extended to 1 year+ with liver monitoring. Limit cycle length to minimize hepatic stress. |
| Evidence Level | strong_human | strong_human |
hCG mimics luteinizing hormone (LH) by binding the LH/CG receptor on testicular Leydig cells, activating the cAMP-PKA signaling cascade that upregulates steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and CYP11A1, driving cholesterol conversion to pregnenolone and downstream testosterone synthesis. By maintaining intratesticular testosterone (ITT) levels during exogenous testosterone administration, hCG preserves Leydig cell function, spermatogenesis, testicular volume, and the production of neurosteroids (pregnenolone, DHEA) and estradiol within the testes.
Research indicates 250-500 IU administered subcutaneously 2-3 times per week as a TRT adjunct for fertility and testicular maintenance.
Administer on non-testosterone injection days if using twice-weekly TRT split. Consistent schedule (e.g., Tuesday/Saturday). Refrigerate reconstituted solution; use within 30-60 days.
Ongoing for as long as TRT continues and fertility preservation is desired. Can be used in 4-8 week pre-PCT bursts to 'prime' testicular recovery.
Oxandrolone is a synthetic 17-alpha-alkylated dihydrotestosterone (DHT) derivative with a modified A-ring (replacement of C2 with an oxygen atom) that confers high anabolic-to-androgenic ratio (~10:1). It enhances protein synthesis by activating the androgen receptor while strongly binding sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), increasing free testosterone fraction. Oxandrolone directly stimulates phosphocreatine synthesis in skeletal muscle and has demonstrated anti-catabolic effects through cortisol receptor antagonism. In burn patients, it reverses catabolism by restoring the IGF-1/IGFBP-3 axis.
Research indicates 5-20 mg/day orally for therapeutic/recovery applications. Clinical burn protocols use 0.1 mg/kg twice daily.
Split into 2 doses (morning and evening) due to 9-hour half-life. Take with food to reduce GI discomfort.
Typical therapeutic cycles: 6-12 weeks. Clinical burn protocols have extended to 1 year+ with liver monitoring. Limit cycle length to minimize hepatic stress.
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