CLASSIFICATION
Glycoprotein hormones, alpha polypeptide
DOSAGE
500-3000IU 1-3 times/week
ACNE
Possible
WATER RETENTION
No
HBR
No
HEPATOTOXICITY
No
AROMATIZATION
No
MANUFACTURER
Merck
WAREHOUSE
International Warehouse 2
SUBSTANCE
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
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Ovitrelle 250 mcg (6500 IU) is an injectable medication created by Merck, provided in a single container featuring a pre-filled pen that contains 250 mcg of choriogonadotropin alfa in 0.5 ml of injectable solution, which is roughly equivalent to 6,500 IU.
Choriogonadotropin alfa is a synthetic form of the natural hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), commonly recognized as the 'pregnancy hormone,' which plays a crucial role in sustaining pregnancy. This hormone is produced by the developing placenta after conception and later by the syncytiotrophoblast, a placental component. One of hCG's functions is to suppress appetite and stimulate the body to utilize fat as energy. It is also used to induce ovulation and treat female infertility, as well as to boost sperm production in men. Additionally, bodybuilders incorporate it into steroid cycles and post-cycle therapy (PCT) to help reduce weight gain and enhance testosterone production.
Ovitrelle is frequently used by bodybuilders and athletes at the conclusion of an anabolic-androgenic steroid cycle to prevent muscle tissue breakdown. It also aids in restoring normal testicular function, as the testicles often shrink after prolonged steroid use. Ovitrelle is effective in normalizing their size. When combined with a very low-calorie diet, it enables athletes to shed excess fat while preserving muscle. Women may also use Ovitrelle alongside a low-calorie diet for fat loss.
The typical dosage of Ovitrelle during a cycle ranges from 500 IU to 3000 IU per week (1-3 times weekly). More frequent injections help maintain stable blood levels, whereas administering it all at once can lead to increased estrogen levels from the normal testosterone aromatization, resulting in gynecomastia. Some bodybuilders have reported using 6000 IU for six consecutive days, but this can be risky and is subject to individual variability. For post-cycle therapy, smaller doses of Ovitrelle—about 250 to 500 IU daily for 2 to 3 weeks—are recommended to initiate recovery from testicular atrophy. Bodybuilders should conduct an hCG cycle for 2 to 3 weeks, ensuring at least a month of rest between cycles. Ovitrelle may be combined with Clomid or Nolvadex during PCT, and these can continue after hCG is no longer administered. It is advisable to begin the hCG regimen towards the end of a steroid cycle, ideally in the final week.
Possible severe side effects of using Ovitrelle include intense pelvic pain, swelling in the hands or legs, abdominal pain and swelling, difficulty breathing, sudden weight gain, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. More common side effects may consist of headaches, feelings of restlessness or irritability, mild swelling or water retention, depression, and breast tenderness or swelling; some may also experience pain, swelling, or irritation at the injection site. In boys, the medication may trigger early signs of puberty, including a deeper voice, growth of pubic hair, and increased acne or perspiration.