The fact that hCG has characteristics almost identical to those of the luteinizing hormone (LH) in the anterior pituitary gland, makes hCG so very interesting for athletes. In a man the luteinizing hormone stimulates the Leydigs cells in the testes; this in turn stimulates production of androgenic hormones (testosterone). For this reason athletes use injectable hCG to increase the testosterone production.

Since the body usually needs a certain amount of time to get its testosterone production going again, the athlete, after discontinuing steroid compounds, experiences a difficult transition phase which often goes hand in hand with a considerable loss in both strength and muscle mass. Administering hCG directly after steroid treatment helps to reduce this condition because hCG increases the testosterone production in the testes very quickly and reliably. In the event of testicular atrophy caused by megadoses and very long periods of usage, hCG also helps to quickly bring the testes back to their original condition (size).

Many bodybuilders, powerlifters, and weightlifters report a lower sex drive at the end of a difficult workout cycle, immediately before or after a competition, and especially toward the end of a steroid treatment. Athletes who have often taken steroids in the past usually accept this fact since they know that it is a temporary condition. Those, however who are on the juice all year round, who might suffer psychological consequences or who would perhaps risk the breakup of a relationship because of this should consider this drawback when taking hCG in regular intervals. A reduced libido and spermatogenesis due to steroids in most cases, can be successfully cured by treatment with hCG.