A drug like the one that caused Manny Ramirez to test positive under MLB's anti-drug policy could be used to boost testosterone after a cycle of steroids.
Typically, though, HCG is used by men who have very low levels of testosterone. Among Ramirez's age group, 30-39, about 2% of men suffer from a lack of the male hormone.
"There's no reason to use it in healthy male adults," said Dr. Glenn Braunstein, chairman of the Department of Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Sources close to Ramirez have suggested that the HCG was prescribed to combat issues surrounding sexual performance, and not to enhance his play on the field.
Manny's 'Health Condition' Is Very Rare