FDA ApprovedFDA Approved

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

Gonadotropin Hormone | LH Receptor Agonist

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a glycoprotein hormone naturally produced by the placenta during pregnancy. It consists of two subunits: an alpha subunit identical to other pituitary hormones (LH, FSH, TSH) and a unique beta subunit that confers HCG's specific biological activity. Pharmaceutical HCG is derived from the urine of pregnant women or produced recombinantly. It binds to and activates LH receptors, making it valuable for treating hypogonadism, infertility, and cryptorchidism. In TRT protocols, HCG is commonly used to maintain testicular function, preserve fertility, and prevent testicular atrophy.

Daily dose

250-2000 IU

Frequency

2-3x weekly

Cycle length

Ongoing / Protocol-dependent

Storage

2-8°C (refrigerated after reconstitution)

Key benefits

Maintains testicular function during TRT, preserves fertility, prevents testicular atrophy, stimulates testosterone production, treats cryptorchidism, induces ovulation

How it works

Binds LH receptors on Leydig cells, stimulating testosterone and estrogen synthesis. Half-life ~24-36 hours. Acts as long-acting LH analog due to extended half-life from glycosylation.

Dosage protocols

Goal

TRT Adjunct

Dose

250-1000 IU · 2-3x weekly

Route

SubQ or IM

Goal

Monotherapy

Dose

1500-2000 IU · 2-3x weekly

Route

Goal

Fertility Protocol

Dose

1500-2000 IU + FSH · 2-3x weekly

Route

Research indications

growth Hormone

Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism — FDA-approved for secondary hypogonadism to stimulate testosterone production

Testosterone Support — Indirectly supports body composition by maintaining testosterone levels

recovery

Fertility Preservation — Maintains spermatogenesis and testicular function during TRT

TRT Adjunct — Commonly used to maintain testicular function and fertility during testosterone replacement

body Composition

Cryptorchidism Treatment — FDA-approved for undescended testes in prepubertal boys

Ovulation Induction — FDA-approved to trigger ovulation in assisted reproduction

Administration

injectable

Interactions

Synergistic - Common Combination

Testosterone — HCG is frequently used alongside TRT to maintain testicular function, preserve fertility, and prevent atrophy. Standard TRT protocol: 250-500 IU HCG twice weekly

Use Sequentially

Clomiphene (Clomid) — Both stimulate testosterone production via different mechanisms. Sometimes used sequentially in PCT protocols. Generally not combined simultaneously - choose one approach

Commonly Combined

Aromatase Inhibitors — HCG increases intratesticular aromatase activity and may elevate estrogen. AIs like anastrozole are often used concurrently to manage estrogen levels during TRT+HCG protocols

Monitor Combination

GnRH Analogs — GnRH agonists/antagonists suppress LH. HCG may be used to maintain testicular function during GnRH analog therapy or for recovery afterward. Timing coordination required

Synergistic for Fertility

FSH (Follitropin) — Combined HCG + FSH therapy is standard for male infertility treatment in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, achieving spermatogenesis in 70-90% of patients

Complementary Mechanisms

Kisspeptin — Both stimulate the HPG axis via different mechanisms. Kisspeptin acts upstream at the hypothalamus while HCG acts directly on gonads. Potentially synergistic for fertility restoration

Monitor Required

Thyroid Hormones — High-dose HCG has weak TSH-like activity due to alpha subunit homology. Can cause transient hyperthyroidism with very high HCG levels (pregnancy, tumors). Monitor thyroid function

Protective Combination

Metformin — In women with PCOS undergoing ovulation induction, metformin may reduce ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome risk when combined with HCG. Often used together in fertility protocols

Safety notes

May cause or worsen gynecomastia - monitor estrogen

Risk of OHSS in women - requires monitoring

Contraindicated in hormone-sensitive cancers

May cause fluid retention and headaches

Thromboembolism risk may be elevated

Research studies

Spermatogenesis Induction with HCG/FSH (2018)

Review | Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism | Fertility outcomes

Combined HCG and FSH therapy induces spermatogenesis in 70-90% of men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. HCG stimulates testosterone production while FSH supports spermatogenesis.

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Ovulation Induction Success Rates (2017)

Systematic review | Anovulatory infertility | HCG trigger timing

HCG trigger for ovulation induction achieves pregnancy rates of 15-25% per cycle in clomiphene/letrozole protocols and higher in gonadotropin stimulation cycles.

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Cryptorchidism Treatment Meta-Analysis (2014)

Cochrane Review | 1231 boys | Hormonal vs surgical treatment

Meta-analysis of HCG for cryptorchidism showing ~25% success rate for hormonal treatment. Surgery remains more effective but HCG/GnRH may have role in bilateral cases or combined therapy.

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HCG Monotherapy for Hypogonadism (2013)

Clinical study | Late-onset hypogonadism | 3-month treatment

HCG monotherapy (1500-2000 IU twice weekly) effectively increased testosterone levels and improved symptoms in men with late-onset hypogonadism while maintaining fertility.

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HCG for Intratesticular Testosterone Maintenance During TRT (2005)

Prospective study | TRT patients | Intratesticular testosterone measurement

Demonstrated that 250 IU HCG every other day during testosterone therapy maintains intratesticular testosterone levels at baseline, preventing testicular atrophy and preserving fertility potential.

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Recombinant vs Urinary HCG Comparison (2003)

Comparative study | Ovidrel vs Pregnyl | Ovulation induction

Recombinant HCG (r-hCG, Ovidrel) and urinary HCG (u-hCG, Pregnyl) show similar efficacy for ovulation trigger. r-hCG offers higher purity and consistent potency with subcutaneous self-administration.

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Related compounds

TRT Kisspeptin Testagen PT-141