hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

FDA-approved context Hormonal Health In 1 protocol 2 sources

hCG is a hormone naturally produced during pregnancy that mimics luteinizing hormone (LH) in the body. In research and clinical settings, it is widely used to stimulate testosterone production, preserve fertility, and treat hypogonadism in men, as well as to induce ovulation in women.

01Dosing reference

Amount

250-500 IU

Frequency

2-3 times per week

Cycle

Ongoing alongside TRT, or as a post-cycle therapy (PCT) for 4-8 weeks

Reference figures, not a recommendationThese values reflect amounts described in the literature and vendor documentation this database indexes. Use the reconstitution calculator to convert them into syringe units.

02Mechanism of action

LH receptor agonism

hCG binds to and activates the luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin (LHCGR) receptor.

Leydig cell stimulation

In males, it stimulates the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone and supports spermatogenesis.

Hormonal restoration

This allows for the maintenance of intratesticular testosterone and fertility, often used alongside or after exogenous testosterone therapy.

03Human evidence

Preservation of fertility and testicular volume during testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

Clinical studies show that co-administration of low-dose hCG with TRT maintains spermatogenesis and testicular size in hypogonadal men.

Induction of ovulation in anovulatory women.

Widely used in assisted reproductive technology (ART) to trigger ovulation after follicular stimulation.

04Preclinical evidence

Upregulation of steroidogenic enzymes.

Animal models demonstrate that hCG administration increases the expression of enzymes involved in testosterone biosynthesis.

Neuroprotective effects in brain injury models.

Some rodent studies suggest hCG may promote neurogenesis and functional recovery after spinal cord or brain injury, though this is not its primary clinical use.

05What is known vs. unknown

Reasonably established

Mimics luteinizing hormone (LH) to stimulate natural testosterone production.
FDA-approved for specific uses including cryptorchidism, hypogonadism, and ovulation induction.
Prevents testicular atrophy and maintains fertility in men on exogenous androgens.
Has a longer half-life than endogenous LH, allowing for less frequent dosing.

Unknowns & limits

Long-term effects of high-dose hCG on Leydig cell desensitization (receptor downregulation) remain a topic of debate.
Efficacy for weight loss (the 'hCG diet') has been debunked and is not supported by scientific evidence.

06Safety & regulatory context

Regulatory statushCG is an FDA-approved prescription medication for specific indications such as prepubertal cryptorchidism, hypogonadism secondary to pituitary deficiency in males, and induction of ovulation in females. Common side effects include injection site pain, headache, fatigue, and in men, potential gynecomastia due to increased estrogen conversion. It is contraindicated in individuals with hormone-dependent tumors (e.g., prostate cancer) and is banned by WADA for male athletes due to its ability to stimulate endogenous testosterone production.

07Compared with Enclomiphene

hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) vs. Enclomiphene

Key difference

hCG directly mimics LH to stimulate the testes, whereas enclomiphene blocks estrogen receptors in the brain to increase endogenous LH and FSH secretion.

When researchers discuss each

hCG is discussed when direct testicular stimulation is needed (especially if the pituitary is suppressed), while enclomiphene is discussed for restoring the entire hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis.

08Appears in protocols

❤️ hCG TRT Fertility Support Protocol

250-500 IU (25-50 units)Every other day or 3x per week

09Glossary

Leydig cells

Cells in the testes responsible for producing testosterone in the presence of LH or hCG.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that triggers ovulation in women and testosterone production in men.

Hypogonadism

A condition in which the body doesn't produce enough testosterone or sperm.

10Knowledge check

Q1What is the primary mechanism by which hCG maintains testosterone production in men?

Q2Why is hCG often used alongside testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)?

Q3Which of the following research limitations about hCG is explicitly noted in the dossier?

Q4According to the dossier's stated comparison with enclomiphene, in which research context is hCG most often discussed?

Q5Which safety or regulatory statement about hCG is supported by the dossier?

11Sources

More in Hormonal Health

See all

Kisspeptin-10

Hormonal Health

Human clinical

Kisspeptin-10 is a potent neuropeptide that acts as an upstream regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Research shows it stimulates the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), subsequently increasing luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone levels. It is heavily studied for its potential in treating infertility, hypogonadism, and reproductive disorders.

100-300 mcg per dose

Gonadorelin

Hormonal Health

FDA-approved context

Gonadorelin is a synthetic version of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). It stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which in turn stimulate the gonads to produce testosterone and sperm in males, and estrogen and eggs in females.

100-200 mcg per dose

HMG (Human Menopausal Gonadotropin)

Hormonal Health

FDA-approved context

Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (HMG) is a medication containing both follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), typically extracted from the urine of postmenopausal women. It is widely used in reproductive medicine to stimulate ovulation in women and spermatogenesis in men, often as part of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) or hypogonadism treatments.

75-150 IU per injection

Research and educational use onlyNothing on this site is medical advice, a prescription, or a recommendation for human use. Compounds documented here are research chemicals. Consult a qualified clinician before making any health decision.