Why is HCG used alongside testosterone therapy?

Exogenous testosterone suppresses LH, which can shrink the testes and impair fertility; HCG mimics LH to keep the testes producing testosterone and sperm.

Is HCG an approved drug?

Yes. It is an FDA-approved hormone used in fertility and hypogonadism settings, which is why it is classified as clinical.

Does HCG raise estrogen?

It can, because the testosterone it stimulates can aromatize to estrogen, which is why estrogen-related side effects are possible.

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Sexual Health

Growth Hormone Secretagogues

Clinical

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

Also known as: HCG, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

A glycoprotein hormone produced in pregnancy that mimics luteinizing hormone, used clinically to stimulate gonadal function. It is studied to support testosterone production and fertility.

Mechanism of Action

Human chorionic gonadotropin binds the luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) on testicular Leydig cells and ovarian theca cells. In males this activates the steroidogenic cascade, driving cholesterol conversion to testosterone and maintaining intratesticular androgen levels and spermatogenesis. Because it bypasses the pituitary, it can sustain gonadal output even when endogenous LH is suppressed, such as during exogenous testosterone use. In females it can trigger ovulation by acting on the same receptor in place of an LH surge.

Half-life: Roughly 24-36 hours after intramuscular or subcutaneous injection
Administration Routes: subcutaneous
Research Status: Clinical