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.
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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
Reported Benefits
- Stimulates endogenous testosterone production in males
- Helps preserve testicular size and function during androgen suppression
- Supports spermatogenesis and fertility
- Used clinically to trigger ovulation in fertility protocols
- May aid recovery of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis
Potential Side Effects
- Estrogen-related effects such as gynecomastia from aromatization
- Acne and oily skin
- Fluid retention
- Mood changes or irritability
- Injection-site reactions
Common Dosing
Clinical and research protocols for male hypogonadism and fertility commonly reference 250-500 IU two to three times weekly, with higher IU regimens used in fertility induction. Provided for research-use-only context and not as personal medical advice.
The dosing information above is aggregated from research literature and anecdotal community reports for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation, prescription, or medical advice. Peptides are sold as research chemicals only and are not intended for human use.
Contraindications
- Hormone-sensitive cancers such as prostate cancer
- Precocious puberty
- Known hypersensitivity to HCG
- Pregnancy
Gonadorelin (GnRH)
Gonadorelin is a synthetic form of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) studied for stimulating the pituitary release of LH and FSH. It is used in fertility research and to assess or support the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.
Triptorelin (GnRH)
Triptorelin is a long-acting synthetic GnRH agonist used clinically to suppress sex-hormone production after an initial flare. It is applied in prostate cancer, endometriosis, precocious puberty, and fertility protocols.
HMG (Human Menopausal Gonadotropin)
Human menopausal gonadotropin (menotropin) is a purified preparation of the pituitary gonadotropins FSH and LH, historically extracted from the urine of postmenopausal women. It is used clinically to stimulate gametogenesis and gonadal steroid production in fertility settings.
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Low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin maintains intratesticular testosterone in normal men with testosterone-induced gonadotropin suppression
2005
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Concomitant intramuscular human chorionic gonadotropin preserves spermatogenesis in men undergoing testosterone replacement therapy
2013
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Clomiphene citrate and human chorionic gonadotropin are both effective in restoring testosterone in hypogonadism: a short-course randomized study
2018
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Optimal restoration of spermatogenesis after testosterone therapy using human chorionic gonadotropin and follicle-stimulating hormone
2025