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Strong Evidence

HCG

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

A naturally occurring gonadotropin that stimulates testosterone production and maintains testicular function during TRT.
100% 50% · t½ ≈ 24h 25% 0h 24h 48h 72h 96h Serum level Time →
Molecular Weight ~36,700 Da
Half-Life ~24 hours
Typical Dose 250–500 IU
Cycle Length Ongoing (with TRT) or
4–6 weeks(PCT)

Description

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a glycoprotein hormone naturally produced by the syncytiotrophoblast cells of the placenta during pregnancy. It is structurally similar to luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), all sharing a common alpha subunit with unique beta subunits conferring receptor specificity. In research and wellness contexts, HCG is used to stimulate endogenous testosterone production in men, prevent testicular atrophy during exogenous androgen use, and support fertility. It is also used in post-cycle therapy (PCT) protocols to restore the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis after suppression. In women, HCG triggers ovulation and is used in assisted reproductive technologies.

Key Characteristics

Molecular Formula

Glycoprotein

Molecular Weight

~36,700 Da

Half-Life

~24 hours

Administration Routes

Subcutaneous injection, Intramuscular injection

Typical Dose

250–500 IU

Frequency

2–3x per week

Investigated Benefits

  • Maintains testicular function during TRT
  • Preserves fertility
  • Stimulates endogenous testosterone
  • Prevents testicular atrophy

* Benefits based on preclinical/animal research unless otherwise noted.

Mechanism of Action

“A naturally occurring gonadotropin that stimulates testosterone production and maintains testicular function during TRT.”

HCG binds to LH/CG receptors (LHCGR) on Leydig cells in the testes, activating the Gs-cAMP-PKA signaling cascade that stimulates steroidogenesis — the conversion of cholesterol to testosterone. This pathway is identical to that activated by endogenous LH, which is why HCG can substitute for LH in maintaining testicular function during periods of HPG axis suppression. HCG also stimulates Sertoli cells to support spermatogenesis and maintains testicular volume by preventing the atrophy that occurs with prolonged LH suppression. In women, HCG mimics the LH surge that triggers final oocyte maturation and ovulation. Its longer half-life compared to LH (approximately 36 hours vs. 20 minutes) makes it pharmacologically advantageous for research applications.

Administration Routes

Subcutaneous injection

Intramuscular injection

Dosing Protocol

Typical Dose

250–500 IU

Frequency

2–3x per week

Cycle Length

Ongoing (with TRT) or 4–6 weeks (PCT)

Administration

Subcutaneous injection

Protocol Notes

During TRT: 250–500 IU 2–3x/week to maintain testicular function. Post-cycle therapy: 500–1000 IU every other day for 2–3 weeks. Monitor LH, FSH, testosterone, and estradiol.

Reconstitution Guide

Add 1 mL bacteriostatic water to 5000 IU vial → 5000 IU/mL For 500 IU dose: draw 0.1 mL (10 units on U-100 syringe)

Storage Information

Lyophilized: refrigerate. Reconstituted: refrigerate and use within 30 days.

Quality & Sourcing Standards

When sourcing HCG for research purposes, the following quality benchmarks should be verified before use.

Purity:

>98% (verified by HPLC)

Certificate of Analysis (COA):

Must be provided by supplier

Endotoxin Testing:

<0.1 EU/mg (prevents bacterial contamination)

GMP Compliance:

Manufactured in cGMP-certified facility

Third-Party Testing:

Independent lab verification preferred

Storage Information

Lyophilized: refrigerate. Reconstituted: refrigerate and use within 30 days.

FDA Disclaimer

The statements made within this website have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. The products and information provided are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This website is intended for educational and research purposes only. Many peptides described on this site are not approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use and are classified as research chemicals. Nothing on this site constitutes medical advice.

Research Highlights

1

FDA-approved for hypogonadism and cryptorchidism

2

Well-established use in TRT protocols

3

Demonstrated preservation of spermatogenesis during TRT

Evidence Level

Strong Evidence
Multiple randomized controlled trials with high confidence in efficacy and safety data.

Search PubMed: “HCG” — latest studies
Google Scholar: HCG research literature

Compatible Peptides

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Quick Reference

Category

Hormone & GH

Status

Research Only
 

Dose

250–500 IU

Frequency

2–3x per week

Cycle

Ongoing (with TRT) or 4–6 weeks (PCT)
  • Research

PubMed: HCG studies

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Dislcaimer

FDA Disclaimer: The statements made within this website have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. The products and information provided are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This website is intended for educational and research purposes only. Many compounds described on this site are not approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use. Some are available only as compounded preparations or as materials sold for laboratory use, and several are on FDA's Category 2 list for significant safety risks. Nothing on this site constitutes medical advice or a recommendation to use any compound described.