OtherResearch profile

HCG

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin · Pregnyl · Novarel · Ovidrel (choriogonadotropin alfa)

Think of it as a hormone cheerleader for your reproductive system.

HCG is a hormone that plays a crucial role in pregnancy, but it's also a bit of a multitasker when it comes to reproductive health. In men, it acts like a pep talk to your testes, keeping them in working order even when you're on testosterone therapy. This means it helps maintain both function and size, which can be a concern with hormone treatments.

For women, HCG is often used as part of fertility treatments. It gives the ovaries that final nudge they need to release a mature egg, making it a key player in assisted reproduction technologies. Essentially, it tells the body it's time to get ready for possible conception.

HCG can also help men with certain types of low testosterone issues by kickstarting sperm production, keeping fertility in check without the downsides of direct testosterone replacement.

Who it's for

Men on testosterone therapy worried about testicular health
Couples undergoing fertility treatments
Men with specific low testosterone issues looking to maintain fertility

Probably not for you if…

Those uninterested in fertility or reproductive health
Individuals looking for a general hormone boost
Anyone averse to injections

Editorial summary for research context · Not medical advice

Mechanism of Action

HCG is a 237-amino-acid heterodimeric glycoprotein hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. It shares an alpha subunit with LH, FSH, and TSH and exerts its activity via a unique beta subunit. HCG binds to the LH/hCG receptor on Leydig cells and ovarian theca/granulosa cells, mimicking luteinizing hormone and stimulating endogenous testosterone biosynthesis in males and ovulation induction in females. HCG is FDA-approved (Pregnyl, Novarel) and prescription-only. It is not a research-only compound.

Researched Benefits

Testicular function preservation during TRT

In men on exogenous testosterone, low-dose HCG maintains intratesticular testosterone and testicular volume by continuing to stimulate Leydig cells when LH is suppressed.

[Coviello et al. 2005]
[Hsieh et al. 2013]

Post-cycle HPTA restart

Clinical protocols use HCG to stimulate Leydig-cell recovery following exogenous androgen suppression; often paired with SERMs in endocrinology literature.

[Rastrelli et al. 2018]

Ovulation induction & fertility

FDA-approved for ovulation induction in assisted reproduction protocols; triggers final oocyte maturation following FSH/HMG stimulation.

[Humaidan et al. 2011]

Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

Used in men with secondary hypogonadism to induce spermatogenesis and maintain fertility where direct androgen replacement would suppress it.

[Liu et al. 2002]

Research Protocols

The following dosing ranges have appeared in published research protocols. Presented for informational purposes only — not a recommendation for human use.

Fertility preservation on TRT (physician-directed)

Dosage: 500 IU
Frequency: 2-3x weekly
Timing: subcutaneous, any time
Cycle: 12 weeks

Endocrinology literature describes 250-500 IU SC 2-3x weekly alongside exogenous testosterone to preserve testicular volume and fertility. Prescription-only; requires physician supervision and monitoring of testosterone, estradiol, and hematocrit.

HPTA restart (physician-directed)

Dosage: 1500 IU
Frequency: every other day
Timing: subcutaneous or IM
Cycle: 4 weeks

Restart protocols in published endocrinology work use 1000-2000 IU every other day for 2-4 weeks, commonly paired with clomiphene or tamoxifen. Must be managed by a prescribing clinician.

Reported Side Effects

Gynecomastia and estradiol elevation from aromatization of stimulated testosterone
Injection-site reactions
Headache and mood changes
Testicular pain (uncommon, usually at higher doses)
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in women when used for ovulation induction
Thromboembolic events (rare, primarily in fertility context)

Contraindications

Known or suspected androgen-dependent malignancy (prostate, male breast)
Precocious puberty
Pregnancy (except per fertility protocols)
Prior hypersensitivity to HCG products
Uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction

Stacking Partners

Peptides commonly paired with HCG in published research and protocol write-ups.

other

Vendor Pricing

75
Swiss Chems
Best $/mg
Size5mg
Total$28.99
/ mg$5.80/mg
In stock
View
78
Evolve Peptides
Size5mg
Total$37.50
/ mg$7.50/mg
In stock
View
77
Nova Peptide Supply
Size5mg
Total$45.00
/ mg$9.00/mg
In stock
View
76
Perfect Peptides
Size5mg
Total$95.00
/ mg$19.00/mg
In stock
View
70
Certified Peptides
Size5mg
Total$96.00
/ mg$19.20/mg
In stock
View
75
Ascension Peptides
Size5mg
Total$99.99
/ mg$20.00/mg
In stock
View

Stacked earns a commission on purchases via these links. It does not influence our Trust Scores.

Gear + Companions

Reconstitution supplies and research-backed supplement companions for HCG. Editorial picks only — we earn a commission through Amazon on the click, no sponsorship.

Gear you'll need

· Reconstitution + storage essentials

Bacteriostatic Water 30mL (0.9% Benzyl Alcohol)
Empower Pharmacy / generic medical supply
Reconstitutes every lyophilized peptide. 28-day viability refrigerated.
View at Pantheon →
Insulin Syringes 31G × 5/16" × 0.5mL (100 count)
EasyTouch
31G × 0.5mL insulin syringes — the default size for sub-0.25mL peptide doses.
Buy on Amazon →
Alcohol Prep Pads (Sterile, 200 count)
Dynarex
Sterile 70% IPA prep pads — one per vial stopper + one per injection site.
Buy on Amazon →
1-Quart Sharps Disposal Container
BD / Becton Dickinson
FDA-cleared sharps container — pharmacies won't accept improvised disposal.
Buy on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases · Disclosed per FTC guidelines

Research Papers

Low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin maintains intratesticular testosterone in normal men with testosterone-induced gonadotropin suppression
Coviello AD, et al. · Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism · 2005
PubMed 15713724 →
Concomitant intramuscular human chorionic gonadotropin preserves spermatogenesis in men undergoing testosterone replacement therapy
Hsieh TC, et al. · Journal of Urology · 2013
PubMed 23260550 →

HCG

Mechanism of Action

Researched Benefits