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HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

Hormone Regulation & Endocrine Support

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a peptide hormone that mimics luteinizing hormone (LH), stimulating testosterone production from Leydig cells and supporting spermatogenesis. Used clinically for male fertility preservation, testosterone support during replacement therapy, and post-cycle therapy recovery.

Reconstitute
3 mL BAC + undefinedmg vial
Daily Range
250–1000 IU Subcutaneous Injection
every other day or 3x weekly
Standard Dose
500 IU
Cycle
4–8 weeks
then reassess
HCGhuman chorionic gonadotropintestosteronefertilityspermatogenesisPCTTRT support

Dosing & Reconstitution Guide

HCG should be administered under medical supervision with regular monitoring of testosterone levels, hematocrit, and clinical response. Excessive doses or prolonged use without breaks may lead to tachyphylaxis and desensitization. Always follow a healthcare provider's dosing recommendations.

Standard / Gradual Approach

TRT Support Protocol
PhaseDoseVolume
1250 IU every other day
2250 IU every other day
3500 IU every other day
4500 IU every other day

Standard / Gradual Approach

Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) Protocol
PhaseDoseVolume
11500 IU 3x weekly
22000 IU 3x weekly
32000-2500 IU 3x weekly
42000 IU 3x weekly
81500 IU 3x weekly
121000 IU 3x weekly
16Discontinue

Protocol Summary

Subcutaneous Injection: every other day or 3x weekly · Dose range 250–1000 IU with gradual titration
Intramuscular Injection: 2-3x weekly · Dose range 500–2000 IU with gradual titration
Cycle Length: 4–8 weeks typical; reassess before extending

Frequency & Cycling

Subcutaneous or Intramuscular Injection

For TRT support: 250-500 IU every other day (3x weekly) indefinitely as long as testosterone replacement continues. For PCT: 1500-5000 IU 2-3x weekly for 3-6 months, then taper. Some protocols include 2-4 week breaks every 12 weeks to prevent tachyphylaxis and maintain endogenous axis sensitivity.

🧪 Quick Start

BAC Water
3 mL
Concentration
~1667 IU/mL when reconstituted with 3mL BAC water mcg/unit
Starting Dose
250 IU every other day
Maintenance Dose
500 IU every other day (3x weekly)

Potential Benefits & Use Cases

HCG is an FDA-approved medication for specific medical indications in the United States and other countries. It should be used under medical supervision. This database entry is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Stimulates endogenous testosterone production via LH-like action on Leydig cells (Phase III Clinical)
Preserves spermatogenesis and male fertility during testosterone replacement therapy (Phase III Clinical)
Maintains intratesticular testosterone necessary for normal sperm production (Phase III Clinical)
Effective for secondary hypogonadism treatment achieving normal testosterone levels (Phase III Clinical)
Supports post-cycle therapy recovery after exogenous testosterone use (Phase II Anecdotal)
Increases testicular volume and function in hypogonadal men (Phase III Clinical)
Well-established long half-life (~30 hours) enabling every-other-day dosing convenience (Phase III Clinical)
Clinical data Strong preclinical Limited data

Mechanism of Action

→Mimics luteinizing hormone (LH) through binding to LH receptors on Leydig cells
→Stimulates testosterone synthesis and secretion from testicular Leydig cells
→Elevates intratesticular testosterone concentration supporting Sertoli cell function
→Promotes spermatogenesis by maintaining FSH and intratesticular testosterone levels
→Activates cAMP signaling cascade in Leydig cells triggering steroidogenesis
→Long half-life (~30 hours) enables sustained endogenous hormone production

Lifestyle & Optimization

timing

Consistent injection schedule (typically every other day or 2–3x weekly).

diet

Adequate calories, protein, and micronutrients (zinc, vitamin D). Avoid excess alcohol — impairs testosterone production.

exercise

Moderate exercise. Avoid excessive endurance training.

sleep

Adequate sleep and stress management. Maintain healthy BMI as obesity increases aromatization.

Peptide Research & Preclinical Studies

Evidence-Based Research Findings

Study TitleType
Concomitant intramuscular human chorionic gonadotropin preserves spermatogenesis in men undergoing testosterone replacement therapyReference
Indications for the use of human chorionic gonadotropic hormone for the management of infertility in hypogonadal menReference
Human chorionic gonadotropin treatment: a viable option for management of secondary hypogonadism and male infertilityReference
Optimal restoration of spermatogenesis after testosterone therapy using human chorionic gonadotropin and follicle-stimulating hormoneReference
The Safety of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Monotherapy Among Men With Previous Exogenous Testosterone UseReference
Management of Male Fertility in Hypogonadal Patients on Testosterone Replacement TherapyReference

Side Effects & Safety

Common Side Effects

• Mild injection site reactions (redness, bruising)
• Gynecomastia risk if estrogen aromatization not managed
• Mild mood changes in sensitive individuals
• Acne development during therapy

Contraindications & Warnings

• High doses may suppress FSH and natural testosterone production if used without testosterone
• Risk of polycythemia at high therapeutic doses
• Potential for water retention and bloating
• Tachyphylaxis possible with extended use requiring breaks

Long-Term Safety Data

• Long-term high-dose use may impair natural gonadotropin axis recovery
• Desensitization of testicular tissue possible with continuous use
• Potential for antibody formation in extended therapy

🧮 Dose Calculator

Concentration
16.7
mcg/unit
Draw Volume
30
units (0.300 mL)
For a 500 mcg dose, draw 30 units on a U-100 insulin syringe
🧬

Bioavailability & Absorption

SubQ Injection
Excellent subcutaneous bioavailability via slow absorption from injection site. Peak levels 24-48 hours post-injection with extended half-life of 30 hours.
Oral Administration
Not available orally - peptide hormone is rapidly degraded by stomach acid and proteases.
Half-Life
30 hours (serum); Peak testosterone response 48-72 hours post-injection
Degradation
Hepatic metabolism and renal clearance; glycoprotein hormone with extended circulation time.
Tissue Specificity
Targets Leydig cells in testicular tissue; receptor-mediated endocytosis and degradation.
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Peptide Details

Molecular Weight
36700
Formula
C1143H1830N329O336S4
Sequence
LQLPG (Heterodimeric hormone - alpha and beta subunits)
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Legal Status & Regulatory

RegionStatus
FDAFDA Approved - For fertility treatment in men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
EUApproved - Regulated pharmaceutical in EU countries for male infertility
AustraliaApproved - Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved
CanadaApproved - Health Canada approved for fertility treatment

Storage Instructions

Lyophilized (Powder)
Refrigerate at 2-8°C (35.6-46.4°F) before reconstitution. Protect from light. Stability of 2+ years when properly stored.
Reconstituted (Mixed)
Refrigerate at 2-8°C (35.6-46.4°F) after reconstitution with bacteriostatic water. Use within 3-4 weeks. Store in amber/dark vials to protect from light exposure.