HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
HCG shares its alpha subunit with LH, FSH, and TSH and carries a distinct beta subunit that binds the LH/hCG receptor with high affinity. In men it stimulates Leydig-cell testosterone production; in women it maintains the corpus luteum and progesterone output. Its longer half-life relative to LH gives sustained gonadal stimulation, which underlies both its ovulation-trigger use and its off-label role in maintaining intratesticular testosterone.
Onset and duration vary by individual; see the mechanism and half-life above.
Store the lyophilized powder refrigerated (2 to 8 C), or frozen for long-term storage, protected from light. After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water, keep refrigerated and use within about 4 weeks.
Clinical Evidence
What the literature says
Scientific Overview
Efficacy is established in the approved indications per FDA labeling, with extensive use as an ovulation trigger. The off-label use to preserve fertility and testicular size during testosterone therapy is supported by LH-mimicry and clinical experience but lacks dedicated large trials. According to PubMed, intramuscular hCG clears with a mean half-life of about 2.3 days (Damewood MD et al., Fertil Steril 1989).
Pharmacokinetics
- Half-life (t½)
- 1.4 d
- Approximate plasma half-life
- Routes
- Intramuscular
Citations (4)
Last reviewed: 2026-06-15
Research Guide
How users approach this compound
The following reflects patterns observed in research literature and community protocols. This is not medical advice and does not constitute a clinical recommendation.
Research Protocols
Common DosagesMale hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (label)
“Per FDA labeling; full regimens span weeks to months”
Ovulation trigger (label)
“Assisted-reproduction context”
Off-label / educational
“TRT fertility-support regimens are off-label and not from FDA labels”
Dosages listed are common research protocols found in peer-reviewed literature and clinical trials. Individual results and requirements may vary significantly in a research context.
Reported Uses
- Cryptorchidism and select male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (approved)
- Ovulation trigger in assisted reproduction (approved)
- Off-label support of intratesticular testosterone and fertility during testosterone therapy (not approved)
Key Research Benefits
- Stimulates Leydig-cell testosterone production via the LH receptor
- Approved for induction of testicular descent in prepubertal cryptorchidism
- Approved as an ovulation trigger in assisted reproduction (with menotropins)
- Off-label and educational: maintains intratesticular testosterone and testicular volume during exogenous testosterone therapy (not FDA-approved for this use)
Potential Side Effects
Considerations and Cautions
- Hypersensitivity to hCG or diluent components
- Precocious puberty
- Androgen-dependent neoplasia (e.g., prostate carcinoma)
- Pregnancy
Labs to monitor
Educational context only, not a testing mandate. Any bloodwork decisions belong with your clinician.
- Total and free testosterone, estradiol: Response to LH-mimetic stimulation and aromatization risk.
- LH and FSH: Baseline gonadal-axis assessment.
- Hematocrit: Erythrocytosis risk as androgens rise.
Dose Calculator
Peptide Reconstitution Calculator
Total amount of peptide in the vial.
Volume of water used to mix.
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HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) by goal
Read HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)'s profile filtered through specific research goals.
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Not medical advice
Information on DoseVault is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare provider.