HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) for Muscle Gain
Glycoprotein hormone with LH-mimetic activity that stimulates gonadal steroidogenesis; FDA-approved for cryptorchidism, select male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and ovulation induction.
Why HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) for muscle gain?
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).
Muscle Gain context: Increasing lean mass via GH/IGF-1 axis, satellite-cell activity, or anabolic signaling. HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) fits this goal because its category (Performance) and benefit profile align with the underlying mechanism.
Benefits relevant to muscle gain
- 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)
Reference dosing by bodyweight
Anchored to the most-cited research dose (250 mcg @ 75 kg). Reference only.
| Bodyweight band | Reference dose range |
|---|---|
| <60 kg / <132 lb | 156–211 mcg |
| 60–75 kg / 132–165 lb | 191–259 mcg |
| 75–90 kg / 165–198 lb | 234–316 mcg |
| 90–105 kg / 198–231 lb | 276–374 mcg |
| >105 kg / >231 lb | 319–431 mcg |
Side effects to weigh against muscle gain benefit
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Gynecomastia
- Injection-site pain
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (in ovulation-induction use)
Also researched for
Educational use only
This calculator is provided for research and educational purposes. Outputs are derived from the values you enter. Always verify your math and consult a licensed physician before acting on any result.