HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
H-C-G
Category
Compound type
Phase / Status
FDA approved for specific fertility indications. Off-label use to support hormone function is common in TRT and performance contexts.
Standard Dose
2-3 times weekly
Half-life
Plasma elimination
Route(s)
Intramuscular or Subcutaneous
Research Stage
Regulatory approval granted; post-market monitoring ongoing.
Overview
HCG acts like an LH signal for the testes. If your LH signaling is reduced during testosterone use, HCG may help maintain testicular function and support testosterone production through Leydig cell stimulation. It's important to use it only under appropriate medical guidance.
Plain-language summary
HCG acts like an LH signal for the testes. If your LH signaling is reduced during testosterone use, HCG may help maintain testicular function and support testosterone production through Leydig cell stimulation. It's important to use it only under appropriate medical guidance.
Administration Routes
- Intramuscular
- Subcutaneous
Also known as
Mechanisms
Chorionic gonadotropin — mimics luteinizing hormone (LH) and stimulates Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone.
Detailed mechanism
HCG is a glycoprotein hormone structurally homologous to luteinizing hormone (LH), sharing the same alpha subunit and a similar beta subunit that confers receptor specificity at the LH/hCG receptor (LHCGR) on testicular Leydig cells. Upon binding, it activates adenylyl cyclase via Gs-coupled signaling, raising intracellular cAMP and triggering the steroidogenic cascade that converts cholesterol to testosterone via CYP11A1, CYP17A1, and HSD17B3. Because endogenous LH pulsatility is suppressed during exogenous androgen use, low-dose HCG administration substitutes LH receptor occupancy to maintain Leydig cell steroidogenic capacity and prevent testicular atrophy.
Safety
Side effects
- Acne (may be linked to increased androgen signaling)
- Mood changes
- Water retention
- Injection site reactions
- Gynecomastia risk if estrogen balance worsens
Reported benefits
- May help maintain testicular function during testosterone use
- Stimulates testosterone production via LH-like signaling
- Used medically in select fertility contexts
- Can support recovery of endogenous function for some people
Safety profile
Well-characterized safety profile from extensive clinical use and trials. Use should be supervised due to reproductive-hormone effects and contraindications.
Clinical trials
Completed clinical trials leading to FDA or regulatory approval.
Structure
Verified structure
HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
No exact public structure match was confirmed, so the app will render a formula-backed illustration.
- Chemical Formula
- C1105H1770N318O336S26
- Molecular Weight
- 36.7 kDa
- CAS Number
- 9002-61-3
Stack Context
Stacks with
References
- 1View source
Low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin maintains intratesticular testosterone in normal men with testosterone-induced gonadotropin suppression (J Clin Endocrinol Metab)
2005
- 2View source
Maintenance of spermatogenesis in hypogonadotropic hypogonadal men with human chorionic gonadotropin alone (J Urol)
2002
- 3View source
Concomitant intramuscular human chorionic gonadotropin preserves spermatogenesis in men undergoing testosterone replacement therapy (Fertil Steril)
2013
This profile summarizes research literature for education only. It is not medical advice, and it does not diagnose, treat, or recommend a dose. Consult a qualified professional before changing a protocol.