HCG
Also known as: Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Pregnyl, Novarel
HCG is a hormone that mimics LH and stimulates testosterone production in men. It is used to maintain testicular function during or after testosterone therapy and for fertility.
Beginner Basics
Plain-English guide to HCG
What it does
HCG is a hormone that signals your body to make more testosterone naturally. Researchers use it to keep the testicles working properly and maintain fertility, especially when someone is using testosterone therapy.
Typical dose
250-500 units injected under the skin or into muscle 2-3 times per week.
When to inject
Time of day doesn't matter, but keep the injections spread out evenly throughout the week.
Storage
Keep the powder at room temperature until you mix it. After mixing with liquid, store in the refrigerator and use it within 30-60 days.
First-timer tip
HCG works best when injected consistently on a schedule-pick the same days each week to make it easier to remember and keep your levels steady.
On This Page
Research Status
FDA approved for fertility, off-label for TRT support
For research purposes only. Not approved for human use. Not medical advice.
Research Areas
Side Effects
HCG increases intratesticular testosterone, which can aromatise to oestradiol. Risk is higher when HCG is used with exogenous testosterone. Manage by monitoring oestradiol levels, using an aromatase inhibitor (AI) if needed, or reducing HCG dose. Typically resolves after discontinuation.
Increased testosterone can stimulate sebaceous gland activity. Usually mild and self-resolving. Manage with good skin hygiene and topical treatments if needed.
Rapid fluctuations in testosterone or oestradiol can affect mood. More common if HCG is used without concurrent testosterone or if doses are too high. Typically resolves with dose adjustment or stabilisation.
Reported in some users, possibly related to hormonal fluctuations or fluid retention. Usually self-resolving; stay hydrated and monitor.
Local irritation at the injection site. Minimise by rotating sites, using proper injection technique, and allowing the solution to reach room temperature before injection.
HCG can increase oestradiol, which promotes sodium and water retention. Usually mild; manage with adequate hydration and monitoring of blood pressure.
Rare reports of mild testicular ache or sensitivity, possibly due to rapid increase in intratesticular testosterone or sperm production. Usually resolves within days.
HCG is used clinically in women for fertility; high doses can cause OHSS (abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, rapid weight gain). Not applicable to male users, but relevant if HCG is used off-label in women. Requires medical evaluation.
Rare but possible, especially with urinary-derived HCG. Symptoms include rash, itching, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis. Seek immediate medical attention if suspected.
Leydig cells can become desensitised to HCG with continuous use, reducing testosterone response. Manage by cycling HCG (e.g., 8-12 weeks on, 4 weeks off) or using pulsed dosing protocols.
Dosing Reference
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose range | 250-500 IU |
Frequency, timing and route - members only | |
Research disclaimer
Figures drawn from published research literature and community logs. Not clinical recommendations. Consult a qualified professional. Research use only.
Reconstitution Guide
Do not use saline or bacteriostatic saline, use only bacteriostatic water for reconstitution
Do not shake the vial vigorously; gentle swirling prevents peptide degradation
Discard immediately if the solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains visible particles
Use within 30 days of reconstitution when stored at 2-8°C
Do not freeze the reconstituted solution; freezing may denature the peptide
Use the PeptideVolt reconstitution calculator for your exact concentration
Molecular and Pharmacological Data
| Molecular weight | 36700 |
| Half-life | 24-36 hours |
HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a glycoprotein hormone that mimics luteinizing hormone (LH) by binding to LH receptors on Leydig cells in the testes. This stimulates the production and release of testosterone from the testes, maintaining testicular function and spermatogenesis. HCG is used during or after testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to prevent testicular atrophy and preserve fertility, and can be used as a standalone agent for post-cycle therapy (PCT) to restart endogenous testosterone production.
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Recent Research
Development of machine learning models for predicting early pregnancy outcomes based on β-hCG, progesterone, and estradiol.
Stress-Associated Testosterone Suppression: Central Adaptation or Hypogonadism?
Rare β-human chorionic gonadotrophin-secreting urothelial carcinoma initially presenting as gynecomastia.
Source: PubMed / NCBI. Updated daily. Articles are listed for research reference only.
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