HCG

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin · Pregnyl · Novarel

Rank#999
HormonalApprovedApprovedPrescriptionSubQIM

Popular for:Fertility treatment, testosterone support, hormone regulation

28594

Total Studies

20023

Human Studies

Approved

Evidence Level

Approved

FDA Status

Overview

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is a glycoprotein hormone naturally produced during pregnancy by the placenta. In men, it is used as a pharmaceutical tool to stimulate testosterone production from the testes by mimicking Luteinizing Hormone (LH). It is one of the most well-studied hormones in reproductive medicine with decades of clinical use.

**Originally developed for: **Female fertility treatment (ovulation induction). In men, it has been used clinically for decades for hypogonadism treatment, fertility preservation during TRT, and cryptorchidism (undescended testes) in boys.

Mechanism of Action

HCG binds to the LH/CG receptor on Leydig cells in the testes, mimicking the action of LH. This stimulates intratesticular testosterone production, maintains testicular size and function, preserves spermatogenesis, and supports fertility. In men on TRT (testosterone replacement therapy), exogenous testosterone suppresses LH/FSH via negative feedback — HCG bypasses this by directly stimulating the testes.

Key Research Benefits

Primary Benefits:

Preserves testicular function and fertility during TRT — prevents testicular atrophy and maintains spermatogenesis (PMC6087849)
Stimulates endogenous testosterone production — safe and effective for hypogonadal symptom relief (PMC6844348)
Maintains intratesticular testosterone (ITT) levels — ITT is 50-100x higher than serum T and critical for spermatogenesis

Secondary Benefits:

Improved mood and well-being associated with maintained hormonal axis
Weight loss support (HCG diet is controversial but widely discussed)
May support pregnenolone and DHEA production via maintained Leydig cell function

Clinical Evidence Summary

Research Pipeline

Preclinical
Animal
Phase I
Phase II
Phase III
Approved

28594

Total Studies

20023

Human Studies

- PMC6087849 — "Indications for the use of HCG for the management of infertility in hypogonadal men." Comprehensive review of HCG in male fertility preservation.

- PMC6844348 — HCG monotherapy for hypogonadal symptoms in men with T >300 ng/dL. Found it safe and efficacious with no adverse events.

- Coviello et al. (2008) — Demonstrated that low-dose HCG (250 IU EOD) maintains intratesticular testosterone levels during exogenous testosterone administration.

- Decades of clinical use data — HCG is one of the most well-validated hormones in reproductive medicine with extensive safety data.

Key Studies / PubMed References

28,594 studies found on PubMed · showing top 25 by relevance

View all on PubMed

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and Early Embryogenesis: Review.

Review

d'Hauterive SP, Close R, Gridelet V, et al. · International journal of molecular sciences · 2022

PMID: 35163303

A rational diagnostic approach to the "phantom hCG" and other clinical scenarios in which a patient is thought to be pregnant but is not.

Review

Oyatogun O, Sandhu M, Barata-Kirby S, et al. · Therapeutic advances in reproductive health · 2021

PMID: 34179786

Hyperglycosylated hCG activates LH/hCG-receptor with lower activity than hCG.

Human Study

Koistinen H, Koel M, Peters M, et al. · Molecular and cellular endocrinology · 2019

PMID: 30287399

[Influence of hCG glycosylation on its functions in female reproduction].

Review

Oborná I, Fingerová H · Ceska gynekologie · 2017

PMID: 28252309

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin: Unknown about Known.

In Vitro

Borisova MA, Moiseenko DY, Smirnova OV · Fiziologiia cheloveka · 2017

PMID: 29509368

Side Effects & Safety

Common Side Effects:

Estrogen elevation (aromatization of stimulated testosterone) — can cause water retention, bloating, mood changes
Injection site pain or irritation
Headaches
Gynecomastia risk if estrogen not managed

Rare but Serious Risks:

Overstimulation syndrome (more relevant in female fertility use)
Leydig cell desensitization with prolonged high-dose use (controversial — low doses generally safe long-term)
Blood clot risk (theoretical, primarily in female patients)

> Contraindications: Hormone-sensitive cancers (prostate, breast). Precocious puberty. Known hypersensitivity to HCG. Drug interactions: Monitor estradiol when combining with TRT. May need AI (anastrozole) for estrogen management.

Known Interactions

No curated interaction entry is live for HCG yet.

Until the interaction table is fully populated, use the interaction checker and related peptides below to explore adjacent compounds and likely research pairings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Research Disclaimer

This page is for research and educational purposes only. The information presented is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. HCG is not approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The studies referenced are linked to their original PubMed sources for verification.