HCG
HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a placental glycoprotein hormone acting as a luteinizing-hormone analog, studied for supporting endogenous testosterone production, testicular volume, and fertility; research protocols typically use 250 IU every other day subcutaneously.
Researched for supporting endogenous testosterone production, testicular volume, and fertility in men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and studied as an adjunct to preserve gonadal function during or after exogenous androgen exposure.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a heterodimeric glycoprotein hormone produced naturally by placental trophoblast tissue, composed of a 92-amino-acid alpha subunit (shared with LH, FSH and TSH) and a unique 145-amino-acid beta subunit, heavily glycosylated and totaling roughly 237 residues. It acts as a luteinizing-hormone analog, binding the LH/CG receptor (LHCGR) — a Gs-coupled G-protein-coupled receptor expressed on testicular Leydig cells — with affinity reported several-fold higher than LH itself. Receptor activation raises intracellular cAMP and drives protein-kinase-A-mediated steroidogenesis, stimulating endogenous testosterone production and supporting testicular function.
Research has characterized its role in pubertal induction, spermatogenesis support, and maintenance of testicular volume in hypogonadotropic states. , Pregnyl, Novarel) for prepubertal cryptorchidism, female ovulation induction, and male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism; its use on or after exogenous androgen therapy is not an FDA-approved indication.
In published research it is reconstituted from lyophilized powder and given by injection (FDA labeling specifies intramuscular; subcutaneous dosing is common off-label), typically two to three times weekly, with dose individualized to the studied indication.
Research reports a rise in serum testosterone within hours to days of administration, while measurable increases in testicular volume and spermatogenesis are generally observed over weeks to months of continued dosing.
In fertility-focused research it is frequently combined with FSH preparations (such as human menopausal gonadotropin or recombinant/corifollitropin alfa) to support spermatogenesis, and it is studied alongside testosterone-replacement or post-cycle regimens.
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This page is educational reference material about compounds studied in research settings. It is not medical advice, and nothing here is a recommendation to buy, possess, or use any compound. Research findings described are from published literature; individual compounds may not be approved for human use. Talk to a licensed clinician about anything that affects your health.