HCG

Glycoprotein hormone · Also known as Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Pregnyl, Novarel

Hormone support Sexual health

What is HCG?

A hormone naturally produced during pregnancy that mimics luteinizing hormone (LH). Widely used in fertility treatments and to maintain testosterone production during hormone therapy.

HCG binds to LH receptors in the testes, stimulating testosterone and sperm production. It is FDA-approved for fertility treatment in both men and women, and commonly used off-label to prevent testicular atrophy during TRT.

Key takeaway: HCG is one of the most well-studied hormonal peptides with FDA approval for fertility, commonly used alongside TRT to maintain natural testosterone production.

Benefits & evidence

Testosterone support High confidence

Fertility High confidence

Testicular health High confidence

How it works

HCG mimics the action of luteinizing hormone by binding to the same receptors on Leydig cells in the testes. This stimulates the production of testosterone and maintains spermatogenesis even when the body's natural LH production is suppressed (as during TRT).

In women, HCG mimics the LH surge that triggers ovulation, which is why it's used in fertility protocols. It also supports the corpus luteum in early pregnancy.

Dosing information

Typical dosing protocol

Starting dose

250-500 IU 2-3x/week

Ongoing

Maintenance dose

500-1000 IU 2-3x/week

Ongoing

Dosing varies significantly by indication. Always follow prescriber guidance. Often used alongside TRT.

Side effects

Most side effects tend to improve as your body adjusts.

Water retention Common

Mood changes Moderate

Gynecomastia Moderate

Headache Common

Research (10 studies)

National Consensus on Semaglutide in Cardiology: From Clinical Evidence to Clinical Translation. The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India · 2026

First-trimester β-hCG, PAPP-A, and NLR in relation to preeclampsia and perinatal outcomes: A case-control study. Science progress · 2026

Endocrine stimulation in men with non-obstructive azoospermia and low serum testosterone prior to micro-TESE: hormonal response as a predictor of sperm retrieval. The Canadian journal of urology · 2026

Novel KISS1 Gene Mutation Leading to Male Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism. Experimental and clinical endocrinology & diabetes : official journal, German Society of Endocrinology [and] German Diabetes Association · 2026

Challenges in diagnosis and management of a retroperitoneal pregnancy. BMJ case reports · 2026

Micropore Confinement in Flow Systems Enables Subsecond Bipolar ECL Biosensing. Analytical chemistry · 2026

The dual face of human chorionic gonadotropin in the CNS: neuroprotection, signaling, and possible pathological effects. Archives of gynecology and obstetrics · 2026

CSF hCG in the crossroads of neurotoxicity and disease: Lessons from germ cell tumor. International immunopharmacology · 2026

HIF-2α expression is controlled by the progesterone receptor and regulates hCG-induced gene expression in granulosa cells during ovulation in mice. Molecular and cellular endocrinology · 2026

The Predictive Value of Early β-hCG Levels After Embryo Transfer in In Vitro Fertilization Treatment. Nigerian journal of clinical practice · 2026

Quick summary

Type Glycoprotein hormone

Best for Hormone support

Administration Subcutaneous/IM

Frequency 2-3x per week

Risk level Low-Moderate

FDA status Approved

Evidence Strong

HCG