FDA ApprovedSexual Health

HCG

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin | LH Receptor Agonist

Half-life

24-36 hours

Chain length

237 amino acids (α: 92; β: 145)

Reference frequency

2-3 times weekly, or every other day for lower doses

Research overview

DoseGear research brief

HCG is a glycoprotein hormone naturally produced by the placenta during pregnancy that binds LH receptors to stimulate testosterone and estrogen biosynthesis. FDA-approved for cryptorchidism, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and ovulation induction.

Mechanism of action

Binds to LH receptors on Leydig cells in testes, stimulating testosterone production with a half-life of 24-36 hours, peak levels 6-12 hours post-injection, and 40-50% bioavailability via SubQ or IM routes.

Compound background

Development & research timeline

Study windows describe what researchers measured, not when an individual should expect a result.

Origin & development

Placental glycoprotein hormone reproduced in pharmaceutical gonadotropin preparations.

What it is researched for

Ovulation induction, hypogonadotropic conditions, and testicular-function research through LH/CG-receptor agonism.

Research observation window

Not reported in the reviewed compound-specific evidence. Dosing frequency is not an onset estimate.

Reference data

Lyophilized vial injectable protocols

Not personalized dosing instructions

Only injectable vial references are shown. Nasal, topical, and unsupported non-vial schedules are excluded.

Research context	Amount	Frequency	Route
TRT Adjunct (Low)	250-500 IU	Every other day	SubQ/IM
TRT Adjunct (Standard)	500-1000 IU	Twice weekly	SubQ/IM
HCG Monotherapy	1500-2000 IU	2-3x weekly	IM
Fertility (with FSH)	1500-2000 IU	2-3x weekly	IM
Cryptorchidism (Pediatric)	1000-5000 IU	2-3x weekly for 3-4 weeks	IM
Ovulation Trigger (Female)	5000-10,000 IU	Single dose	IM/SubQ
PCT Protocol	1000-1500 IU	Every other day for 2-3 weeks	SubQ/IM

Reference cycle

Ongoing with TRT or 3-6 months for fertility protocols

Reference storage

Lyophilized: Room temperature; Reconstituted: 2-8°C, use within 30-60 days

Safety context

Reported side effects

Gynecomastia (breast tenderness/swelling) due to increased estrogen
Headaches, irritability, and mood swings (especially initially)
Fluid retention and edema
Potential antibody formation with long-term use

Contraindications & cautions

Hormone-sensitive cancers (prostate, breast)
Pregnancy (except as prescribed)
Precocious puberty risk in children

Scientific references

01
Low-Dose Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Maintains Intratesticular Testosterone in Normal Men with Testosterone-Induced Gonadotropin Suppression
Scientific citationLow-Dose Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Maintains Intratesticular Testosterone in Normal Men with Testosterone-Induced Gonadotropin Suppression. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (2005).
02
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Monotherapy for the Treatment of Hypogonadal Symptoms in Men with Total Testosterone >300 ng/dL
Scientific citationHuman Chorionic Gonadotropin Monotherapy for the Treatment of Hypogonadal Symptoms in Men with Total Testosterone >300 ng/dL. International Journal of Impotence Research (2019).
03
Fertility Induction in Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadal Men
Scientific citationFertility Induction in Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadal Men. Endocrine Reviews (2018).
04
The Effectiveness of hCG and LHRH in Boys with Cryptorchidism: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Scientific citationThe Effectiveness of hCG and LHRH in Boys with Cryptorchidism: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Asian Journal of Andrology (2016).

This DoseGear profile combines published scientific literature with lyophilized-vial protocol references. Citations are provided for independent review.

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