Peptide Comparison
BuserelinvsHuman Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)
A synthetic GnRH agonist that suppresses hormones to help treat prostate cancer, endometriosis, and infertility
A powerful hormone that mimics luteinizing hormone (LH) to stimulate your body's natural testosterone production while keeping your fertility intact—like having your cake and eating it too for men on hormone therapy.
At a Glance
Quick
comparison
Dose Range
Buserelin
200 mcg–1,500 mcg mcg
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)
250–2000 IU
Frequency
Buserelin
Once daily
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)
Twice weekly
Administration
Buserelin
Subcutaneous injection
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)
Subcutaneous injection
Cycle Length
Buserelin
Ongoing/indefinite
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)
Ongoing/indefinite
Onset Speed
Buserelin
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence Level
Buserelin
Strong human trials (Phase 3 or FDA approved)
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)
Strong human trials (Phase 3 or FDA approved)
Efficacy
Benefit
ratings
Hormone Suppression
Cancer Management
Fertility Support
Fertility Preservation
Testicular Health
Hormone Balance
Technical Data
Compound
specifications
Buserelin
Molecular Formula
C60H86N16O13
Molecular Weight
1239.4 g/mol
Half-Life
2-4 hours (subcutaneous), 30-60 minutes (intranasal); longer for depot formulation (28-40 days)
Bioavailability
~1% (oral); ~10-15% (intranasal); ~95% (subcutaneous)
CAS Number
57773-65-6
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)
Molecular Formula
C1105H1770N318O336S26 (approximate)
Molecular Weight
36,700 g/mol (approximately)
Half-Life
24-36 hours
Bioavailability
High when injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly
CAS Number
9002-61-3
Protocols
Dosing
tiers
Buserelin
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)
Applications
Best
suited for
Buserelin
Managing advanced prostate cancer
Buserelin is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on managing advanced prostate cancer. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Treating endometriosis and reducing associated pain
Buserelin is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on treating endometriosis and reducing associated pain. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Optimizing ovarian response during fertility treatments
Buserelin is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on optimizing ovarian response during fertility treatments. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)
Fertility Preservation During TRT
If you're on testosterone therapy but want to keep your swimmers swimming, HCG is your best friend. It keeps your testes active and producing sperm even when external testosterone would normally shut that down. Research shows it can maintain or restore spermatogenesis in about 80% of men.
Preventing Testicular Atrophy
Nobody wants their boys to shrink. When you take external testosterone, your brain stops signaling your testes to work—and they get smaller from disuse. HCG mimics the signal (LH) that keeps them active, maintaining their size and function.
Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism
If your pituitary gland isn't sending the right signals to your testes (low LH), HCG can step in and do the job. It's been used for decades to treat this condition, helping men achieve normal testosterone levels and fertility.
Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT)
After using anabolic steroids, your natural hormone production is suppressed. HCG can help jumpstart your testes back into action, speeding up the recovery of your natural testosterone production. It's often used as part of a comprehensive PCT protocol.
Safety Profile
Side
effects
Buserelin
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)
Common
- Injection site reactions
- Headache
- Water retention
Uncommon
- Gynecomastia
- Mood changes
- Acne
Serious
- Blood clots
Research Status
Safety
& evidence
Buserelin
Evidence Level
Strong human trials (Phase 3 or FDA approved)
FDA Status
FDA approved for other use
Safety Overview
Buserelin is an FDA-approved GnRH agonist with safety data from Phase 3 trials and decades of clinical use, but carries well-documented risks from intentional testosterone/estrogen suppression. The initial testosterone flare (first 2-3 weeks) can worsen prostate cancer symptoms and cause tumor flare pain in 10-20% of patients. Long-term use causes bone density loss of 2-3% annually, with vertebral fractures in 10-20% of long-term users. Cardiovascular risks include increased MI and stroke in men over 65. Hot flashes affect 40-80%, erectile dysfunction is nearly universal, and liver enzyme elevations occur in 5%. Nasal spray formulation causes local irritation in 20-30% of users.
Contraindications
- xPregnancy or breastfeeding
- xHypersensitivity to GnRH agonists
- xCertain bone diseases when long-term use is planned
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)
Evidence Level
Strong human trials (Phase 3 or FDA approved)
FDA Status
FDA approved for other use
Safety Overview
HCG has been used medically for over 80 years with a well-established safety profile. When used appropriately for male hypogonadism or fertility preservation, side effects are generally mild and manageable. The most common issues relate to elevated estrogen from increased testosterone aromatization, which can be managed with aromatase inhibitors if needed. Serious side effects are rare when HCG is used under medical supervision.
Contraindications
- xHormone-sensitive cancers (prostate, breast)
- xPrecocious puberty in children
- xKnown allergy to HCG or any component
- xPregnancy (in therapeutic male contexts)
- xUntreated thyroid or adrenal disorders
Decision Guide
Which is
right for you?
Choose Buserelin if...
- Managing advanced prostate cancer
- Treating endometriosis and reducing associated pain
- Optimizing ovarian response during fertility treatments
Choose Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) if...
- Fertility preservation during TRT
- Maintaining testicular size and function
- Natural testosterone stimulation
- Post-cycle therapy recovery