Peptide Profile
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)
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.
Dose Range
250-2000IU
Frequency
Twice weekly
Route
Subcutaneous injection
Cycle Length
Ongoing/indefinite
Onset
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence
Strong
Compound Profile
Scientific & Efficacy Data
C1105H1770N318O336S26 (approximate)
Molecular Formula
36,700 g/mol (approximately)
Molecular Weight
24-36 hours
Half-Life
High when injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly
Bioavailability
9002-61-3
CAS #
Not assigned (complex glycoprotein)
PubChem ID ↗
Developed By · 1920
Bernhard Zondek and Selmar Aschheim
Charité University Hospital, Berlin
Primary Benefits
Gold standard for maintaining sperm production during TRT—research shows ~80% success rate in preserving or restoring spermatogenesis
Highly effective at preventing and reversing testicular atrophy caused by external testosterone or steroid use
Supports natural testosterone production and helps maintain healthy intratesticular hormone levels alongside TRT
Amino Acid Sequence
Heterodimeric glycoprotein: alpha subunit (92 amino acids) common to LH, FSH, TSH; beta subunit (145 amino acids) unique to HCGDosing
How much
do I take?
Starting Dose
250-500 IU
This is a conservative starting point for men using HCG alongside testosterone therapy. The goal is to maintain testicular function and fertility without overstimulating estrogen production. Start low and adjust based on lab work and how you feel.
Standard Dose
500-1000 IU
The most commonly prescribed range for men on TRT who want to maintain testicular size and fertility. Many clinics use 500 IU two to three times per week as their standard protocol. Monitor estrogen levels as HCG can increase aromatization.
Advanced Dose
1000-2000 IU
Higher doses are typically used for fertility induction in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism or as part of post-cycle therapy after anabolic steroid use. These protocols often include FSH as well. Requires careful medical supervision and monitoring of estrogen and testosterone levels.
Timing
Best time to take
Most men inject HCG on set days—for example, Monday and Thursday, or Sunday and Wednesday. Time of day doesn't matter much, but consistency helps you remember. Some prefer morning injections.
With food?
HCG can be taken regardless of food timing. Absorption is not affected by meals since it's injected, not taken orally.
If stacking
When using with testosterone, inject HCG on the same days or alternate days—both approaches work. If using an aromatase inhibitor, take it as prescribed to manage any estrogen increase from HCG.
Adjusting Your Dose
Increase if
- +Testicular volume continues to decrease despite current dose
- +Sperm count remains suppressed when fertility is the goal
- +Your doctor determines testosterone response is inadequate
- +You're transitioning to a fertility-focused protocol
Decrease if
- -Estrogen levels rise too high (confirmed by blood work)
- -You experience significant water retention or bloating
- -Gynecomastia symptoms develop (tender or swelling breast tissue)
- -Mood swings or irritability become problematic
Signs of right dose
- ✓Testicles maintain normal size and firmness
- ✓Hormone levels (testosterone, estrogen, LH) are in healthy ranges
- ✓Sperm production maintained or improved (if monitored)
- ✓No significant side effects like gynecomastia or water retention
Dosing Calculator
Calculate Your Exact Dose
Amount to Draw
10
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Suitability
Is this
right for me?
Best For
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.
Consider Alternatives If
Who Should Avoid
Do not use if
- ×You have a hormone-sensitive cancer such as prostate cancer—HCG increases testosterone which could stimulate tumor growth
- ×You have a history of blood clots—HCG may increase clotting risk in susceptible individuals
- ×You're a woman trying to use HCG for weight loss—this use is not FDA approved and studies show it doesn't work
- ×You have precocious puberty or a child with early puberty signs—HCG can accelerate pubertal development
- ×You've had an allergic reaction to HCG or gonadotropin products before
Use with caution if
- !You have heart disease or are at risk for cardiovascular events—monitor closely
- !You're prone to gynecomastia—HCG can increase estrogen through aromatization
- !You have a history of migraines—headaches may worsen initially
- !You have kidney disease—fluid retention effects may be amplified
- !You take blood thinners—monitor for any injection site bleeding
- !You have epilepsy—there are rare reports of seizure threshold changes
Administration
How do I
use it?
Reconstitution
What you need
- •Bacteriostatic water (BAC water)—the preservative allows multiple uses
- •Insulin syringes (29-31 gauge)—thin needles for comfortable injections
- •Alcohol swabs for cleaning vial tops and injection sites
- •Your HCG powder vial (typically 5,000 IU or 10,000 IU)
Injection
Route
Subcutaneous injection (just under the skin) or intramuscular injection—subcutaneous is easier for self-administration and equally effective
Best sites
- •Belly fat area (about 2 inches away from your belly button)
- •Front or outer thigh (middle section)
- •Upper outer buttock area (for IM injections)
Technique
- 1.Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
- 2.Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and let it air dry
- 3.For subcutaneous: pinch about an inch of skin to create a fold
- 4.Insert the needle at a 45-90 degree angle (45 if you're lean, 90 if you have more tissue)
- 5.Push the plunger slowly and steadily over 5-10 seconds
- 6.Wait a few seconds before removing the needle
- 7.Apply light pressure with a clean swab if needed—don't rub
Storage
Signs of degradation
Sample Daily Schedule
Safety
Is it
safe?
Safety Profile
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.
HCG is FDA-approved for specific indications including hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in males. There's substantial clinical evidence from decades of use in fertility medicine and more recent research on its role in TRT protocols. Large real-world studies have confirmed its safety and effectiveness when properly monitored.
Common Side Effects
Experienced by some users
Injection site reactions
Mild pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site is normal and typically resolves within a day or two.
Management: Rotate injection sites regularly. Use proper technique and clean supplies. A cold compress can help if there's swelling.
Headache
Some men experience headaches, especially when starting HCG therapy. This usually improves after the first few weeks.
Management: Stay well-hydrated and use over-the-counter pain relievers if needed. If persistent, discuss with your doctor.
Water retention
Mild fluid retention can occur, causing slight bloating or puffiness. This is related to hormonal changes.
Management: Reduce sodium intake, stay hydrated, and exercise regularly. Usually mild and manageable.
Less Common
- •Gynecomastia
- •Mood changes
- •Acne
These typically resolve with continued use or dose adjustment.
Stop and Seek Help If
- ×Signs of allergic reaction—rash, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing (stop immediately, seek emergency care)
- ×Significant gynecomastia development that doesn't respond to estrogen management
- ×Blood clot symptoms—sudden leg pain/swelling, chest pain, shortness of breath (stop immediately, seek emergency care)
- ×Your fertility or TRT goals have been achieved and your doctor recommends discontinuation
- ×Unacceptable side effects that don't improve with dose adjustments
- ×Development of hormone-sensitive conditions
HCG is a prescription medication and should only be used under medical supervision. Never start, stop, or adjust your dosing without consulting your healthcare provider. This information is for educational purposes only—not medical advice.
Interactions
With other peptides
- ✓Both stimulate the reproductive axis through different mechanisms. Can be used together in some protocols but monitor hormone levels carefully.
- ✓Experimental combination—both affect gonadotropin release. Limited data on concurrent use.
- ✓No known interaction. Different mechanisms of action.
With medications
- ✓Testosterone (TRT) - Commonly used together. HCG helps maintain testicular function during TRT. This is a standard protocol.
- ✓Clomiphene citrate - Often combined for fertility protocols or PCT. Both stimulate testosterone through different pathways.
- ✓Aromatase inhibitors (Anastrozole) - May be needed to control estrogen that rises with HCG use. Monitor levels and dose appropriately.
- ✓Blood thinners (Warfarin, etc.) - May increase bruising at injection sites. Monitor INR closely as hormone changes can affect clotting.
- ✓Thyroid medications - HCG has weak TSH-like activity. Monitor thyroid function if on thyroid medication.
With supplements
- ✓DHEA - Both affect hormone levels. Use together cautiously and monitor hormone panels.
- ✓Zinc - Zinc supports testosterone production and is safe to take with HCG.
- ✓Vitamin D - Important for hormone health. Safe and potentially complementary.
- ✓DIM (Diindolylmethane) - May help with estrogen metabolism. Can be used alongside HCG.
Effectiveness
Does it
work?
Evidence Level
Strong human trials
What to Expect
Week 1-2
What you might notice
- •Injection site reactions as your body gets used to the medication
- •Possible mild headaches or fatigue during adjustment
- •Some men notice improved mood or libido relatively quickly
- •Your body is beginning to respond to the LH-like stimulation
What's normal
- •Not feeling dramatic changes yet—HCG works gradually
- •Minor injection site redness or soreness that fades
- •Some water retention or mild bloating
What's next
- →Continue your prescribed protocol consistently
- →Track how you feel in a simple log
- →Side effects typically improve after the first couple weeks
Week 3-6
What you might notice
- •Testicles maintaining size or returning to fuller size
- •Stable testosterone levels when combined with TRT
- •Improved energy, libido, and overall well-being
- •Body adjusting to the hormonal changes
What's normal
- •Settling into the routine with fewer initial side effects
- •Noticeable testicular fullness compared to before HCG
- •Stable mood and energy levels
What's next
- →Blood work at 4-6 weeks to check testosterone, estrogen, and other markers
- →Dose adjustments may be made based on lab results
- →Continue monitoring for any gynecomastia signs
Week 8-12 and beyond
What you might notice
- •Sustained testicular size and function
- •For fertility goals: sperm count may be returning or maintained
- •Stable hormonal balance with good quality of life
- •Long-term benefits becoming apparent
What's normal
- •HCG becomes a routine part of your protocol
- •Consistent results with minimal side effects
- •Fertility preserved or improving (if that's your goal)
What's next
- →Regular monitoring every 3-6 months (blood work)
- →Semen analysis if fertility is the goal
- →Ongoing protocol adjustments as needed based on labs and symptoms
Not Seeing Results?
Common reasons
- •Dose too low—some men need higher doses to maintain testicular function, especially if already significantly suppressed
- •Poor quality HCG from unreliable source—always use pharmaceutical-grade product from licensed pharmacies
- •Improper storage degraded the hormone—HCG is a protein and degrades if not refrigerated or if frozen after reconstitution
- •Not enough time—testicular recovery and spermatogenesis take months, not weeks
- •Estrogen rising unchecked—high estrogen can counteract some benefits; may need an aromatase inhibitor
- •Underlying primary hypogonadism—if testes are damaged, they may not respond to HCG (it requires functioning Leydig cells)
Key Research
"Indications for the use of human chorionic gonadotropic hormone for the management of infertility in hypogonadal men"
Lee JA, Ramasamy R, 2018
Finding: This review established that HCG therapy can help re-establish or maintain spermatogenesis in hypogonadal men, making it an essential tool for fertility preservation during testosterone therapy. It highlighted HCG's role in maintaining intratesticular testosterone levels.
View Study"Preserving fertility in the hypogonadal patient: an update"
Ramasamy R, Armstrong JM, Lipshultz LI, 2015
Finding: This study showed that HCG can reverse azoospermia caused by testosterone therapy and maintain elevated intratesticular testosterone levels. The research demonstrated that combining HCG with selective estrogen receptor modulators effectively maintains spermatogenesis in hypogonadal men.
View Study"Gonadotropin Treatment for the Male Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism"
Boeri L, Capogrosso P, Salonia A, 2021
Finding: This comprehensive review found that combined HCG and FSH therapy promotes testicular growth in almost all patients, spermatogenesis in approximately 80%, and pregnancy rates around 50% in men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Treatment duration of 12-24 months was typical for optimal results.
View Study"Induction of Spermatogenesis and Its Predictors in Men with Prepubertal-Onset Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism"
Cho MC, Lee H, Kim SW, 2025
Finding: This study demonstrated that gonadotropin therapy with HCG and FSH successfully induced spermatogenesis in 82% of patients with prepubertal-onset hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Larger baseline testicular volume was the best predictor of treatment success.
View Study"Real-World Outcomes and Safety of Testosterone Therapy: A Longitudinal, Retrospective Cohort Study"
Clift AK, Johnson H, Huang DR, Morgentaler A, 2026
Finding: In a study of over 9,500 men, 75% received HCG as part of their testosterone therapy protocol. The combination showed a favorable safety profile with significant improvements in quality of life, sexual function, energy levels, and performance in work and sport.
View StudyFrequently Asked Questions