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Injection Guide
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.
Route
Subcutaneous
Sites
3 recommended
Frequency
Twice weekly
Preparation
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)
Pro Tip
Prepare all supplies on a clean surface before you begin. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more sterile.
Mixing
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Gather all supplies on a clean, flat surface.
Remove the plastic cap from the peptide vial and wipe the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab. Let it air dry.
Draw the appropriate amount of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
Insert the needle into the vial at an angle, aiming at the inside wall of the vial. Slowly push the plunger to let the water trickle down the glass wall -- do NOT squirt directly onto the powder.
Once all water is added, gently swirl the vial in a slow circular motion. Never shake the vial, as this can damage the peptide bonds.
Continue swirling until the powder is completely dissolved and the solution is clear. If particles remain, let the vial sit for a few minutes and swirl again.
Label the vial with the date of reconstitution, the peptide name, and the concentration (e.g. 250mcg per 0.1mL).
Example Calculation
If you have a 5,000 IU vial and add 2.5mL of BAC water, you get a concentration of 2,000 IU/mL. So every 0.25mL (25 units on an insulin syringe) equals 500 IU of HCG.
Dose Calculation
For a 500 IU dose at 2,000 IU/mL concentration: draw 0.25mL (25 units on a standard insulin syringe). For 1,000 IU: draw 0.5mL (50 units).
Pro Tip
Always add the bacteriostatic water slowly, letting it run down the side of the vial. Never shake the vial -- swirl gently to avoid damaging the peptide.
Location
Site 01
Abdomen
Pinch the skin 2 inches from navel. Avoid the area directly around the belly button. Rotate between left and right sides.
Site 02
Outer Thigh
Middle third of the outer thigh. Keep at least 4 inches above the knee and below the hip. Alternate legs each injection.
Site 03
Gluteal
Upper outer quadrant of the buttock. This site is best for intramuscular injections and larger volumes.
Rotate between 3 sites to prevent tissue buildup and ensure consistent absorption.
Pro Tip
Rotate your injection sites with each dose to prevent lipohypertrophy (buildup of fatty tissue). Keep a simple log of where you last injected.
Step by Step
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and let it air dry
For subcutaneous: pinch about an inch of skin to create a fold
Insert the needle at a 45-90 degree angle (45 if you're lean, 90 if you have more tissue)
Push the plunger slowly and steadily over 5-10 seconds
Wait a few seconds before removing the needle
Apply light pressure with a clean swab if needed—don't rub
Pro Tip
This peptide uses subcutaneous injection (just under the skin) or intramuscular injection—subcutaneous is easier for self-administration and equally effective. Inject at a 45-90 degree angle into pinched skin. Aspirate before injecting to ensure you haven't hit a blood vessel.
Timing
Optimal Timing
Best time
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.
Stacking notes
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.
Sample Daily Schedule
Morning (or whenever convenient)
250-500 IU injection
Site: Rotate between belly and thigh
Standard twice-weekly protocol: inject Monday and Thursday, or Sunday and Wednesday. Pair with your TRT injections or on alternate days—both approaches are effective. Most men use HCG continuously alongside testosterone therapy.
Dosing Tiers
Dose
250-500 IU
Frequency
Twice weekly
Duration
Ongoing with TRT
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.
Dose
500-1000 IU
Frequency
Twice weekly
Duration
Ongoing with TRT or standalone
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.
Dose
1000-2000 IU
Frequency
Two to three times weekly
Duration
12-16 weeks for restart protocols
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.
Preservation
Before Mixing
Keep your HCG powder in the refrigerator (36-46°F / 2-8°C). While some products claim room temperature stability, refrigeration extends shelf life. Store in the original sealed vial away from light. Properly stored powder remains stable for 1-2 years.
After Mixing
Once mixed with bacteriostatic water, refrigerate at 36-46°F (2-8°C). Never freeze the reconstituted solution—freezing damages the protein structure and destroys the hormone. Keep away from light. Use within 30-60 days depending on your provider's guidance.
Shelf Life After Mixing
30-60 days
Signs of Degradation
Discard the vial immediately if you notice any of these:
Cloudy or hazy appearance (should be crystal clear)
Visible particles floating or settled at the bottom
Color changes—any discoloration means discard it
Clumping or precipitation that doesn't dissolve when gently swirled
Important
When to Stop
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.
Clean Technique Checklist
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling supplies
Swab vial tops and injection site with alcohol and let dry
Never touch the needle tip or allow it to contact non-sterile surfaces
Use a new syringe and needle for each injection
Dispose of used sharps in a proper sharps container
Store reconstituted peptides according to the storage instructions above