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hCG

Aliases: Humani korionski gonadotropin · Pregnyl · Ovitrelle (rekombinantni)

Last verified: 2026-09-23

Approved drugStrong evidencePeptidesMedium interest

The short version

hCG is a full-fledged drug with decades of clinical experience: LH replacement in fertility, testicular stimulation in hypogonadism, and — in its more controversial use — the 'HCG diet', which has been scientifically rejected. For the 'testosterone axis' its role is physiological: it maintains intratesticular testosterone when external testosterone therapy is stopped. It is a proven, approved hormone — but also a hormone with real risks such as gynecomastia and testicular depression when misused.

Identity & type

Molecular type
peptide
Sequence / structure
Glikoproteinski hormon, α+β lanac
Molecular weight
~36,7 kDa
Origin
Human chorionic gonadotropin, a natural glycoprotein hormone; approved drug for fertility and hypogonadism.

Mechanism of action

LH-receptor agonism on Leydig cells → testosterone; ovulation in women.

Dosing & routes

Official / clinical context

Approved drug — indications, dosing and warnings are defined by the official label. Men: 500–1500 IU 2–3× weekly; IVF: 5000–10000 IU once.

Regulator-approved labeling and published study designs — never a recommendation.

Community-reported practice

Men: 500–1500 IU 2–3× weekly; IVF: 5000–10000 IU once. In the male TRT/fertility community: preserves testes and endogenous testosterone production; some feel libido rejuvenation, but also estradiol rise if unbalanced.

Unverified self-reports. Not medical advice. Not endorsement.

Expected effects (community)

In the male TRT/fertility community: preserves testes and endogenous testosterone production; some feel libido rejuvenation, but also estradiol rise if unbalanced.

Protocol — official vs community

Official / label

Approved for hypogonadism and fertility: 1,000–10,000 IU IM/SC depending on indication. TRT-adjunct protocols commonly 500–1,500 IU 2–3× weekly.

  1. 01Dose set by testosterone response and estradiol monitoring

Duration: Indication-dependent; fertility protocols are course-based.

Preserves testicular function and fertility during TRT — its main modern off-label role.

Community (anecdotal)

250–500 IU SC 2–3× weekly alongside exogenous testosterone; or 1,500–3,000 IU weekly in PCT-style protocols after SARM/AAS cycles.

Cycle:
TRT-adjunct: continuous. PCT: 3–4 weeks.
Break:
PCT cycles end with HCG taper.

The PCT use is anabolic-culture practice with thin formal evidence but solid endocrine logic (LH-mimetic).

Human evidence

Approved and studied for decades in fertility and hypogonadism; all effects are well characterized.

Preclinical evidence

The preclinical phase was completed and submitted to regulators as part of registration; pharmacology and toxicology details are part of the official label.

Known risks

  • Gynecomastia, acne, edemacharacterized
  • Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (in fertility)characterized
  • Risk of masking testicular cancer with unexplained elevationcharacterized

Teal: characterized in clinical/labeling contexts. Amber: theoretical or reported outside controlled settings.

Unknowns & evidence gaps

  • Optimal regimen outside fertility and hypogonadism

Frequently asked questions

References

  1. Lijesen A.C. et al., hCG diet meta-analyses
  2. hCG — regulatory documentation (Pregnyl et al.)