Hormonal
HCG
Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a glycoprotein hormone naturally produced by the placenta during pregnancy. It mimics luteinizing hormone (LH) activity by binding to LH/CG receptors in gonadal tissue, stimulating testosterone production in males and ovulation in females. Clinical applications include treatment of hypogonadism, fertility protocols, and maintenance of testicular function during testosterone replacement therapy.
Quick Facts
Also known asHuman Chorionic Gonadotropin, Pregnyl, Ovidrel
CategoryHormonal
Half-life~1 day
Routessubcutaneous, intramuscular
Common vial sizes2mg, 3mg, 5mg, 10mg
Molecular weight36700 Da
Chain length237 amino acids
FDA statusApproved
Storage2-8°C (refrigerated). Reconstituted: 30 days.
Dosing Protocols
| Goal | Dose | Frequency | Route | Cycle | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TRT Adjunct (Low Dose) | every other day | subcutaneous | Continuous | 250-500 IU every other day SubQ/IM, ongoing. Dose in IU not mcg. | |
| TRT Adjunct (Standard) | 2x/week | subcutaneous | Continuous | 500-1000 IU twice weekly SubQ/IM, ongoing. Dose in IU not mcg. | |
| HCG Monotherapy | 2-3x/week | intramuscular | Continuous | 1500-2000 IU 2-3x weekly IM, ongoing. Dose in IU not mcg. | |
| Fertility Protocol (with FSH) | 2-3x/week | intramuscular | 26 weeks | 1500-2000 IU 2-3x weekly IM, 3-6 months. Dose in IU not mcg. | |
| Ovulation Trigger (Female) | single dose | intramuscular | 0 weeks | 5000-10000 IU single dose IM/SubQ timed with follicle maturation. Dose in IU not mcg. | |
| PCT Protocol | every other day | subcutaneous | 3 weeks | 1000-1500 IU every other day for 2-3 weeks. Dose in IU not mcg. |
Protocols shown are for informational purposes only. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any peptide protocol.
Track Your HCG Protocol
Log doses, manage vial inventory, set injection reminders, and visualize blood concentration levels.
Start Tracking — FreeCommon Questions
How do I reconstitute HCG?
Add bacteriostatic water to your HCG vial (common sizes: 2mg, 3mg, 5mg, 10mg). The amount of BAC water depends on your desired concentration. Use our reconstitution calculator for exact measurements.
What is the typical dose of HCG?
A common dose for HCG is every other day via subcutaneous. 250-500 IU every other day SubQ/IM, ongoing. Dose in IU not mcg.
What is the half-life of HCG?
The half-life of HCG is approximately ~1 day. This determines how long the peptide remains active in your body and influences dosing frequency.
How should I store HCG?
Store HCG at 2-8°C (refrigerated). Prescription pharmaceutical. Reconstituted with supplied diluent (bacteriostatic water). Some formulations may be stored at room temperature before reconstitution. Check manufacturer guidelines. Once reconstituted, use within 30 days.
Is HCG FDA approved?
Yes, HCG has FDA approval for specific medical indications.
References
- Spermatogenesis Induction with HCG/FSH (2018) (pubmed)
- Ovulation Induction Success Rates (2017) (pubmed)
- Cryptorchidism Treatment Meta-Analysis (2014) (pubmed)
- HCG Monotherapy for Hypogonadism (2013) (pubmed)
- HCG for Intratesticular Testosterone Maintenance During TRT (2005) (pubmed)
- Recombinant vs Urinary HCG Comparison (2003) (pubmed)
- Exogenous testosterone: a preventable cause of male infertility (2013) (pubmed)
- Reversible hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (2016) (pubmed)
- Biological functions of hCG and hCG-related molecules (2010) (pubmed)
- Age and duration of testosterone therapy predict time to return of sperm count (2017) (pubmed)
- HCG Diet Products Are Illegal - FDA (2011) (article)