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HCG

Also sold as Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Pregnyl.

Half-life
33 h
Steady state
~7 d
Class
Fertility / TRT
Category
TRT

Published population averages. Steady state is the usual five half-life rule of thumb, not a measurement. See peptide half-life, explained.

Overview

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a glycoprotein hormone naturally produced during pregnancy. In male health, it mimics luteinizing hormone (LH) to maintain testicular function during TRT. It preserves intratesticular testosterone production, fertility potential, and testicular size that would otherwise decline during exogenous testosterone use.

How it works

Binds and activates LH/CG receptors on Leydig cells in the testes, stimulating intratesticular testosterone production and maintaining spermatogenesis. Also supports estrogen production via aromatase in Leydig and Sertoli cells. In females, triggers ovulation by mimicking the LH surge.

Half-life and peak

Biphasic elimination: initial phase ~11 hours, terminal phase ~23–33 hours. Peak serum levels reached 6–24 hours after intramuscular injection. Subcutaneous injection shows similar bioavailability. Typically dosed 2–3 times per week alongside TRT.

What it is studied for

Male fertility preservation during TRT, testicular atrophy prevention, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, cryptorchidism, ovulation induction (female), weight loss protocols (debunked).

Research status

FDA-approved for multiple indications (Pregnyl, Novarel). Well-established safety profile. FDA restricted compounding pharmacies from producing HCG (2020), then reversed. Standard of care for fertility preservation during TRT.

Sources

Educational reference only. This page describes what is published about a compound; it is not medical advice, not a recommendation to take anything, and not a dosing guide. Several compounds in this catalog are investigational and are not approved medicines. Talk to a doctor.

Guides that cover it