Pepbase

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

Also known as: hCG

FDA Approved
Hormone OptimizationSexual HealthPerformance

Primary use: Testosterone maintenance

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What is HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)?

HCG is a glycoprotein hormone naturally produced by the placenta during pregnancy. It is commonly used to treat hypogonadism, infertility, and to maintain testicular function in testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). FDA-approved for several medical conditions, it can lead to elevated estrogen levels as a side effect. Risks such as thromboembolism and gynecomastia require careful monitoring.

Primary Benefits
  • Maintains testicular function
  • Preserves fertility in men
  • Stimulates testosterone production
How It Works

HCG binds to luteinizing hormone (LH) receptors on Leydig cells in the testes, stimulating the production of testosterone and promoting the biosynthesis of estrogen. It mimics LH activity, which is crucial in maintaining male fertility and supporting testicular function during hormone replacement therapies.

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Safety Tips

Precautions reported in community discussions and literature. This is not a complete list. View Full Side Effects Guide →
  • 1DON'T use without monitoring estrogen levels; can cause gynecomastia.
  • 2NEVER use if you have a hormone-sensitive cancer.
  • 3AVOID high doses to prevent excessive testosterone and estrogen production.
  • 4DON'T store reconstituted HCG improperly; keep refrigerated.
  • 5NEVER inject without a proper schedule, especially during TRT.

Who Should NOT Use

  • Hormone-sensitive cancers
  • Pregnancy
  • Thromboembolic history

Dosage & Protocols

Different purposes have different protocols, dosing, and considerations

💉

Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (Males)

strong evidence

FDA-approved for secondary hypogonadism to stimulate testosterone production. Often combined with FSH for spermatogenesis induction.

Evidence: Multiple studies confirm efficacy, often used together with FSH for fertility.

The following are ranges reported in published literature and community discussions. These are NOT recommendations or medical advice.

Range
1000-2000 IU
Frequency
twice weekly
Cycle
0-0 months
Route
Subcutaneous, Intramuscular
TimingNo specific time requirement
NotesConsistency in schedule is key; doses are spaced between testosterone injections

📋Community-Reported Protocols

Not recommendations:

The following protocols are compiled from online communities and published literature. Pepbase does not endorse, recommend, or verify these protocols. They are provided for informational purposes only. Individual responses vary significantly. Consult a licensed medical professional before any use.

Reported GoalReported DoseReported FrequencyReported Route
Hypogonadism treatment1000-2000 IU2-3 times weeklyIM injection

⏱️Pharmacokinetics

Half-Life
24-36 hours
Time to Peak
6-12 hours
Clearance
Bioavailability 40-50%

⚡Reported Side Effects

This is not a complete list. Other side effects may occur.

Common
Gynecomastiacommon (1-10%)
Mood swingscommon (1-10%)
Serious / Rare
  • • Thromboembolism
  • • Precocious puberty in children
Injection-Specific Warnings
  • Injection site reactions
  • Ensure sterile technique

🧊Storage

Temperature
2-8°C
Reconstituted
Refrigerated
Shelf Life
30-60 days
Light Sensitive
No
💉

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) adjunct

strong evidence

Used in TRT protocols to maintain testicular function and fertility.

Evidence: Commonly used in TRT protocols with broad clinical support.

The following are ranges reported in published literature and community discussions. These are NOT recommendations or medical advice.

Range
250-1000 IU
Frequency
twice weekly
Cycle
0-0 months
Route
Subcutaneous, Intramuscular
TimingEvenly spaced between testosterone injections
NotesDoses often administered on days between testosterone injections

📋Community-Reported Protocols

Not recommendations:

The following protocols are compiled from online communities and published literature. Pepbase does not endorse, recommend, or verify these protocols. They are provided for informational purposes only. Individual responses vary significantly. Consult a licensed medical professional before any use.

Reported GoalReported DoseReported FrequencyReported Route
TRT adjunct250-500 IUEvery other daySubQ or IM

⏱️Pharmacokinetics

Half-Life
24-36 hours
Time to Peak
6-12 hours
Clearance
Bioavailability 40-50%

⚡Reported Side Effects

This is not a complete list. Other side effects may occur.

Common
Headachesuncommon (0.1-1%)
Serious / Rare
  • • Risk of ovarian hyperstimulation (in women)
Injection-Specific Warnings
  • Rotate injection sites to avoid irritation

🧊Storage

Temperature
2-8°C
Reconstituted
Refrigerated
Shelf Life
30-60 days
Light Sensitive
No
💉

Congenital Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism

limited evidence

Investigated for stimulation of testosterone and testicular development in adolescent males with CHH.

Evidence: Investigational use in pediatrics, efficacy in trial settings.

The following are ranges reported in published literature and community discussions. These are NOT recommendations or medical advice.

Range
1000-2000 IU
Frequency
twice weekly
Cycle
0-0 months
Route
Intramuscular
TimingAs prescribed per protocol
NotesDoses adjusted based on testosterone levels

⏱️Pharmacokinetics

Half-Life
24-36 hours
Time to Peak
6-12 hours
Clearance
Bioavailability 40-50%

⚡Reported Side Effects

This is not a complete list. Other side effects may occur.

Common
Fluid retentionuncommon (0.1-1%)
Serious / Rare
  • • Precocious puberty risk in pediatric patients
Injection-Specific Warnings
  • Monitor for early puberty signs

🧊Storage

Temperature
2-8°C
Reconstituted
Refrigerated
Shelf Life
30-60 days
Light Sensitive
No
🛡️

Harm Reduction Information

Quality Concerns

  • Contamination risk from non-pharmaceutical sources
  • Variation in purity with compounded products

Safety Tips

  • Use sterile technique for injections
  • Store reconstituted solutions in the refrigerator
  • Start with the lowest effective dose to assess tolerance
  • Rotate injection sites regularly
  • Consult a healthcare provider before use

Warning Signs to Stop

  • Development of gynecomastia
  • Persistent headaches
  • Unexplained mood swings

Seek Medical Help Immediately If

  • Signs of thromboembolism
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Uncontrolled fluid retention
❓

Frequently Asked Questions

How long until I see effects?

With HCG, effects such as increased testosterone levels can be noticeable within 2-4 weeks, with ongoing improvements in fertility markers over several months.

What time of day should I take it?

HCG can be injected at any consistent time of the day but maintaining a regular schedule, often in the morning, is recommended.

How can I minimize side effects?

Minimizing HCG side effects involves carefully monitoring hormone levels and possibly using aromatase inhibitors to manage increased estrogen.

Does tolerance develop?

Tolerance to HCG is rare, but regular monitoring of hormone levels can ensure ongoing efficacy.

How should I store it?

Store reconstituted HCG in the refrigerator at 2-8°C and use within 30-60 days depending on the diluent.

Do I need to cycle it?

For TRT purposes, HCG is typically not cycled and is used ongoingly, but cycling may be necessary for other protocols.

Can I combine it with other peptides?

HCG is often combined with testosterone and FSH to enhance fertility and maintain testicular function.

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Reported Combinations

Compounds reported to be used alongside HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) in community discussions. Not a recommendation.

approved medical

Testosterone

Enhances efficacy in restoring testosterone levels

approved medical

FSH (Follitropin)

Combined for enhanced fertility treatment

off label-medical

Aromatase Inhibitors

Balances estrogen increase and prevents side effects

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Reported Interactions

Interactions reported in literature and community discussions.

Testosteronemoderate

Commonly used together, monitor hormone levels

Aromatase Inhibitorsmoderate

Used to manage estrogen levels in combination

GnRH Analogsmoderate

Monitor hormone levels when used together

Clomiphenemoderate

Use sequentially in fertility protocols

FSH (Follitropin)major

Synergistic effect for fertility enhancement

Reconstitution Guide

Reconstitution Calculator

mL
U100 insulin syringe01020304050607080901001mL

100 units = 1 mL

Safety Tips

  • Always consult a licensed medical professional for dosing and reconstitution instructions.
  • Always double check your units. Mixing up mg and mcg can be very dangerous.
  • Make sure to select your syringe type. U-100 and U-50 syringes have different units.
  • Ensure you're not adding more BAC than your vial can hold. Most vials have maximum capacities listed.

This calculator is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, dosing recommendations, or safety determinations. Reference ranges shown are compiled from publicly available sources and are not a substitute for guidance from a licensed healthcare professional.

Explore More Research

Browse our database of peptide research information compiled from published literature and community sources.

Browse All PeptidesAbout Pepbase App
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Other Sources & Citations

PubMed
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - NIH
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov•Updated Jan 2026
Wikipedia
Human chorionic gonadotropin - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org•Updated Jan 2026
PubMed
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and Related Peptides: Candidate Anti ...pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov › articles › PMC8475184
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov•Updated Oct 2025
PubMed
Efficacy and Safety of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Monotherapy ...
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov•Updated Jan 2026
PubMed
Efficacy and safety of human chorionic gonadotropin combined with ...
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov•Updated Oct 2025

Last updated: October 7, 2023

Important Disclaimer

AI-Generated Content Notice

The information on this page has been compiled using artificial intelligence (AI) and large language model (LLM) technology from multiple sources including published literature, online communities, and public databases. This content may contain errors, inaccuracies, outdated information, or omissions. We make no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. You are solely responsible for independently verifying any information before relying on it.

Not Medical Advice

Nothing on this website constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. The information provided is for educational and harm-reduction purposes only. We do not provide individualized dosing guidance or treatment recommendations. Protocols and dosing information shown represent reports from community discussions and published literature—they are not endorsements or recommendations. Always consult with a licensed healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.

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Calculators and Tools

Any calculators, estimators, or tools provided on this website are for informational purposes only and produce estimates that may be inaccurate. Errors in calculations can result in serious harm. You are solely responsible for verifying all calculations independently. These tools do not account for individual factors that may affect dosing and should never be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical guidance.

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