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FDA-approvedVendors pendingFacts verified · 2026-05-25

HCG

Also known as human chorionic gonadotropin, hcg, chorionic gonadotropin, choriogonadotropin alfa (recombinant) · Wikipedia

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is an FDA-approved placental glycoprotein hormone, not a small peptide. It is a heterodimer of an alpha subunit (~92 aa, shared with LH, FSH, and TSH) and a beta subunit (~145 aa, conferring specificity), both heavily glycosylated. hCG binds and activates the LH/CG receptor (LHCGR) on Leydig cells (driving intratesticular testosterone and supporting spermatogenesis) and on ovarian theca and granulosa cells (steroidogenesis and oocyte maturation/ovulation triggering). It is FDA-approved for induction of ovulation in anovulatory infertile women, treatment of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in males, and prepubertal cryptorchidism. It is widely used off-label as an adjunct to testosterone replacement to preserve testicular function and fertility.

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Mechanism of action

hCG is a heterodimeric glycoprotein hormone of the LH/FSH/TSH/CG family. Its beta subunit shares ~80% sequence identity with LH-beta, allowing hCG to act as a long-acting LH agonist at the LHCGR (LH/CG receptor).

hCG is a heterodimeric glycoprotein hormone of the LH/FSH/TSH/CG family. Its beta subunit shares ~80% sequence identity with LH-beta, allowing hCG to act as a long-acting LH agonist at the LHCGR (LH/CG receptor). In men, LHCGR activation on Leydig cells stimulates cAMP-mediated steroidogenesis, raising intratesticular testosterone 50-100 fold above peripheral levels and supporting Sertoli-cell-dependent spermatogenesis (Pregnyl/Novarel FDA labels). In women, hCG triggers final oocyte maturation and ovulation following gonadotropin priming and supports corpus luteum progesterone production in early pregnancy. Available as urinary-derived products (Pregnyl, Novarel) and as recombinant choriogonadotropin alfa (Ovidrel). Heavy glycosylation extends serum half-life to ~24-36 hours, dramatically longer than endogenous LH (~20 minutes), accounting for its sustained Leydig-cell stimulation.

Pharmacokinetic properties

Half-life

~24-36 hours (substantially longer than native LH at ~30 min, due to glycosylation and renal clearance properties)

Routes

subcutaneous · intramuscular

Bioavailability

Both SC and IM are clinically used; SC is more common in TRT and fertility self-administration. Oral bioavailability essentially zero (large glycoprotein, GI degradation).

Amino-acid sequence

(Glycoprotein hormone; alpha-subunit ~92 aa and beta-subunit ~145 aa with extensive glycosylation; full sequences omitted)

Use & research dosing

Fertility SupportTestosterone Support

Research framing only. FDA-labeled regimens include intramuscular hCG 5,000-10,000 IU as a single ovulation-triggering dose after menotropin priming, and 500-4,000 IU IM two-to-three times weekly for several months in male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Recombinant choriogonadotropin alfa is dosed at 250 mcg SC as a single ovulation trigger. Off-label TRT-adjunct protocols circulating in andrology practice typically use 250-500 IU SC two-to-three times weekly to preserve testicular volume and fertility. Doses must be individualized by a clinician with monitoring of estradiol, testosterone, hematocrit, and (in women) ovarian ultrasound to avoid ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

Research-use framing only. SavePeptides sells nothing for human consumption. Doses above reflect reported research / self-experimentation ranges, not clinical recommendations.

Editorial perspective

hCG is a protein hormone with decades of FDA-approved use in fertility and male hypogonadism. Its prominence in 'peptide' marketplaces reflects off-label adjunctive use with testosterone replacement therapy to preserve intratesticular testosterone, testicular volume, and spermatogenesis, and use during post-cycle therapy (PCT) after anabolic-androgenic-steroid cycles. The compound is banned in WADA-tested sport in men. The discredited 'hCG diet' for weight loss is not supported by evidence and the FDA has issued enforcement actions against homeopathic OTC hCG weight-loss products.

— SavePeptides editorial desk · last updated 2026-05-25

Cautions & contraindications

Before researching this compound, note:

  • Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) - potentially life-threatening in stimulated cycles; severe pelvic pain, ascites, thromboembolism, rare deaths reported
  • Precocious puberty - contraindicated in pediatric patients beyond cryptorchidism protocols
  • Hormone-sensitive cancers (prostate, breast, certain ovarian) - contraindicated
  • Multiple gestation and ectopic pregnancy risk when used for ovulation induction
  • Arterial thromboembolism reported, particularly in OHSS
  • Erythrocytosis/polycythemia in men on hCG plus TRT - monitor hematocrit
  • Gynecomastia and estradiol elevation due to intratesticular aromatization
  • False-positive home pregnancy tests for up to 2 weeks after dosing
  • Banned in WADA-tested sport (men); used for HPG-axis restart in bodybuilding contexts
  • Hypersensitivity reactions to urinary-derived products
  • Pre-existing thrombophilia, uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction - contraindicated
  • Not effective for weight loss; the 'hCG diet' is not supported by evidence and the FDA has issued warnings against OTC homeopathic hCG weight-loss products

Research foundation

The papers behind the page.

  1. [01]https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/017692s028s036s043lbl.pdf
  2. [02]https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6087849/
  3. [03]https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10083688/
  4. [04]https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11433561/

Facts verified

2026-05-25

Confidence

high

What this means

  • fda-approved
  • protein-not-peptide
  • trt-adjunct-off-label
  • wada-banned

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SavePeptides surfaces vendor, pricing, and coupon information for research compounds. These products are not intended, approved, or recommended for human consumption. Our content is informational only and does not constitute medical advice.