HCG is a placental glycoprotein hormone that mimics luteinizing hormone and is FDA-approved for fertility indications and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. In male research and TRT-adjacent contexts it is used to maintain testicular testosterone production and testicular size. It is supplied as a lyophilized powder dosed in international units (IU) rather than milligrams.
Mechanism under study
Acts as an LH mimic, binding the LH/CG receptor (LHCGR) on testicular Leydig cells to drive testosterone synthesis, and in females triggering ovulation and supporting the corpus luteum.
Research-reported dosing
Dosed in IU and FDA-approved. Clinical and research reports for male testosterone support commonly cite roughly 250-500 IU subcutaneously two to three times weekly, while ovulation induction uses a single dose near 5,000-10,000 IU. Framed as reported, not recommended.
Lyophilized and measured in IU, not mg. A 5,000 IU vial reconstituted with 2 mL bacteriostatic water yields 2,500 IU/mL; on a U-100 syringe 1 unit (0.01 mL) is about 25 IU, so a reported 250 IU dose is roughly 0.1 mL (10 units). Dosing is tracked in IU rather than milligrams.
Open this mix in the calculator →Dosing figures describe how this compound appears in the research literature and research-community references. They are not a recommendation for human use.
HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) FAQ
What is HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)?
HCG is a placental glycoprotein hormone that mimics luteinizing hormone and is FDA-approved for fertility indications and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. In male research and TRT-adjacent contexts it is used to maintain testicular testosterone production and testicular size. It is supplied as a lyophilized powder dosed in international units (IU) rather than milligrams.
What is the half-life of HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)?
Biphasic; a faster initial phase of roughly 11 hours and a terminal phase of about 24-36 hours.
What is the research-reported dosing for HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)?
Dosed in IU and FDA-approved. Clinical and research reports for male testosterone support commonly cite roughly 250-500 IU subcutaneously two to three times weekly, while ovulation induction uses a single dose near 5,000-10,000 IU. Framed as reported, not recommended.
How is HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) reconstituted?
Lyophilized and measured in IU, not mg. A 5,000 IU vial reconstituted with 2 mL bacteriostatic water yields 2,500 IU/mL; on a U-100 syringe 1 unit (0.01 mL) is about 25 IU, so a reported 250 IU dose is roughly 0.1 mL (10 units). Dosing is tracked in IU rather than milligrams.
Is HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) FDA-approved?
HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) has an approved status in at least one context — see the overview above for the specific brand, region, and indication. Research-grade material sold separately is for laboratory use only.
References
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