hCG
Also called Human chorionic gonadotropin; Pregnyl; Ovidrel; Novarel
A pregnancy hormone with specific prescription uses in fertility care and some hormone conditions. It is not an effective weight-loss treatment.
Overview
What it is
A glycoprotein hormone (a protein with attached sugars) made by the placenta. Pregnancy tests detect it.
How it works
It mimics luteinizing hormone (LH). In the testes it stimulates testosterone production; in the ovaries it triggers ovulation and supports the corpus luteum.
What the research shows
AUA/ASRM guidance advises against testosterone alone for men who want fertility because it suppresses sperm production; hCG acts differently. For weight loss, a placebo-controlled trial and a meta-analysis found no benefit beyond diet.
Studied for
- Ovulation induction and IVFapproved
- Male hypogonadismapproved
- Weight lossnot effective
Safety and regulatory status
Safety and side effects
Reported effects include injection-site discomfort, headache, fluid retention and breast enlargement in men. In fertility treatment, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome can be serious; severe abdominal pain, rapid weight gain, persistent vomiting, reduced urination or shortness of breath need urgent contact with the care team. Multiple pregnancy and blood-clot risks also apply.
Regulatory status
FDA approved for specific fertility and hormonal uses. FDA warns that hCG is not approved for weight loss and against "hCG diet" products. Prohibited at all times in male athletes (WADA).
Mixing and dosing reference
Reference information only. Read before using this section.
HCG (10000 IU Vial) Dosage Protocol
- Vial
- 10,000 IU HCG
- Add diluent
- 2 mL
- Concentration
- 5,000 IU/mL
- 1 unit (U-100)
- 50 IU in 0.01 mL
- Route
- Subcutaneous
- How often
- Due to HCG’s 36‑hour half‑life, 3 times weekly is sufficient; daily injections are unnecessary.
- Typical range
- Standard maintenance: 500 IU per injection (1,500 IU/week); high‑dose recovery: 1,500–5,000 IU per injection.
- Cycle length
- 8–12 weeks typical; extend to 16+ weeks for severe suppression cases.
Standard Protocol
| Week/Phase | Dose per Injection (IU) | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–12 | 500 IU | 10 units (0.1 mL) |
High-Dose Protocol (for Post-Cycle Recovery or Severe Suppression)
| Week/Phase | Dose per Injection (IU) | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–4 | 1,500 IU | 30 units (0.3 mL) |
| Weeks 5–8 | 2,000 IU | 40 units (0.4 mL) |
| Weeks 9–12 | 1,000 IU | 20 units (0.2 mL) |
How to mix
- Draw 2 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming or vigorous shaking.
- Gently swirl or roll until the powder fully dissolves (clear solution).
- Label vial with reconstitution date and concentration (5,000 IU/mL); refrigerate immediately at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F).
Dosing details
- Evidence‑based HCG dosing approaches.
- Standard Maintenance: 500 IU SC on Monday/Wednesday/Friday maintains intratesticular testosterone at near‑normal levels during TRT.
- High‑Dose Recovery: 1,500–5,000 IU SC 3×/week for 3–6 months to restart spermatogenesis and testosterone production after anabolic steroid cessation.
- Frequency: Due to HCG’s 36‑hour half‑life, 3 times weekly is sufficient; daily injections are unnecessary.
- Cycle Length: 8–12 weeks typical; extend to 16+ weeks for severe suppression cases.
- Timing: Consistent days/times; rotate injection sites (abdomen, thighs).
Storage
- Lyophilized (Unreconstituted): Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F). Follow the exact product’s labeled storage conditions.
- Reconstituted: Must be refrigerated at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F). The use-by period is product-specific; bacteriostatic water alone does not establish it.
- Do NOT freeze reconstituted HCG; freezing denatures the protein.
- Store in original packaging or light‑protected container; minimize light exposure.
- Label vial with reconstitution date; follow its manufacturer’s use-by date and discard if cloudiness or particles appear.
Administration technique
- Subcutaneous injection best practices for HCG administration.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Remove HCG vial from refrigerator; wipe rubber stopper with alcohol swab and allow to dry.
- Draw prescribed dose into insulin syringe; tap out air bubbles.
- Select injection site and clean with alcohol swab; allow to dry completely.
- Site Selection: Abdomen (2+ inches from navel), outer thigh, or back of upper arm. Rotate sites systematically.
- Pinch Technique: Pinch a fold of skin between thumb and forefinger.
- Needle Angle: Insert needle at 90-degree angle (straight in) for most people; 45-degree angle if very lean with minimal subcutaneous fat.
- Injection: Do NOT aspirate for subcutaneous injections. Slowly depress plunger to inject solution.
- Withdrawal: Wait 5–10 seconds after injecting, then withdraw needle at same angle inserted. Gently press (don’t rub) injection site with clean cotton or gauze.
- Immediately dispose of used syringe in puncture‑proof sharps container.
- Return HCG vial to refrigerator promptly.
- Document injection date, dose, and site location.
Important notes
- Sterile Technique: Use new sterile insulin syringes; wipe vial stopper with alcohol before each draw; never reuse needles.
- Site Rotation: Rotate between abdomen (2+ inches from navel), outer thighs, and upper arms to prevent irritation and lipohypertrophy.
- Injection Speed: Inject slowly; wait 5–10 seconds before withdrawing needle to ensure full dispersal.
- Monitoring: Consider periodic testosterone and estradiol testing; HCG can increase estradiol conversion in some individuals.
- Documentation: Track injection dates, doses, and sites for consistency throughout the protocol.
Protocol source: PeptideDosages.com
Common questions
Is hCG a peptide?
It is a glycoprotein hormone. "hCG peptide therapy" is not a separate medical use.
Is hCG better than TRT?
They work differently. Fertility goals need specialist evaluation.
Does the hCG diet work?
No. Studies show no benefit beyond the restrictive diet itself.
Related in Hormones and Reproductive Health
Sources and further reading (5)
- DailyMed. Pregnyl and Ovidrel prescribing information.
- AUA/ASRM. Diagnosis and treatment of infertility in men, Part II, 2021.
- Lijesen GK, et al. hCG in obesity treatment: a meta-analysis. Br J Clin Pharmacol, 1995.
- FDA. Avoid dangerous hCG diet products.
- Source summary: PeptideDosages.com research overview (rewritten for NVO).
Laboratory research material: HCG Research Use Only