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Sexual health

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

Placental hormone that mimics LH to stimulate testicular testosterone production and sperm output. Used clinically for hypogonadism/fertility, off-label in TRT, and in doping.

FDA approved Sexual health Fitness & muscle

Reviewed 2026-09-12
Full name
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), placental hormone
Also known as
hCG, Pregnyl, Novarel
Regulatory status
FDA approved | Off-label/illicit use: TRT adjunct, anabolic steroid doping
Variant note
HMG (human menopausal gonadotropin / menotropins) is a related fertility drug providing both FSH and LH (unlike hCG's LH-only activity), making it more effective for complete spermatogenesis recovery. Used clinically, often combined with hCG, but has a thinner off-label TRT following due to cost and complexity; not covered as a separate leaf page.

Origin

A glycoprotein hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy, purified from urine or produced recombinantly. Approved since the mid-20th century for male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and female ovulation induction, and a ubiquitous TRT/AAS adjunct in the fitness community.

Mechanism

Binds LH receptors on testicular Leydig cells, stimulating testosterone synthesis. Unlike exogenous testosterone, hCG stimulates endogenous production and helps maintain spermatogenesis and testicular size during TRT.

Research summary

Evidence

hCG monotherapy restores testosterone and can induce spermatogenesis in ~70% of men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Small studies support combined hCG + testosterone protocols for fertility preservation on TRT, with variable response; dosing strategies are empirically derived rather than from large RCTs.

Evidence tier: FDA approved — see the methodology note for how this is assessed.

Citations

Reported benefits

  • stimulation of endogenous testosterone production
  • maintenance/recovery of spermatogenesis
  • reduced testicular atrophy during TRT
  • fertility preservation

Dosing protocols reported in the literature & community

These are protocols reported by compounding pharmacies, published trials, or self-experimentation communities — not a prescription. Start low, especially for anything new.

Reported dosing protocols
RouteReported protocol
Intramuscular or subcutaneous injectionHypogonadotropic hypogonadism: 1,000-2,000 IU IM 2-3x weekly. TRT adjunct (off-label): 250-500 IU 3x weekly.

Side effects

  • gynecomastia
  • acne
  • testicular discomfort
  • mood swings
  • elevated hematocrit
  • potential thrombotic complications at doping doses

Safety notes

Safety: Well-tolerated at therapeutic TRT-adjunct doses. High doping doses risk excessive testosterone, severe gynecomastia, and polycythemia. Requires periodic monitoring of testosterone, estradiol, hematocrit.
Community & reddit notes (anecdotal — not clinical evidence)

Extremely common in TRT/PED communities; typical protocol 250-500 IU 2-3x weekly alongside testosterone. Higher doses (1,000-5,000 IU) used in AAS cycles to maintain testicular size.

Mixing compatibility

Pulled from a community-charted mixing-compatibility reference (anecdotal, clinic-use, and community-reported signals) — not a safety guarantee. Verify independently before combining anything.

Anecdotally combined (outside clinic protocols)

Reported as a combination to avoid