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HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

Glycoprotein hormone · LH/FSH receptor ligand · Recombinant

Half-life

~24-36h

After administration

Delivery Method

SubQ injection

Route of administration

Storage (Lyophilised)

12-24 months

2–8°C

Storage (Reconstituted)

30–60 days

Refrigerate at 2-8C

Known For

Mimics LH (luteinising hormone). Maintains testicular function, fertility, and intratesticular testosterone during TRT. Also used for fertility treatment in both sexes, weight loss protocols, and PCT after steroid cycles.

Mechanism of Action

Mimics LH — signals testes (Leydig cells) to produce testosterone, maintains testicular size/function. In women: triggers ovulation.

Body vs. External Supply

🔴 Exogenous (replaces natural)

Brand / Trade Names

Pregnyl® (Organon) Novarel® (Ferring) Ovidrel® (EMD Serono) — recombinant Choriomon® Multiple generics available worldwide

Typical Research Dosage

Men on TRT: 250-500 IU 2-3x per week SubQ. Fertility: 1000-2000 IU 2-3x per week. Women: per fertility clinic protocol.

Vial Duration Guide

5000 IU vial at 500 IU 3x/wk = ~3.3 weeks. 10000 IU = ~6.7 weeks.

Recommended Vial Size

★ 5000 IU vials At 500 IU 3x/wk, 5000 IU = ~3.3 weeks ✓. 10000 IU = 6.7 weeks — borderline ⚠️. HCG is stable (30-60 days) so 10000 is OK, but 5000 is safer.

Time to Effects

EARLY: 1-2 weeks FULL: 4-12 weeks Week 1-2: Testosterone increase measurable within days. Some feel improved energy/mood quickly. Testicular 'fullness' if previously atrophied from TRT. Week 2-4: Clear hormonal improvements. Libido increase. Improved recovery. Week 4-8: Testicular volume normalised. Hormonal benefits stable. Week 8-12: Fertility parameters improved (if that was the goal). Fastest-acting gonadotropin on this list due to direct LH-mimicking action. For fertility: minimum 3-6 months.

Contraindications & Do Not Combine

• Caution combining with Gonadorelin (overlapping LH stimulation) • Monitor estradiol — HCG can increase aromatisation (may need AI)

Common Side Effects

Headache, irritability, water retention/bloating, gynecomastia (aromatisation to estrogen), injection site pain, ovarian hyperstimulation (women — OHSS)

Drug Interactions

Aromatase inhibitors (may be needed to control estrogen), testosterone (co-administered commonly), clomiphene

Reversibility

Reversible — testosterone returns to baseline within weeks of stopping. May help RESTORE axis better than going cold turkey off TRT.

Key Peer-Reviewed References

All studies are published in indexed journals unless otherwise noted.

• FDA Approved: Multiple brands (Pregnyl, Novarel, Ovidrel) for fertility • Ley & Leonard (1985) JCEM 61:746-52 — Testosterone stimulation • Standard of care for male infertility and ovulation induction • Well-established 60+ years of clinical use • Also used in TRT protocols to maintain fertility/testicular size

Research Disclaimer

Almost all data is preclinical (animal or in-vitro). No large-scale randomised controlled human trials are available for most compounds on this catalogue. This information is provided for research reference only.

Storage Requirements

Reconstituted: 2-8°C, 30-60 days (relatively stable). Some pre-mixed: check label.

State	Condition	Duration
Lyophilised (sealed)	2–8°C	12-24 months
Reconstituted	2-8C	30–60 days

Reconstitution Note

Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water (BAC water). Do not shake vigorously -- swirl gently to dissolve. Inject BAC water slowly down the side of the vial to avoid denaturing the peptide.

Video Resources

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) discussed by researchers & practitioners

Independent educational content from researchers, clinicians, and science communicators. Not affiliated with Pepnerd — provided as supplementary reading.

Educational resources only. The videos above are independent third-party content from researchers, clinicians, and science communicators. Pepnerd is not affiliated with any of these creators and does not endorse or make any claims based on their content. All products are sold strictly for in-vitro scientific research.

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$90.00 per vial

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Quick Reference

Half-life	~24-36 hours (biphasic: initial 6hr, terminal 24-36hr)
Delivery	SubQ injection
Typical dose	250-500 IU
Storage (lyoph.)	2–8°C
Storage (recon.)	30–60 days
Endogenous?	Exogenous (replaces natural)
Suppression	Suppresses LH/FSH
WADA	Prohibited (S2)
FDA status	Approved (Novarel/Pregnyl)