At a glance
Effects
- Endogenous testosterone restoration: Stimulates Leydig cells directly, raising serum testosterone — studies report increases of up to ~60% in hypogonadal men [1].
- Prevention of testicular atrophy: Maintains testicular volume and intratesticular testosterone during exogenous androgen use, where LH is suppressed [3].
- Fertility support (male): Supports spermatogenesis indirectly by maintaining intratesticular testosterone; often paired with FSH/HMG when sperm count restoration is the primary goal [8].
- Ovulation induction (female): Triggers the LH surge required for follicle rupture and ovulation in ART (assisted reproductive technology) protocols [2].
- Cryptorchidism treatment: FDA-approved use in prepubertal boys to stimulate testicular descent when caused by a pituitary deficiency [9].
Glycoprotein hormone / Gonadotropin
~24–36 h (injectable)
Intramuscular or subcutaneous injection
FDA-approved (Rx only; Schedule uncontrolled)
Up to ~5 days post-injection (urine/serum)
About Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
Every point here is drawn from public medical and harm-reduction sources. A bracketed number after a claim — like [1]— is a reference: tap it to open the exact source it's based on (numbered list at the bottom). It is not a rating or score. Educational information, not medical advice.
Product specifics
- Est. delivery
- 3–7 business days · EU tracked
Product details as stated by the vendor (claims, not independently verified). Delivery is our standard EU estimate.
What it is
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is a naturally-occurring glycoprotein hormone — structurally homologous to luteinizing hormone (LH) — that is FDA-approved for treating hypogonadism in males, inducing ovulation in infertile women, and managing cryptorchidism in young boys [1][2]. In performance and recovery contexts it is used off-label to preserve or restore testicular testosterone production and size during or after anabolic steroid use [3].
How it works
hCG mimics LH by binding to the shared LH/CG receptor (LHCGR) on Leydig cells in the testes [4]. This activates adenylate cyclase via G-protein coupling, raises intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP), and triggers the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone — the rate-limiting step in testosterone biosynthesis [5][6]. Because its β-subunit differs from LH's, hCG has a far longer circulating half-life (~24–36 hours vs ~30 minutes for LH), making it a more pharmacologically durable LH surrogate [7]. Prolonged use or high doses can down-regulate testicular LH receptors, which is why cycling protocols are important [3].
Risks & side effects
Most important: The most serious risk is thromboembolic events — hCG can raise the risk of blood clots, potentially leading to deep-vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke, or myocardial infarction, especially when combined with OHSS, smoking, or a personal history of clotting disorders [10]. In women, Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is a potentially life-threatening complication requiring immediate medical attention [2].
Common
Serious
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) in women — abdominal pain, rapid weight gain, shortness of breath [2]
- Thromboembolic events: DVT, pulmonary embolism, stroke [10]
- LH receptor down-regulation with prolonged high-dose use, potentially worsening hypogonadism [3]
- Premature epiphyseal closure / precocious puberty in prepubertal boys [9]
- Anaphylaxis / serious allergic reaction [12]
Safety & harm reduction
- Known or suspected androgen-dependent tumours (e.g. prostate cancer, testicular cancer) [1]
- Precocious puberty — will accelerate premature sexual maturation [9]
- Active or history of thromboembolic disorders [10]
- Pregnancy — may harm the unborn baby [2]
- Hypersensitivity / allergy to hCG or any excipient [12]
- Primary gonadal failure (hCG cannot compensate for non-functional gonads) [2]
- Serum total and free testosterone (to confirm response and avoid supraphysiologic levels) [1]
- Serum estradiol (hCG stimulates aromatisation; AI use may be required) [3]
- LH and FSH if assessing HPG axis recovery post-AAS [3]
- Semen analysis if fertility is the therapeutic goal [8]
- Clinical signs of OHSS in female patients (weight, abdominal girth, breathing) [2]
- Injection site hygiene — inspect for signs of local infection [6]
- No formally listed severe drug-drug interactions, but use caution alongside exogenous androgens (AAS) — combined use sustains intratesticular testosterone but also amplifies estrogen load [3]
- Concurrent aromatase inhibitors (AIs) commonly co-administered to control estrogen elevation [3]
- SERMs (clomiphene, enclomiphene, tamoxifen) — typically sequenced after hCG in PCT to stimulate hypothalamic-pituitary recovery [3]
- Smoking and OHSS independently increase thromboembolic risk; co-existence is additive [10]
- Reconstitute lyophilised powder in bacteriostatic saline (not plain saline) for multi-dose use; refrigerate and discard after 30 days [4]
- In AAS PCT: hCG is typically run first (to rapidly restore testicular volume and testosterone), then transitioned to a SERM for hypothalamic-pituitary stimulation [3]
- High or prolonged doses risk LH receptor desensitisation — conservative, time-limited cycles are preferred [3]
- Consider aromatase inhibitor co-administration if estradiol rises above range during hCG use [3]
- All dosing should be supervised by a qualified physician [8]
Dosage context
Commonly reported ranges (not prescriptions — always follow medical supervision): For male hypogonadism: 1,000–2,000 IU intramuscularly 2–3 times per week [1]. For TRT maintenance: 750–1,500 IU per week as a commonly cited clinical range [3]. For AAS post-cycle therapy (off-label, community-reported): 500–1,000 IU every other day for 1–3 weeks before transitioning to a SERM; sources note higher doses (e.g. 4,000 IU 3× weekly) are used under medical supervision for longer periods but carry greater side-effect burden [3]. Sources are limited or partially community-derived for the PCT context; the evidence base is stronger for the licensed medical indications. Always confirm dosing with a prescribing clinician.
Sources
- 1.Drugs.com – HCG Injection: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects
- 2.Drugs.com/MTM – HCG Injectable: Side Effects & Warnings
- 3.SteroidCycle.org – HCG for PCT/TRT Overview
- 4.The Men's Health Clinic – HCG Fact Sheet
- 5.Newtropin – HCG Hormone Clinical Overview
- 6.DrugBank – Chorionic Gonadotropin (Human): Mechanism of Action
- 7.MuscleAndBrawn – HCG for Bodybuilding: Dosage, Cycle, Side Effects
- 8.Peptide Reference – HMG Peptide Guide (HCG comparison data)
- 9.Mayo Clinic – Chorionic Gonadotropin: Side Effects & Uses
- 10.GoodRx – HCG: Uses, FAQs, Warnings
- 11.RxList – HCG Injectable: Side Effects, Dosage, Interactions
- 12.Drugs.com (NaturalDB) – HCG: Adverse Reactions
- 13.ClinicalTrials.gov – Ovarian PRP ICF: Gonadotropin/HCG Risks
This information is provided for educational and harm-reduction purposes only. It is not medical advice. These substances can carry serious health risks; effects and safe use vary by individual. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. Legal status varies by country — it is your responsibility to know your local law. We do not encourage misuse.
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This compound comes in different forms (e.g. injectable vs oral vs topical). Cost per mg is only comparable within the same form.
| Brand | Form | Strength | Pack | Price | Per mg |
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GenericSelected | vial | 5000 iu/vial | 1 vial | 27,90 € | — |
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Generic | vial | 5000 iu/vial | 1 vial | 74,90 € | — |
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Generic | vial | 10000 iu/vial | 1 vial | 139,99 € | — |
IBSA | kit | 150 iu/vial | 1 vial | 169,99 € | — |
Generic | vial | 10000 iu/vial | 10 vial | 249,99 € | — |
Generic | vial | 5000 iu/vial | 3 vial | 500,00 € | — |
Generic | vial | 5000 iu/vial | 10 vial | 500,00 € | — |
Generic | vial | 5000 iu/vial | 5 vial | 800,00 € | — |