PepWisePepWise
App Store Google Play
Start free

Peptide Encyclopedia / HCG

Encyclopedia

HCG

HCG is a glycoprotein hormone that mimics luteinizing hormone, driving testosterone production in men and supporting ovulation in women. It is an FDA-approved prescription drug for reproductive and endocrine uses, while its weight-loss versions stay unapproved and FDA-flagged. Educational only, not medical advice.

Start free →Dose tools
CategorySexual Health
Regulatory statusFDA-approved prescription drug (e.

Mechanism

Glycoprotein hormone that mimics luteinizing hormone (LH), stimulating Leydig cells in men to produce testosterone and supporting ovulation/corpus luteum function in women.

Half-life

Roughly 24-36 hours (biphasic; terminal phase ~24-36 h after IM/SC injection). Commonly reported use/dosing: FDA-approved for hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in males, prepubertal cryptorchidism, and ovulation induction/assisted reproduction. Reported off-label use to preserve testicular size/fertility during testosterone therapy involves intermittent subcutaneous injection; weight-loss 'HCG diet' use is not approved and the FDA has warned against it.

Regulatory status

FDA-approved prescription drug (e.g., Pregnyl, Novarel; recombinant choriogonadotropin alfa as Ovidrel). FDA prohibits OTC/homeopathic HCG weight-loss products and considers HCG weight-loss claims unsupported.

Safety

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (women), thromboembolism, gynecomastia, fluid retention, headache, injection-site reactions; can worsen androgen-sensitive conditions. Multiple-pregnancy risk with ovulation induction.

Evidence

Mature, well-established for approved reproductive/endocrine indications.

Sources

  1. Coviello AD, et al. Low-dose HCG maintains intratesticular testosterone in normal men with testosterone-induced gonadotropin suppression. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2005;90(5):2595-2602. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15713727/
  2. Lee JA, Ramasamy R. Indications for the use of HCG for management of infertility in hypogonadal men. Transl Androl Urol. 2018;7(Suppl 3):S348-S352. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6087849/
  3. Zucker I, et al. HCG monotherapy for hypogonadal symptoms in men with total testosterone >300 ng/dL. Int Braz J Urol. 2022;48(5):884-890. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31408289/
  4. Hsieh TC, et al. Differential effect of single high dose vs divided small dose HCG on Leydig cell steroidogenic desensitization. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1984;58(2):327-331. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6693540/
  5. Shah P, et al. Availability of gonadotropin therapy from FDA-approved pharmacies for men with hypogonadism and infertility. Fertil Steril. 2023;119(5):810-815. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37051549/
  6. Madhusoodanan V, et al. Efficacy and Safety of HCG Monotherapy for Men With Hypogonadal Symptoms and Normal Testosterone. World J Mens Health. 2022;40(3):470-477. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35800844/

PepWise is an informational and educational tracking tool, not medical advice and not a medical device. HCG may be experimental, restricted, or prescription-only; many research peptides are not FDA-approved. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting, changing, or stopping any protocol. Operated by STC Consulting, Inc.