Hormones & TRT/HRT Adjuncts

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

Also known as hCG · chorionic gonadotropin · Pregnyl · Novarel · Ovidrel

Clinically studiedSubcutaneous injectionIntramuscular injectionFDA-approved (including for selected cases of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in males, prepubertal cryptorchidism, and ovulation induction in women); prescription only; banned in sport (WADA)

Human chorionic gonadotropin is a glycoprotein hormone, not a peptide therapeutic of the research-peptide type. It structurally and functionally resembles luteinizing hormone (LH) and binds LH receptors on testicular Leydig cells, prompting them to produce intratesticular testosterone. In men it is used to maintain testicular function and is studied in fertility contexts; it is sometimes combined with TRT to help preserve testicular size and sperm production.

Studied / used for

Used to stimulate endogenous testosterone production in male hypogonadism
Studied for maintaining or restoring spermatogenesis and fertility, especially in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
Used in protocols intended to preserve testicular size and function during testosterone replacement therapy

Commonly reported side effects

Headache
Irritability and restlessness
Injection-site reactions
Gynecomastia
Fluid retention
Acne
Rarely, blood clots and allergic reactions

Clinically studied. Supported by human clinical trials. This reflects the strength of the research base, not effectiveness or a recommendation.

Not medical advice.

This is an educational reference. Peptalk does not recommend, prescribe, endorse, or rate any compound, and provides no dosing information. Do not start, stop, or change any peptide, hormone, supplement, or therapy based on this page. All clinical decisions must be made with your licensed healthcare provider.

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