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Sexual & Reproductive
FDA Approved

HCG

HCG

Glycoprotein hormone studied in reproductive and endocrine research.

Also known as: Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

Research dose range250–1000 IU (research models)
Route studiedSubcutaneous / intramuscular
Study duration2–3× weekly
Storage2–8 °C reconstituted

Overview

Human chorionic gonadotropin is a glycoprotein hormone naturally produced during pregnancy. It is one of the most extensively characterized reproductive hormones and is referenced widely in endocrine and fertility research literature.

Key research findings

A glycoprotein hormone that mimics luteinizing hormone (LH), studied for stimulating gonadal steroidogenesis — testosterone production in males and ovulation support in females. In male research it is used to maintain testicular function and fertility alongside testosterone protocols.

Mechanism of action

Acts as an analog of luteinizing hormone, binding LH/CG receptors to stimulate gonadal steroidogenesis (testosterone in males, progesterone support in females).

Molecular information

Weight~36,700 Da (glycoprotein)
LengthTwo subunits (α 92 aa + β 145 aa)
TypeLH-mimetic glycoprotein hormone

Heavily glycosylated; the beta subunit confers its hCG-specific activity.

Pharmacokinetics

Peak: ~6–12 hoursHalf-life: ~24–36 hoursCleared: ~4–5 days
Peak · 0.4dHalf-life · 2d

Illustrative relative-concentration model derived from published pharmacokinetic research. Curve is normalized and provided for educational comparison only — not a dosing schedule.

Research applications

  • Reproductive and fertility research models
  • Endocrine-axis and steroidogenesis studies
  • Investigations of gonadal function regulation

Research protocols

Protocols summarized from published research models. Provided for scientific reference only — not dosing guidance for human use.

Fertility-support referenceAmount: 250–500 IUFrequency: 2–3× weeklyRoute: Subcutaneous
Higher-range referenceAmount: 500–1000 IUFrequency: 2–3× weeklyRoute: Subcutaneous

Observed effects timeline

Aggregated observations reported across research literature. Timing and magnitude vary by model and are not a guarantee of outcome.

  1. Week 1–4

    Stimulation of endogenous testosterone/gonadal function reported in study models.

  2. Week 4–12

    Maintenance of testicular volume and fertility markers reported alongside TRT research.

Research compatibility

Describes how compounds are studied alongside one another in the literature. Not a recommendation to co-administer.

TRT

Commonly paired to preserve testicular function during testosterone protocols.

Requires timing

Kisspeptin

Both act on the reproductive axis via different points.

Compatible

How to reconstitute

Important

Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water, swirl gently, and refrigerate. The glycoprotein is fragile — avoid shaking.

  1. 1Allow the vial to reach room temperature (15–20 minutes).
  2. 2Swab the stopper with alcohol and let it air dry.
  3. 3Add bacteriostatic water slowly down the vial wall.
  4. 4Swirl gently until dissolved — do not shake.
  5. 5Refrigerate at 2–8 °C and protect from light.
Open reconstitution calculator

Quality indicators

Uniform white powder

Lyophilized cake should be white to off-white without discoloration.

Clear solution

Reconstitutes to a clear, colorless, particle-free solution.

Cold-chain integrity

Reconstituted solution requires 2–8 °C storage.

Slight clumping

Small clumps that dissolve completely with gentle swirling are acceptable — shipping can cause minor compaction.

Collapsed or melted appearance

Powder that looks collapsed, melted, or stuck to the vial walls may have been exposed to heat in transit.

Cloudy after reconstitution

Persistent cloudiness, particles, or precipitate after gentle mixing can indicate a degraded or contaminated peptide.

Reported observations & safety

Safety signals reported in the research literature. Compiled for scientific awareness — not medical advice.

  • An FDA-approved, well-characterized hormone; estrogen elevation and gynecomastia are reported at higher amounts.
  • Injection-site reactions and mood changes are occasionally reported.

References & further reading

hCG in male hypogonadism and fertility (review)

HumanLH-mimeticsteroidogenesis

Review of hCG's role in stimulating endogenous testosterone and preserving fertility in male endocrine research.

View study

Topics

hormonereproductiveendocrine

This entry is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, a dosing protocol, or a claim of therapeutic benefit. Research compounds are supplied strictly for laboratory and research use — not for human or veterinary consumption.

Research level
FDA Approved

Approved for one or more clinical indications by a major regulator.

Quick reference
Dose range250–1000 IU (research models)
RouteSubcutaneous / intramuscular
Duration2–3× weekly
Storage2–8 °C reconstituted
Half-life~24–36 hours
Catalogue status

This compound is part of our educational reference and is not currently stocked. Browse the catalogue for available research-grade peptides.

Browse catalogue
Research toolsReconstitution calculator

Related compounds

KISS

Kisspeptin

Upstream regulator of reproductive hormones.