HCG
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone naturally produced during pregnancy that mimics luteinising hormone (LH), which is responsible for stimulating testosterone production in men and supporting fertility in women. In medical settings, HCG is commonly used for fertility treatments, hormone balance, and testosterone restoration. It has also gained popularity in post-cycle therapy (PCT) for anabolic steroid users, as well as in weight loss protocols due to its role in regulating metabolism and fat mobilization.
HCG is used in both men and women for different purposes:
In men, HCG helps stimulate natural testosterone production, maintain fertility, and prevent testicular shrinkage.
In women, HCG is crucial for ovulation induction and hormone balance in fertility treatments.
In weight loss, HCG is sometimes used alongside a low-calorie diet to mobilize stored fat (though this remains controversial).
HCG is typically administered via subcutaneous (SC) or intramuscular (IM) injection and is available in pharmaceutical-grade formulations.
Protocols
1. Testosterone Stimulation & Hormone Optimization (Men’s Health & Fertility)
• Dosage: 500–2,000 IU, 2–3x per week (SC or IM)
• Cycle: 4–8 weeks, depending on hormonal needs
Administration: Best taken in the morning or before sleep
Stacking:
• With Clomid (Clomiphene) or Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) for testosterone recovery
• With Enclomiphene as a non-estrogenic alternative to Clomid
• With Follistatin or Kisspeptin-10 for enhanced fertility support
Expected Benefits:
Increased natural testosterone production
Improved sperm count and fertility
Prevention of testicular atrophy (shrinkage) due to steroid use
2. Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) for Steroid Users
• Dosage: 1,500–2,500 IU per week, divided into two doses
• Cycle: 3–4 weeks (after steroid cycle, before SERMs like Clomid/Nolvadex)
Administration: SC or IM injections, alternating injection sites
Stacking:
• With Clomid or Nolvadex for complete HPTA restoration
• With BPC-157 & TB-500 for recovery and cellular repair
Expected Benefits:
Faster testosterone recovery post-cycle
Prevention of estrogen rebound and testicular shrinkage
Increased libido and energy levels
3. HCG for Weight Loss & Fat Mobilization
• Dosage: 125–250 IU daily, combined with very low-calorie diet (VLCD, 500–800 kcal/day)
• Cycle: 3–6 weeks, not exceeding 40 days
Administration: Morning injection on an empty stomach
Stacking:
• With AOD-9604 for enhanced fat metabolism
• With Tesamorelin or CJC-1295 for growth hormone synergy
• With Berberine or Metformin for insulin regulation
Expected Benefits:
Increased fat loss and appetite suppression
Improved hormonal balance and metabolic efficiency
Preservation of lean muscle mass during calorie restriction
Important Note: The HCG diet is controversial, and fat loss is mainly due to caloric restriction rather than HCG itself. Many experts consider it ineffective for long-term weight loss.
4. Female Fertility & Ovulation Induction
• Dosage: 5,000–10,000 IU as a single IM injection (under medical supervision)
• Cycle: Administered 24–48 hours before ovulation timing
Stacking:
• With FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) for enhanced egg maturation
• With Clomid or Letrozole for optimized ovulation
Expected Benefits:
Increased ovulation success rates
Improved egg quality and reproductive health
Enhanced hormonal balance for conception
Further reading
HCG is one of the most widely used peptides in hormone therapy and reproductive medicine. Because it mimics LH, it has been used to stimulate testosterone production in hypogonadal men, maintain fertility in those using testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), and enhance ovulation in women struggling with infertility.
In men’s health, HCG is frequently used alongside TRT to maintain testicular function and prevent atrophy. Unlike exogenous testosterone, which suppresses natural LH production, HCG can help maintain endogenous testosterone production and sperm count.
HCG has also been a key component in post-cycle therapy (PCT) for individuals coming off anabolic steroids, as it helps restart natural testosterone production and prevents hypogonadism and testicular shrinkage. However, high doses (over 5,000 IU per week) may cause desensitization of Leydig cells, making proper cycling crucial.
In weight loss applications, the HCG diet remains controversial. Some claim that HCG enhances fat metabolism and suppresses hunger, while others argue that caloric restriction alone is responsible for the weight loss. Several studies suggest that HCG has no direct fat-burning properties, though it may help with hormonal balance during dieting.
In female fertility treatments, HCG is used to trigger ovulation by mimicking LH surges. It has been extensively used in IVF protocols and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to improve egg maturation and release.
Despite its benefits, HCG should always be used under medical supervision, especially in fertility and hormone therapy applications, to avoid estrogenic side effects, water retention, or desensitization.
References
- Lim, L.L., et al. (2009). The role of HCG in male hormone therapy: A review of its effects on testosterone and fertility. Endocrine Reviews, 30(5), 507-522.
Goldsmith, P.C., et al. (2012). HCG and its impact on weight loss: A double-blind placebo-controlled study. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 97(4), 1653-1660.
Roth, M.Y., et al. (2017). The use of HCG in testosterone replacement therapy: A systematic review. Fertility and Sterility, 108(5), 749-757.
Young, J., et al. (2018). HCG in post-cycle therapy: Efficacy and potential risks. Journal of Sports Medicine, 22(3), 312-329.
Trost, L.W., et al. (2020). HCG in assisted reproduction: Mechanisms and clinical applications. Human Reproduction Update, 26(3), 283-298.