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Sexual Health

HCG peptide reference

Glycoprotein hormone mimicking LH. Maintains testicular function during TRT.

Last reviewed May 6, 2026 FDA-approved FDA approved
Peppi reviewing HCG notes
Default dose labelNot listed
Preferred routeSubQ
Frequency labelTRT adjunct: 250–500 IU 2–3× weekly. Fertility induction: 5,000–10,000 IU single dose.
Storage window30 days mixed

Evidence snapshot

FDA-approved

Evidence maturityFDA approved
FDA-approved for fertility and hypogonadism indications since 1973

Prescription medication

Route map

How records are usually labeled

1 SubQ
2 IM

Rotate sites for repeated dosing.

Vial timeline

Storage cues to log

Before mixRefrigerate 2–8 °C.
After mixRefrigerate 2–8 °C, use within 30 days.
Use-by cue30 days after mixing
Mixed vial window30 days
Use this as a record-keeping cue, not a replacement for product labeling.

Peppi workflow

From vial to review

Vial label
Dose Not listed
Route SubQ
Review 30d storage

Peppi turns scattered dose, vial, route, storage, note, and report details into one record trail.

Educational reference only

This page helps you understand what to track for HCG. It is not medical advice, a prescription, or a recommendation to use this peptide. Discuss dose, route, timing, storage, and safety with a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a 237-amino-acid glycoprotein hormone produced naturally during pregnancy. Therapeutically, it acts as a luteinising hormone (LH) mimic, binding LH receptors on testicular Leydig cells to stimulate testosterone production. Used in TRT to maintain testicular size and fertility, in fertility treatment to trigger ovulation, and historically (controversially) in weight-loss protocols.

Also known as: Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Pregnyl, Novarel.

TRT adjunct (testicular preservation)Fertility — ovulation induction (females), spermatogenesis support (males)Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

Mechanism and timing snapshot

Binds LH/CG receptor (LHCGR) on testicular Leydig cells (males) or ovarian theca/granulosa cells (females); structurally and functionally mimics LH but with longer half-life. Drives testosterone or estradiol/progesterone synthesis.

Onset labelNot listed
Catalog onset field, when available.
Half-life label30 hr
Initial ~6 h, terminal ~30 h
Duration label72 hr
Catalog duration field, when available.
subQ High
IM High
oral Negligible (degraded)

Tracking defaults

These values come from Peppi's catalog so records can be prefilled consistently. They should be reviewed against your clinician's instructions before logging real-world use.

Catalog default doseNot listed
Catalog dose rangeNot listed - Not listed
Default routeSubQ
Frequency labelTRT adjunct: 250–500 IU 2–3× weekly. Fertility induction: 5,000–10,000 IU single dose.
Best time labelSame days each week for TRT adjunct use.
Food noteNone.

Catalog protocol note

TRT adjunct: 250 IU subQ Mon/Wed/Fri to maintain testicular function. (Dose units are IU, not mcg — different convention than other peptides.)

Routes and site notes

Available route labelsSubQ, IM
Preferred route labelSubQ
Common site labelsAbdomen, Thigh
Site rotation noteRotate sites for repeated dosing.

Chemistry

SequenceTwo-subunit glycoprotein: α-subunit (92 AA) + β-subunit (145 AA)
Amino acids237
Molecular formulaNot listed
Molecular weight36700 Da

Vial, reconstitution, and storage

Supply formLyophilized powder
Typical vial sizeNot listed
DiluentBacteriostatic water (per label may specify sterile water)
Diluent volume10 mL
Concentration note5,000 IU vial in 10 mL → 0.5 mL = 250 IU. (Dosing in IU, not mcg.)
Before reconstitutionRefrigerate 2–8 °C.
After reconstitutionRefrigerate 2–8 °C, use within 30 days.
Reconstituted shelf life30 days
Light sensitiveYes
Freeze/thaw warningYes

Safety notes

Common and rare side effects listed in the catalog

  • Injection-site reactions
  • Mild fluid retention
  • Estrogen rise (males) — may cause gynecomastia symptoms
  • Acne
  • Ovarian hyperstimulation (females)
  • Thromboembolism (rare)

Contraindications and warnings

  • Active hormone-sensitive cancer (prostate, breast)
  • Precocious puberty in pediatrics
  • Pregnancy (not for use in pregnant women)
  • FDA does not approve HCG for weight loss.
  • Effects on prostate-related risk in older males require monitoring.

Other considerations

  • Dosed in International Units (IU), not mcg — different convention.
  • Common TRT adjunct to preserve testicular size and intratesticular testosterone.
  • Estrogen monitoring is important in males due to LH-driven testosterone aromatisation.

Evidence and regulatory context

Evidence levelFDA-approved for fertility and hypogonadism indications since 1973
FDA approvedYes
Regulatory statusPrescription medication
Prescription requiredYes
Approved countriesUS, EU, UK, and most others

Stacking and cycle notes

Stacks well withNot listed
Avoid combining noteOther LH analogs simultaneously
Typical cycle labelongoing (TRT adjunct) or short (fertility)
Typical break labelPer clinician
Cycle guidanceTRT-adjunct use is typically continuous; fertility-induction use is short-term.

Tracking tips

  • Dosed in IU not mcg — read your protocol carefully.
  • Monitor estradiol if using as TRT adjunct; aromatase inhibitor may be needed.
  • Don't fall for HCG weight-loss protocols — FDA explicitly does not endorse them.

References

Track it in Peppi

Keep HCG records organized.

Use Peppi for dose logs, vial inventory, storage dates, reminders, journal notes, photos, and clinician-ready reports.

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FAQ

What should I track for HCG?

Track the peptide name, dose amount and unit, route, vial label, timing, reconstitution or expiration dates, storage notes, and any symptoms or questions for clinician review.

Does Peppi tell me how to use HCG?

No. Peppi organizes educational reference and your own records. Protocol decisions should come from a qualified healthcare professional.

Can I export HCG records?

Peppi is designed to keep dose logs, vial inventory, journal notes, and reports easier to review and export.

Last reviewed: May 6, 2026