hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

Hormones & fertility FDA-approved drug

Gonadotropin (LH-receptor agonist glycoprotein hormone) · also known as HCG, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Novarel, Pregnyl

For reference only — not medical advice. Figures are commonly reported values compiled from published sources and may be wrong or out of date. Many compounds listed are not approved for human use. Talk to a licensed clinician before using any compound.

Human chorionic gonadotropin binds the LH receptor on testicular Leydig cells and ovarian follicles. Marketed products are labeled for selected cases of male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, prepubertal cryptorchidism, and ovulation induction in women. Reference dosing charts also describe lower-dose use alongside testosterone therapy and higher-dose schedules after suppression of the testes.

Commonly reported dosing (5000 IU vial)

Reconstituted with 2 mL → 2500 IU/mL.

Also sold in 2000 IU, 4000 IU, 10000 IU vials.

Phase	Dose	Volume	U-100 units
Standard Figure reported for maintaining testicular function alongside testosterone therapy.	500 IU	0.2 mL	20
Higher Reported for short-term post-suppression recovery protocols.	1500 IU	0.6 mL	60
Highest reported	2000 IU	0.8 mL	80

Frequency: Commonly reported three times weekly (for example Mon/Wed/Fri) · Half-life: Roughly 1-1.5 days in published PK studies (about 31 h after intramuscular and 38 h after subcutaneous administration)

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Commonly reported reconstitution steps

Vials are usually brought to room temperature (about 15-20 minutes) first.
2 mL of bacteriostatic water is added slowly down the inside wall of the 5000 IU vial.
The vial is swirled gently until clear, not shaken.
This gives 2500 IU/mL. Mixed vials are typically labeled with the date and refrigerated.

Storage

Before mixing: Dry powder is described in the label as kept at room temperature (20-25 °C); reference charts often list refrigeration.

After mixing: Label guidance for the reconstituted product is refrigeration (2-8 °C) with use within 30 days when mixed with bacteriostatic water.

Commonly used within 30 days of mixing.

How it works

By activating the LH receptor, hCG stimulates testosterone synthesis in the testes and, in women, supports final follicle maturation and ovulation. Its long circulating half-life compared with LH means signaling is sustained between administrations.

Researched for

Studied and labeled for gonadotropin deficiency in men, including induction of spermatogenesis when combined with FSH-active products.
Used in assisted reproduction as an ovulation trigger.
Described in reference charts for preserving testicular function during testosterone therapy; this is outside the labeled indications.

Notes

US labeling for hCG products lists intramuscular use; subcutaneous administration appears in published pharmacokinetic comparisons and in reference charts.
Labels state that hCG has not been shown effective as an adjunct in the treatment of obesity.
Label-reported adverse effects include headache, fatigue, mood changes, edema, gynecomastia and injection-site pain.
Reference charts publish different vial strengths (2,000 to 10,000 IU) with matching diluent volumes; the dose in IU is the same whichever vial is used.
Approved products come with their own labeled preparation instructions; the reconstitution figures here apply to research vials.