hCG vs LH

Glycoprotein hormone binding LH receptor on Leydig cells; stimulates testosterone production; prevents testicular atrophy during TRT; maintains spermatogenesis via FSH-like activity

The most widely used adjunct in testosterone replacement therapy. Maintains testicular size and function, preserves fertility, and stimulates endogenous testosterone production by mimicking LH.

Binds LH receptors on testicular Leydig cells, stimulating the cholesterol → testosterone biosynthetic pathway. In women, the LH surge triggers ovulation and supports luteal phase progesterone production.

A pituitary gonadotropin that drives testosterone production in men by stimulating Leydig cells, and triggers ovulation in women. Used in fertility protocols and studied for natural HPG axis support alongside FSH and hCG.