Peptide Profile
hCG
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin · Pregnyl · Novarel · Choragon
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a glycoprotein hormone that acts as a functional analogue of luteinizing hormone (LH), binding to LH receptors on Leydig cells in the testes and granulosa cells in the ovaries to stimulate…
- Half-life
- ~24-36 hours
- Routes
- subcutaneous, intramuscular
Educational research information — not medical advice. Review primary sources and consult a qualified professional before any decision.
Educational research tools — not medical advice.
What hCG is
About hCG
Glycoprotein hormone binding LH receptor on Leydig cells; stimulates testosterone production; prevents testicular atrophy during TRT; maintains spermatogenesis via LH-receptor-driven intratesticular testosterone
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a glycoprotein hormone that acts as a functional analogue of luteinizing hormone (LH), binding to LH receptors on Leydig cells in the testes and granulosa cells in the ovaries to stimulate steroidogenesis. In men, hCG stimulates testicular testosterone production directly, making it a widely used clinical tool for hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, male fertility support, and preservation of testicular function alongside testosterone replacement therapy. Clinical research demonstrates hCG effectiveness for improving testosterone levels and sperm parameters in males with gonadotropin deficiency, as well as for triggering final oocyte maturation in IVF protocols. hCG is an FDA-regulated biologic available in multiple approved formulations; use requires physician supervision due to dose-dependent effects on testosterone, estradiol, and reproductive signaling. hCG dosage in TRT support: in men using testosterone replacement therapy, hCG is prescribed to prevent testicular atrophy and maintain intratesticular testosterone levels needed for spermatogenesis. Dosing and schedule for this off-label application are provider-determined and vary by individual protocol. At higher doses, hCG's stimulation of testicular testosterone can also increase aromatization to estradiol — a clinically relevant consideration in TRT management requiring estrogen monitoring. hCG vs gonadorelin: both are used in men's health for testicular preservation alongside TRT, but they act at different axis levels. hCG acts directly on Leydig cell LH receptors, bypassing the pituitary entirely — a direct trophic signal to the testes. Gonadorelin acts upstream at the pituitary to stimulate endogenous LH and FSH release, preserving the full hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis including FSH-driven spermatogenesis. For men prioritizing sperm production, gonadorelin's preservation of FSH signaling offers a potential advantage; for men primarily focused on testicular volume and intratesticular testosterone maintenance, hCG provides a well-validated, direct approach. Telehealth and men's health providers offering hCG and gonadorelin protocols are listed in the PeptideBase directory.
Women's Health
hCG's ovulation-trigger and luteal-phase-support use in assisted reproduction is well-evidenced (Cochrane systematic review, 94 RCTs). The popular "hCG diet" weight-loss claim is refuted by placebo-controlled trials and disclaimed on the FDA label. hCG is not used in an established pregnancy and carries an OHSS risk during ovarian stimulation.
hCG Benefits & Research Areas
Research Signals
Commonly researched in the context of
Population research notes
These signals reflect research interest areas, not treatment indications.
hCG half-life calculator
Compound & timing
Model: single-dose, first-order (single-compartment) estimate. Real clearance is multi-compartment and varies by individual and route.
What the evidence says about hCG
Research Evidence
based on 73 studies · 36 RCTs · most recent 2026
Regulatory Status
- Availability Status
- Prescription
- FDA Status
- FDA Approved
- Effective Date
- September 20, 2000
- Source
- View FDA source →
FDA-approved prescription drug (Pregnyl, Novarel, NDA 019478). Approved for fertility and male hypogonadism. FDA banned OTC homeopathic hCG Dec 2011. Prescription Rx products remain approved.
Regulatory status reflects publicly available information and may change. This is not legal or medical advice.
Research Sources
73 sources cited · 62 strong · 5 moderate · 6 weak
36 RCTs · 26 Meta-analysis · 3 Cohorts · 2 Case seriess · 1 Review · 5 Animals
Efficacy of Double Trigger versus hCG Trigger Alone in GnRH-Antagonist Cycles: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Gynecol Obstet Invest · 2026
Double trigger significantly improved clinical pregnancy rate compared to hCG-only trigger in normo-responders with low oocyte maturation (OR 5.75; p = 0.009).
Comparative efficacy of human chorionic gonadotropin alone versus dual trigger for oocyte maturation in advanced maternal age using the antagonist protocol: a randomized controlled trial.
J Ovarian Res · 2026
The mean number of MII oocytes was comparable between hCG-only and dual trigger groups (6.07 +/- 4.02 vs. 5.78 +/- 3.62, P = 0.62).
Intrauterine human chorionic gonadotropin administration before embryo transfer (IHABT): an individual participant data meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Hum Reprod Update · 2026
Intrauterine hCG administration before embryo transfer did not improve live birth rates or clinical pregnancy rates in IVF participants.
Show 70 more sources ↓
Sublingual human chorionic gonadotropin as an adjuvant to ovulation induction.
JBRA Assist Reprod · 2024
HCG as an adjuvant to CC showed a moderately positive correlation with endometrial thickening, but there were no statistically significant differences in ovulation induction between groups.
Meta-analysis of intrauterine hCG perfusion efficacy in recurrent implantation failure as defined by ESHRE guidelines.
BMC Pregnancy Childbirth · 2024
Intrauterine hCG perfusion probably enhances embryo implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates slightly in recurrent implantation failure patients.
Competence of Combined Low Dose of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) and Clomiphene Citrate (CC) Versus Continued CC during Ovulation Induction in Women with CC-Resistant Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Medicina (Kaunas) · 2024
Combined low-dose hCG and clomiphene citrate reduced cycle cancellation and increased clinical pregnancy rate compared to clomiphene citrate alone in CC-resistant PCOS women.
Intrauterine Insemination After Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Trigger or Luteinizing Hormone Surge: A Meta-analysis.
Obstet Gynecol · 2023
hCG administration showed no significant difference in odds of pregnancy compared with endogenous LH monitoring for IUI timing.
Time interval between hCG administration and oocyte retrieval and ART outcomes: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.
Reprod Biol Endocrinol · 2023
Prolonging the hCG-ovum pickup interval significantly increased clinical pregnancy rates compared to shorter intervals.
Dual trigger improves the pregnancy rate in fresh in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles compared with the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.
J Assist Reprod Genet · 2023
Dual trigger was associated with a significant increase in live birth rate per cycle compared with hCG trigger alone.
Cycle outcomes of dual trigger (GnRH agonist+hCG) versus human chorionic gonadotropin trigger alone in POSEDION group 3-4 poor-responders and normo-responders: A prospective randomized study.
J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod · 2023
Dual trigger resulted in significantly lower live birth rates compared to hCG trigger alone in POSEIDON group 3/4 poor-responders (19.2% versus 39.2%).
Intrauterine instillation of human chorionic gonadotropin at the time of blastocyst transfer: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod · 2023
Intrauterine hCG instillation showed no significant effect on live birth and ongoing pregnancy rates compared to control in blastocyst-stage embryo transfer.
Randomized Pharmacokinetic Study of a Highly Purified Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and of a Recombinant Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Following Single Subcutaneous Administration in Healthy Women.
Clin Drug Investig · 2022
Choriomon demonstrated approximately 50% greater hCG absorption rate and faster peak concentration achievement than Ovitrelle, though bioequivalence was not met at given doses.
Ovulation triggering with hCG alone, GnRH agonist alone or in combination? A randomized controlled trial in advanced-age women undergoing IVF/ICSI cycles.
Hum Reprod · 2022
hCG alone retrieved a comparable number of oocytes to dual trigger but fewer good-quality embryos and comparable live birth rates after frozen embryo transfer.
Triggering with 1,500 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin plus follicle-stimulating hormone compared to a standard human chorionic gonadotropin trigger dose for oocyte competence in in vitro fertilization cycles: a randomized, double-blinded, controlled noninferiority trial.
Fertil Steril · 2022
The alternative trigger promoted noninferior oocyte competence compared to standard hCG trigger dose.
Effect of intrauterine administration of human chorionic gonadotropin one day before fresh blastocyst transfer on clinical outcomes: a quasi-experimental study.
Pan Afr Med J · 2022
Intrauterine hCG administration did not improve clinical pregnancy rates or implantation rates compared to control.
Does Intrauterine Injection of hCG Improve IVF Outcome? A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis.
Int J Mol Sci · 2022
Intrauterine hCG significantly increased clinical pregnancy rate and implantation rate compared to control in women undergoing cleavage-stage embryo transfer.
Embryo Morphokinetics and Blastocyst Development After GnRH Agonist versus hCG Triggering in Normo-ovulatory Women: a Secondary Analysis of a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.
Reprod Sci · 2021
GnRHa and hCG triggers produced comparable embryo development, high-quality embryos, blastocyst formation, and morphokinetic parameters in normo-ovulatory women.
Intrauterine administration of peripheral blood mononuclear cells activated by human chorionic gonadotropin in patients with repeated implantation failure: A meta-analysis.
J Reprod Immunol · 2021
hCG-activated PBMCs significantly increased pregnancy and live birth rates in women with repeated implantation failure compared to control.
GnRH agonist and hCG (dual trigger) versus hCG trigger for follicular maturation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.
Reprod Biol Endocrinol · 2021
Dual trigger with GnRH agonist and hCG was associated with significantly higher live birth rate per started cycle compared with hCG trigger alone.
Intrauterine injection of HCG before embryo transfer: a parallel, double-blind randomized trial.
Reprod Biomed Online · 2021
Intrauterine HCG did not improve live birth rates compared to control in women undergoing IVF.
Association of pregnancy per artificial insemination with gonadotropin-releasing hormone and human chorionic gonadotropin administered during the luteal phase after artificial insemination in dairy cows: A meta-analysis.
J Dairy Sci · 2020
hCG treatment improved pregnancy per AI in cows with very poor and poor fertility but did not benefit cows with very good fertility.
GnRH agonist and hCG (dual trigger) versus hCG trigger for final follicular maturation: a double-blinded, randomized controlled study.
Hum Reprod · 2020
Dual trigger significantly increased clinical pregnancy rate (46.1% versus 24.3%) and live birth rate per transfer (36.2% versus 22%) compared to hCG alone.
Increased implantation rate after intrauterine infusion of a small volume of human chorionic gonadotropin at the time of embryo transfer: a randomized, double-blind controlled study.
Arch Gynecol Obstet · 2019
Intrauterine hCG infusion significantly increased the implantation rate compared with control (28.8% vs. 18.2%, p = 0.030).
Treatment of idiopathic oligozoospermia with combined human chorionic gonadotropin/human menopausal gonadotrophin: A randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical study.
Andrologia · 2019
hCG/hMG therapy significantly improved sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and spontaneous pregnancy rates in medium- and higher-level inhibin B groups but not in lower-level inhibin B groups.
Independent serum markers of corpora lutea function after gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist trigger and adjuvant low dose human chorionic gonadotropin in in vitro fertilization.
Fertil Steril · 2019
Adjuvant hCG timing affects corpora lutea function, with higher function observed when given at oocyte retrieval compared to trigger, though both options support successful pregnancy.
Intrauterine injection of human chorionic gonadotropin before embryo transfer can improve in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer outcomes: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Fertil Steril · 2019
Intrauterine hCG treatment significantly improved live birth rate, ongoing pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and implantation rate while reducing miscarriage rate compared to control in infertile women undergoing IVF-ET.
Investigating the Optimal Time for Intrauterine Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Infusion in Order to Improve IVF Outcome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
In Vivo · 2019
Intrauterine hCG administration improves combined live birth and ongoing pregnancy rates only when given 5-12 minutes prior to embryo transfer.
Effect of intrauterine perfusion of human chorionic gonadotropin before embryo transfer after two or more implantation failures: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol · 2019
Intrauterine perfusion of hCG significantly improved clinical pregnancy rate (41.8% vs 31.2%) and live birth rate (27.8% vs 18.0%) in women with recurrent implantation failure.
The effect of intrauterine human chorionic gonadotropin flushing on live birth rate after vitrified-warmed embryo transfer in programmed cycles: a randomized clinical trial.
Arch Gynecol Obstet · 2018
Intrauterine hCG before vitrified-warmed embryo transfer had no beneficial effect on live birth rate and is not suggested.
Efficacy and safety of human chorionic gonadotropin for treatment of cryptorchidism: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
J Paediatr Child Health · 2018
hCG treatment is not superior to placebo and shows no significant differences in effectiveness compared to GnRH treatment for cryptorchidism.
Effect of intrauterine injection of human chorionic gonadotropin before fresh embryo transfer on IVF and ICSI outcomes: a meta-analysis.
Arch Gynecol Obstet · 2018
Intrauterine hCG significantly increased biochemical pregnancy and ongoing pregnancy rates, but showed no significant differences in clinical pregnancy, implantation, miscarriage, ectopic, or live birth rates.
Intrauterine administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for subfertile women undergoing assisted reproduction.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev · 2018
Intrauterine hCG administration improved live birth rates in women undergoing cleavage-stage embryo transfer but showed no benefit for blastocyst-stage transfer or lower-dose cleavage-stage transfer.
Dual trigger of final oocyte maturation with a combination of GnRH agonist and hCG versus a hCG alone trigger in GnRH antagonist cycle for in vitro fertilization: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol · 2017
Dual trigger with GnRH agonist and hCG significantly increased pregnancy rate compared to hCG alone, with no differences in oocyte maturation or embryo quality.
Intrauterine administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for subfertile women undergoing assisted reproduction.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev · 2016
Intrauterine hCG administration increased live birth rate in women undergoing cleavage-stage embryo transfer compared to no hCG.
In vitro fertilization outcome following embryo transfer with or without preinstillation of human chorionic gonadotropin into the uterine cavity: a randomized controlled trial.
Gynecol Obstet Invest · 2015
Intrauterine hCG preinstillation significantly improved implantation rate (23.6 vs. 12.2%), clinical pregnancy rate (50 vs. 32.1%), and live delivery rate (14.3 vs. 8.4%) compared to control.
Pharmacokinetics and Safety Profile of DA-3803, a Proposed Biosimilar of Recombinant Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, in Healthy Subjects.
BioDrugs · 2015
DA-3803 showed bioequivalence to Ovidrel in maximum plasma concentration but approximately 25-27% higher area under the plasma concentration-time curve values.
Intrauterine administration of human chorionic gonadotropin does not improve pregnancy and life birth rates independently of blastocyst quality: a randomised prospective study.
Reprod Biol Endocrinol · 2015
Intrauterine hCG administration did not improve pregnancy and live birth rates independently of blastocyst quality.
The efficacy of intrauterine injection of human chorionic gonadotropin before embryo transfer in assisted reproductive cycles: Meta-analysis.
J Int Med Res · 2015
Intrauterine hCG significantly increased rates of biochemical, clinical and ongoing pregnancy compared with controls, with no between-group differences in implantation or miscarriage rates.
Luteal phase support for assisted reproduction cycles
Cochrane Database Syst Rev · 2015
Cochrane SR/MA (94 RCTs, 26,198 women): hCG luteal support increases OHSS risk relative to progesterone-only support.
Timing of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone administration in IVF/ICSI protocols using GnRH agonist or antagonists: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Gynecol Endocrinol · 2014
Delaying hCG administration increased estradiol and progesterone levels and oocyte retrieval but did not significantly affect ongoing pregnancy, miscarriage, or live birth rates.
Endometrial infusion of human chorionic gonadotropin at the time of blastocyst embryo transfer does not impact clinical outcomes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Fertil Steril · 2014
Endometrial hCG infusion at blastocyst transfer did not improve sustained implantation rates compared to control.
Serum insulin-like factor 3 is highly correlated with intratesticular testosterone in normal men with acute, experimental gonadotropin deficiency stimulated with low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin: a randomized, controlled trial.
Fertil Steril · 2013
Serum INSL3 correlated highly with intratesticular testosterone concentrations and increased in a dose-dependent manner with hCG stimulation in men with acute gonadotropin deficiency.
Efficacy and safety of human chorionic gonadotropin for follicular phase stimulation in assisted reproduction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Fertil Steril · 2012
hCG use during follicular phase stimulation decreased FSH doses while showing no differences in live birth, miscarriage, or OHSS rates compared to control regimens.
The effect of low dose human chorionic gonadotropin on follicular response and oocyte maturation in PCOS patients undergoing IVF cycles: a randomized clinical trial of efficacy and safety.
Arch Gynecol Obstet · 2011
Low dose hCG improved oocyte maturity and reduced gonadotropin consumption compared to FSH alone, with similar fertilization, implantation, and pregnancy rates.
Follicle-stimulating hormone administered at the time of human chorionic gonadotropin trigger improves oocyte developmental competence in in vitro fertilization cycles: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Fertil Steril · 2011
FSH bolus at hCG trigger statistically significantly improved fertilization rate (63% vs. 55%) and oocyte recovery (70% vs. 57%) compared to placebo.
Intrauterine injection of human chorionic gonadotropin before embryo transfer significantly improves the implantation and pregnancy rates in in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection: a prospective randomized study.
Fertil Steril · 2011
Intrauterine hCG significantly improved implantation and pregnancy rates in IVF/ICSI compared with control.
Recurrent miscarriage and hCG supplementation: a review and metaanalysis.
Gynecol Endocrinol · 2010
hCG supplementation appears to prevent further miscarriages in recurrent miscarriage, though existing evidence requires confirmation with recombinant hCG in properly stratified trials.
A combined analysis of data to identify predictive factors for spermatogenesis in men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism treated with recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone and human chorionic gonadotropin.
Fertil Steril · 2009
hCG pretreatment followed by combination therapy with r-hFSH achieved spermatozoa concentrations >=1.5x10^6/mL in 69.1% of men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
Comparison of urinary and recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin during ovulation induction in intrauterine insemination cycles: a prospective randomized clinical trial.
Fertil Steril · 2007
Recombinant hCG was as effective as urinary hCG in achieving clinical pregnancy, with rates of 27.1% versus 28.5% respectively.
Triggering final oocyte maturation using different doses of human chorionic gonadotropin: a randomized pilot study in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists and recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone.
Fertil Steril · 2007
Decreasing hCG doses did not adversely affect ongoing pregnancy rates in PCOS patients undergoing IVF with GnRH antagonists and recombinant FSH.
Low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin maintains intratesticular testosterone in normal men with testosterone-induced gonadotropin suppression.
J Clin Endocrinol Metab · 2005
Low-dose hCG maintains intratesticular testosterone within the normal range in men with gonadotropin suppression.
A prospective, randomized, double-blind study to compare two doses of recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin in inducing final oocyte maturity and the hormonal profile during the luteal phase.
J Clin Endocrinol Metab · 2005
Both doses of recombinant hCG were equally effective in inducing final oocyte maturation, with similar percentages of metaphase II oocytes retrieved.
Efficacy of low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin alone to complete controlled ovarian stimulation.
Fertil Steril · 2005
Low-dose hCG alone completed controlled ovarian stimulation with comparable ICSI outcomes while reducing gonadotropin consumption and stimulating follicle growth independent of FSH.
Do reproductive hormones modify insulin sensitivity and metabolism in older men? A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin.
Eur J Endocrinol · 2003
r-hCG did not significantly alter insulin sensitivity despite increasing lean body mass and reducing fat mass in older men with low testosterone.
A trial study: the effect of low dose human chorionic gonadotropin on the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
J Urol · 2003
Low dose HCG positively affected moderate to severe BPH symptoms and sexual function but not peak urinary flow according to American Urological Association scores.
Serum human chorionic gonadotropin levels are correlated with body mass index rather than route of administration in women undergoing in vitro fertilization--embryo transfer using human menopausal gonadotropin and intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
Fertil Steril · 2001
Body mass index, not administration route, significantly correlates with serum hCG levels, with highest levels in women with lowest BMI.
The effects of preparations of human chorionic gonadotropin on AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma.
N Engl J Med · 1996
hCG induced regression of AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma lesions in a dose-dependent manner mediated by apoptosis.
The effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in the treatment of obesity by means of the Simeons therapy: a criteria-based meta-analysis.
Br J Clin Pharmacol · 1995
There is no scientific evidence that HCG is effective in the treatment of obesity; it does not bring about weight-loss or fat-redistribution, nor does it reduce hunger or induce a feeling of well-being.
Human chorionic gonadotropin supplementation in recurring pregnancy loss: a controlled trial.
Fertil Steril · 1994
hCG supplementation showed no beneficial effect in women with regular menstrual cycles but significantly improved pregnancy success rate in women with oligomenorrhea.
Unexplained infertility: evaluation of treatment with clomiphene citrate and human chorionic gonadotropin.
Fertil Steril · 1989
hCG alone or in combination with clomiphene citrate was not significantly better than placebo for pregnancy rates in unexplained infertility.
Treatment of habitual abortion with human chorionic gonadotropin: results of open and placebo-controlled studies.
Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol · 1985
hCG treatment resulted in 100% continuation of pregnancy in habitual aborters compared with 30% on placebo.
Ineffectiveness of hCG in weight reduction: a double-blind study
Am J Clin Nutr · 1976
Placebo-controlled RCT found hCG ineffective for weight loss, refuting the "hCG diet" claim.
Epidemiological study of Ectopic Pregnancy at Sulaimani Maternity Teaching Hospital, Iraq: A cross-sectional study.
Medicine (Baltimore) · 2026
# Summary Research found that serum β-hCG testing combined with transvaginal ultrasonography successfully confirmed ectopic pregnancy diagnosis in a cross-sectional study of 393 women with early pregnancy, identifying 79 cases (20.1%) with ectopic implantation. This study demonstrated that elevated β-hCG levels, along with imaging findings, were essential diagnostic tools for identifying ectopic pregnancies, with tubal pregnancies representing the majority of cases (82.3%).
Abdominal complete hydatidiform mole following uterine evacuation: a case report.
Front Oncol · 2026
# Summary Research found that abdominal complete hydatidiform mole, though exceedingly rare, should be considered in patients who show persistent or rising serum hCG levels following uterine evacuation for molar pregnancy. This study demonstrated that postoperative hCG monitoring is critical for early detection of ectopic molar tissue, as imaging studies alone may fail to identify abdominal implantation sites.
Unexpected elevation of β-hCG in EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma: a case study and implications for clinical practice.
BMC Pulm Med · 2026
# Summary Research found that β-hCG elevation is exceptionally rare in non-small cell lung cancer, with this case study representing the first documented occurrence of pulmonary adenocarcinoma presenting with both significantly elevated serum β-hCG levels and an EGFR mutation. This study demonstrated an unusual tumor marker profile in an EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma patient, highlighting an atypical presentation that clinicians may encounter in lung cancer cases.
Human chorionic gonadotropin serum levels following ovulation triggering and IVF cycle outcome.
J Assist Reprod Genet · 2018
hCG levels after ovulation triggering were not associated with clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, fertilization rate, or metaphase II oocyte rate.
GnRH agonist trigger with intensive luteal phase support vs. human chorionic gonadotropin trigger in high responders: an observational study reporting pregnancy outcomes and incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
Hum Fertil (Camb) · 2016
hCG trigger resulted in no statistically significant differences in positive pregnancy test, clinical pregnancy rate, or live birth rate compared to GnRHa trigger with intensive luteal support.
Human chorionic gonadotropin inhibits locomotion but not food intake independently of the area postrema and the nucleus tractus solitarius in female mice.
Physiol Behav · 2026
hCG administration suppressed locomotion without affecting food intake in female mice independently of the area postrema and nucleus tractus solitarius.
Long-acting microspheres of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin hormone: In-vitro and in-vivo evaluation.
Int J Pharm · 2022
hCG PLGA microspheres maintained serum hCG concentration up to 13 days compared to multiple injections of conventional formulation.
Human chorionic gonadotropin affects original (ovulatory) and induced (accessory) corpora lutea, progesterone concentrations, and pregnancy rates in anestrous dairy goats.
Reprod Biol · 2022
hCG increased ovulatory corpus luteum area, progesterone concentrations, and pregnancy rates in seasonally anovular dairy goats.
Superovulation with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger and gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) trigger differentially alter essential angiogenic factors in the endometrium in a mouse ART model.
Biol Reprod · 2020
hCG trigger significantly increased ectoplacental cone Vegfa and Vegfr2 expression at E7.5 and placental Vegfa expression at midgestation compared to GnRHa trigger.
Hyperinsulinemia and human chorionic gonadotropin synergistically promote the growth of ovarian follicular cysts in rats.
Metabolism · 1992
hCG induced follicular cysts in all treated animals, with hyperinsulinemia synergistically increasing the proportion developing bilateral cysts.
Inducing physiological polarity and performing gene editing using CRISPR-Cas9 in human trophoblast organoids.
Nat Protoc · 2026
hCG Side Effects & Safety Considerations
Research-use compound with limited human data. Evidence strength varies — see the Evidence section.
Reported (unverified — pending clinical review)
No established clinical contraindications
Common monitoring markers in research protocols
Standard reproductive endocrinology panels establish HPG axis baseline before hCG use. Testosterone and E2 confirm gonadal response; LH suppression during treatment is an expected finding.
Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health decisions. This information is educational only and does not constitute medical advice.
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HCG · Lot 2606-ED-HC · Jun 24, 2026 · View source COA
PeptideBase reports these lab-published figures and does not itself test, endorse, or certify any product. Confirmed by lab results were matched against the issuing laboratory's own records — either the lab served the document, or its own hosted copy matches ours byte for byte. For every other result the badge states what is known about the lab: that it can be checked and no result is recorded yet, that it can't be checked, or that we have not reviewed it.
PeptideBase provides educational research tools and provider discovery. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, prescribing guidance, or dosing instructions. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions — hCG
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a glycoprotein hormone that acts as a functional analogue of luteinizing hormone (LH), binding to LH receptors on Leydig cells in the testes and granulosa cells in the ovaries to stimulate steroidogenesis. In men, hCG stimulates testicular testosterone production directly, making it a widely used clinical tool for hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, male fertility support, and preservation of testicular function alongside testosterone replacement therapy.
direct Leydig cell LH-receptor stimulation for testosterone production, testicular volume maintenance during testosterone therapy, IVF oocyte maturation trigger in female fertility protocols, dose-dependent estradiol increase — aromatization monitoring relevant.
Research on hCG primarily documents effects related to direct Leydig cell LH-receptor stimulation for testosterone production and testicular volume maintenance during testosterone therapy and IVF oocyte maturation trigger in female fertility protocols and dose-dependent estradiol increase — aromatization monitoring relevant. These are areas covered in preclinical and clinical literature — individual response varies and effects depend on context of use.
Reported contraindications and considerations for hCG include hormone-sensitive cancers, polycythemia, precocious puberty. This is educational information only — consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.
For hCG, its FDA status is FDA-approved, and it is available by prescription. Regulatory status reflects publicly available information and may change. This is not legal or medical advice.
34 providers in the directory currently offer hCG.
Double trigger significantly improved clinical pregnancy rate compared to hCG-only trigger in normo-responders with low oocyte maturation (OR 5.75; p = 0.009).
How to get hCG
Where to buy hCG
34 providersClinics
10 providersAdvanced Age Management
Sharon Center, United StatesView →Optimal Hormone Health & Aesthetics
Spring, United StatesView →Quali-T Hormone Optimization
Salem, United StatesView →The Natural Path
Portland, United StatesView →Cratos Health
Colorado Springs, United StatesView →Optimal Wellness MD
Lynnfield, United StatesView →Pura Vida Body & Mind Spa
Fleming Island, United StatesView →Vitality Rejuvenation Clinic
Cherry Hill Township, United StatesView →Mirror Mirror Aesthetics & Wellness
Tucson, United StatesView →Advanced Medical Weight Loss Center
Springfield, United StatesView →
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