Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

1. What It Does

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is a glycoprotein hormone produced during pregnancy by the placental trophoblasts. Structurally similar to luteinizing hormone (LH), hCG specifically mimics LH’s action but has a longer half-life (approximately 24-36 hours compared to 30 minutes for LH). Medically, it’s utilized to stimulate the Leydig cells in the testes of males to produce testosterone and increase sperm production, and in females to trigger ovulation by stimulating the release of an egg from the ovary. In children, hCG can aid in the descent of testes in cases of cryptorchidism.

2. Main Reported Benefits

• Male Hypogonadism: hCG stimulates Leydig cells in the testes, increasing endogenous testosterone production and aiding in spermatogenesis, which is particularly valuable for maintaining fertility compared to exogenous testosterone.

• Female Infertility: Used to induce ovulation in women undergoing fertility treatments, enhancing the chances of conception by triggering the final maturation and release of oocytes.

• Cryptorchidism in Children: Assists in the descent of undescended testes in young boys when not caused by anatomical obstruction.

• Post-Cycle Therapy: Though not FDA-approved for this purpose, hCG is commonly used by anabolic steroid users to help restore natural testosterone production and testicular function after a cycle of exogenous hormones.

3. Normal Applications

• Male Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism: hCG is administered to stimulate testosterone production in men with secondary hypogonadism, where the problem originates from the hypothalamus or pituitary rather than the testes themselves.

• Female Ovulation Induction: Employed in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to trigger ovulation after follicular development has been stimulated with other medications.

• Prepubertal Cryptorchidism: Used in boys aged 4 years and older to promote testicular descent when not due to anatomical causes.

• Anabolic Steroid Recovery: In bodybuilding and performance enhancement communities, hCG is used during or after anabolic steroid cycles to maintain testicular size and function, and to help restore endogenous testosterone production.

4. Common Side Effects

Mild to Moderate:

• Headache

• Fatigue

• Irritability

• Pain or swelling at the injection site

• Gynecomastia (breast enlargement in males)

• Temporary testicular discomfort in men, often described as a sensation of “fullness” or mild aching

Serious (Rare):

• Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) in women, which can be life-threatening

• Blood clots

• Allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis

• Early puberty in boys

• Multiple pregnancies in women (twins, triplets, etc.)

Patients should be monitored for these side effects, and any unusual symptoms should be reported to a healthcare provider promptly.

5. Recommended Administration or Dosage

For Male Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism:

• 500 to 1,000 IU IM three times a week for 3 weeks, followed by the same dose twice a week for 3 weeks.

• Alternatively, 4,000 IU IM three times a week for 6 to 9 months, then 2,000 IU three times a week for an additional 3 months.

For Female Ovulation Induction:

• 5,000 to 10,000 IU IM administered one day following the last dose of menotropins.

For Prepubertal Cryptorchidism:

• 4,000 IU IM three times a week for 3 weeks, or

• 5,000 IU IM every other day for four injections, or

• 15 injections of 500 to 1,000 IU IM over 6 weeks.

For Post-Cycle Therapy (not FDA-approved, based on bodybuilding/biohacking protocols):

• 500-2,500 IU administered 2-3 times weekly for 2-4 weeks.

• Often begun during the final weeks of an anabolic steroid cycle and continued after cessation of steroids.

Administration Tips:

• hCG is typically supplied as a lyophilized powder and must be reconstituted with bacteriostatic water before injection.

• After reconstitution, hCG solution should be refrigerated (36-46°F or 2-8°C) and used within 30-60 days, depending on the specific product.

• Intramuscular injections should be administered into large muscle groups, such as the gluteus or thigh muscles.

• Some bodybuilding communities report using subcutaneous administration with comparable results and less discomfort.

• Proper aseptic technique is essential to prevent infection.

Disclaimer: hCG should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. Dosages and treatment regimens should be individualized based on the patient’s specific medical condition and response to therapy.