Other · 5000iu × 10 vials
Human chorionic gonadotropin. LH-receptor agonist studied in gonadal steroidogenesis and fertility research.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a glycoprotein hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. It is structurally similar enough to luteinising hormone (LH) to bind and activate the LH receptor on Leydig cells in the testes and on ovarian follicular cells. In male physiology, this is the entire basis of its clinical use: hCG bypasses the pituitary and stimulates the testes directly to produce testosterone and maintain testicular volume.
Two contexts dominate the clinical literature. In men on exogenous testosterone, where the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is suppressed and the testes atrophy from disuse, hCG maintains Leydig and Sertoli cell mass, intratesticular testosterone, and spermatogenesis. After discontinuation of exogenous androgens, hCG is studied for restarting Leydig cell function before endogenous LH and FSH signalling resumes. In women, hCG is used clinically to trigger ovulation in assisted reproduction, since its LH-like activity drives the surge that causes follicle release. The historical Simeons weight-loss protocol has not held up under controlled study, and hCG has no evidence base for that use.
What the published studies measured.
Peer-reviewed studies and clinical guidelines - tap any to read the source.
landmark TRT + HCG sperm preservation study
Read study ↗PubMedKim ED et al, Oral enclomiphene citrate raises testosterone and preserves sperm counts in obese hypogonadal men, BJU International 2013enclomiphene context for HCG alternative
Read study ↗PubMedCoviello AD et al, Low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin maintains intratesticular testosterone in normal men with testosterone-induced gonadotropin suppression, JCEM 2005the foundational paper showing 250 IU EOD HCG maintains ~26% intratesticular T, 500 IU EOD ~57%, 125 IU EOD insufficient
Read study ↗PubMedLiu PY et al, Rate, extent, and modifiers of spermatogenic recovery after hormonal male contraception, Lancet 2006fertility recovery rates after androgen suppression
Read study ↗PubMedLijesen GK et al, 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 1995in the treatment of obesity by means of the Simeons therapy: a criteria-based meta-analysis, Br J Clin Pharmacol 1995](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8527285/) - the meta-analysis that conclusively debunks the HCG diet
Read study ↗PubMedBosch B et al, Effects of human chorionic gonadotropin on weight loss, hunger, and feeling of well-being, Am J Clin Nutr 1990second confirmatory debunk paper
Read study ↗Storage: Refrigerated, 30-60 days. HCG is fragile post-reconstitution; do not freeze, do not shake (swirl), keep cold continuously. Lyophilized (unmixed) vial is stable at room temp for weeks but should be refrigerated long-term.