hCG
Human chorionic gonadotropin · Gonadotropin (hormone)
What it is
A pregnancy hormone that mimics LH — prescribed alongside TRT to keep the testes working and fertility alive, and used in PCT to restart production. The one compound in the steroid-adjacent world with a genuinely defensible medical logic for co-use.
What human evidence shows
Solid: maintains intratesticular testosterone and semen parameters on TRT, and restores testicular function after suppression. Fertility-clinic literature is extensive. The fringe "hCG diet" use is completely discredited — that part is a scam with a hormone attached.
Risks
Estrogen-side effects (it raises E2 production), acne, water retention; overuse desensitizes the very receptors it stimulates. Compounding-pharmacy access tightened after FDA reclassification, pushing users to grey vials of a temperature-sensitive biologic — potency roulette. Needles and reconstitution done casually, as with any peptide-style vial.
Legal status
US: prescription biologic. Post-2020 it is a biologic legally — compounded versions largely ended, which is why supply talk dominates forums.
Evidence base
established literature
Large human evidence base: several phase 3 or 4 trial reports, plus multiple meta-analyses or systematic reviews.
- phase 3/4
- 16
- randomised
- 424
- reviews
- 168
- human trials
- 724
Counts are of published papers, not distinct trials, and measure how much research exists — not whether this works or is safe for you.
Research (12)
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin-Mediated Immune Responses That Facilitate Embryo Implantation and PlacentationFront Immunol · 2019
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and Breast CancerInt J Mol Sci · 2017
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin2026
- Human chorionic gonadotropin-based clinical treatments for infertile men with non-obstructive azoospermiaAndrology · 2026
- Differential diagnosis of elevated human chorionic gonadotropin in womenCase Rep Womens Health · 2023
- β-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Dynamics in Early Gestational Events: A Practical and Updated ReappraisalObstet Gynecol Int · 2024
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin as a Marker of Parathyroid Carcinoma: Findings From a Scoping ReviewCureus · 2025
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin as a Pivotal Endocrine Immune Regulator Initiating and Preserving Fetal ToleranceInt J Mol Sci · 2017
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)-An Endocrine, Regulator of Gestation and CancerInt J Mol Sci · 2018
- The Utility of Monitoring Beta-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Levels in an Ectopic PregnancyCureus · 2023
- Determination of human chorionic gonadotropinBest Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab · 2013
- Research Progress on the Impact of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin on Reproductive Performance in SowsAnimals (Basel) · 2024
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