№ 067

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

Glycoprotein hormone that mimics LH at the testicular Leydig cell. Used clinically for fertility and to restart endogenous testosterone production after suppressive cycles.

Metabolic

Evidence: Strong

Metabolic

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) reconstitutes clear. Set expectations.

Half-life ⓘ

~24-36 hours sub-q

Route ⓘ

Subcutaneous or intramuscular

Cycle ⓘ

Continuous low-dose with TRT, or 4-6 week PCT pulse

Schedule

2-3x weekly (low-dose alongside TRT) or daily (PCT restart)

Status & legalityWhat do these mean? →

Natty? ⓘ

Not natty

FDA-approved drug used to mimic LH and stimulate endogenous testosterone. Universally banned in tested sport.

FDA ⓘ

Approved

Approved (multiple brand names — Pregnyl, Novarel, Ovidrel) for fertility induction in men and women, and for cryptorchidism in boys.

Compounding ⓘ

Approved drug

Available as an FDA-approved drug, not a compounded peptide.

WADA ⓘ

Banned (S2)

Listed under S2 (Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors). Banned in male athletes only — female athletes are exempt because HCG is endogenous in pregnancy.

Prescribed ⓘ

Yes — prescribed by reproductive endocrinology, urology, and TRT-aware providers for fertility, hypogonadism adjunct, and post-cycle support.

Who it's for

→Men running TRT who want to preserve testicular size and fertility
→Post-cycle users restarting their HPG axis
→Fertility patients (under physician supervision)

What to expect

Week 1
Testicular volume restoration begins within days when running alongside TRT.
Week 4
PCT users see meaningful endogenous testosterone reactivation if HPG axis is intact.
Week 8
PCT pulse usually wraps. Long-term TRT users continue indefinitely.

Dosing protocol

Members only

Stacks well with

Members only

Stack essentials

Most users on HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) run these alongside it. Each one fixes a specific deficiency, side effect, or synergy gap — not optional extras if you want full results.

Magnesium (Glycinate)

Magnesium supports the testosterone-binding-globulin balance and helps with PCT-period sleep disruption

See dose →

Vitamin D3 + K2

Endogenous testosterone production is D3-gated — sufficiency improves the LH-stimulated output

See dose →

Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)

Cardiovascular protection during testosterone-elevating cycles — omega-3 sufficiency offsets the lipid shifts

See dose →

Don't have the injection kit yet?

Insulin syringes, alcohol pads, sharps disposal, and vial storage — quality-checked, top-rated picks.

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Side effects

Members only

When NOT to use

Members only

Bloodwork to monitor

Members only

Common mistakes

Members only

The Pepdex take

Pepdex take: HCG is the most-used peptide nobody calls a peptide. On TRT, low-dose HCG (250 IU 3x/week) preserves testicular function and fertility without meaningfully changing your TRT dose-response — the cost is acne and slightly higher estrogen. For PCT, it's one tool of three (HCG + SERM + time); HCG alone restarts the testes but not the brain, which is why solo-HCG PCTs leave people feeling flat. The IU-vs-mg confusion is real: research-grade product sold as '5,000 IU' or '10,000 IU' refers to total vial activity, not dose — reconstitute carefully.

Members only

Unlock the rest on HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

Members get the full mechanism, dose protocols, side effects, contraindications, common mistakes, drug interactions, and the Pepdex hot take — on every entry.

✓ Mechanism
✓ Dose protocols
✓ Side effects
✓ Drug interactions
✓ Common mistakes
✓ The Pepdex take
✓ Members-only Sources page — community-curated reference for research-grade material

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Frequently asked

Is HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) FDA approved?+

Approved (multiple brand names — Pregnyl, Novarel, Ovidrel) for fertility induction in men and women, and for cryptorchidism in boys.

Is HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) banned by WADA?+

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is on the WADA prohibited list under Banned (S2). Listed under S2 (Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors). Banned in male athletes only — female athletes are exempt because HCG is endogenous in pregnancy.

Are you still natty after taking HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)?+

No. FDA-approved drug used to mimic LH and stimulate endogenous testosterone. Universally banned in tested sport.

Do doctors prescribe HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)?+

Yes — prescribed by reproductive endocrinology, urology, and TRT-aware providers for fertility, hypogonadism adjunct, and post-cycle support.

What's the typical dose of HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)?+

Alongside TRT: 250-500 IU 2-3x weekly. PCT restart: 1,000-2,000 IU every other day for 2-4 weeks, often paired with a SERM.

What are the side effects of HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)?+

Common side effects include: Acne flare from increased intratesticular testosterone; Estrogen elevation (HCG also stimulates aromatase) — may need an AI; Mild gynecomastia risk if estrogen runs uncontrolled; Mood changes during PCT pulses. Less common effects and full safety details are on the entry page.

How long until HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) starts working?+

Testicular volume restoration begins within days when running alongside TRT.

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