--- title: "HCG | PepTracker Pro" description: "A hormone used clinically for fertility treatment and testosterone support during hormone replacement therapy." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "PepTracker Pro", "url": "https://peptrackerpro.com", "logo": "https://peptrackerpro.com/favicon.png", "description": "Evidence-based educational resource dedicated to improving peptide research literacy.", "contactPoint": { "@type": "ContactPoint", "email": "hello@peptrackerpro.com", "contactType": "customer support" }, "sameAs": [] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "MedicalWebPage", "name": "HCG", "description": "A hormone used clinically for fertility treatment and testosterone support during hormone replacement therapy.", "url": "https://peptrackerpro.com/peptides/hcg", "lastReviewed": "2026-05-27", "reviewedBy": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "PepTracker Pro Research Team", "url": "https://peptrackerpro.com" }, "isPartOf": { "@type": "WebSite", "name": "PepTracker Pro", "url": "https://peptrackerpro.com" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://peptrackerpro.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Peptides", "item": "https://peptrackerpro.com/peptides" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "HCG", "item": "https://peptrackerpro.com/peptides/hcg" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Men on TRT seeking to maintain fertility?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "HCG is a research peptide studied in preclinical models. A hormone used clinically for fertility treatment and testosterone support during hormone replacement therapy." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Couples exploring fertility treatments?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "HCG is a research peptide studied in preclinical models. A hormone used clinically for fertility treatment and testosterone support during hormone replacement therapy." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Those researching hormonal support options?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "HCG is a research peptide studied in preclinical models. A hormone used clinically for fertility treatment and testosterone support during hormone replacement therapy." } } ] } ] --- [Skip to main content](#main) **Educational information only.** This site does not provide medical advice. [Read full disclaimer](/disclaimer) [PepTracker Pro](/) [Home](/)[Peptides](/peptides)[Compare](/compare)[Glossary](/glossary)[Blog](/blog)[Calculators](/calculators)[Start Here](/start) [Open the App](https://app.peptrackerpro.com) [Peptides](/peptides)/ HCG **Research-only content.** This page is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. [Read full disclaimer →](/research-disclaimer) # HCG High Evidence A hormone used clinically for fertility treatment and testosterone support during hormone replacement therapy. Aliases Human Chorionic Gonadotropin +2 more Evidence High Evidence Last Updated 2026-05-27 Reading Time 2 min ## Table of Contents 1. [What It Is](#what-it-is) 2. [Why Researchers Study It](#why-researchers-study) 3. [Proposed Mechanisms](#proposed-mechanisms) 4. [Evidence Snapshot](#evidence-snapshot) 5. [Commonly Discussed Benefits](#benefits) 6. [Safety & Cautions](#safety) 7. [Comparisons](#comparisons) 8. [Calculator Tools](#calculator) 9. [Citations](#citations) ## What It Is Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is a glycoprotein hormone naturally produced by trophoblast cells of the placenta during pregnancy. It structurally mimics luteinizing hormone (LH) and binds to the LH/CG receptor, stimulating testosterone production in Leydig cells and supporting corpus luteum progesterone secretion. Pharmaceutical hCG is FDA-approved for specific indications: treatment of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in males, prepubertal cryptorchidism, and as part of assisted reproductive technology (ART) to trigger ovulation. In reproductive medicine, hCG injection is the standard trigger for final oocyte maturation in IVF cycles, though kisspeptin and GnRH agonist triggers are being studied as alternatives that may reduce ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) risk. In male hormone therapy, hCG is commonly used alongside testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to maintain intratesticular testosterone levels and preserve fertility by preventing testicular atrophy. Recombinant hCG (choriogonadotropin alfa, brand name Ovidrel) and urinary-derived preparations (Pregnyl, Novarel) are both commercially available. hCG is classified as a prohibited substance by WADA in male athletes. Misuse concerns exist around weight-loss programs promoting very low-calorie diets combined with hCG injections — the FDA has warned that hCG is not approved or effective for weight loss. Also known as: Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Pregnyl, Novarel ## Why Researchers Study It HCG is a cornerstone of reproductive endocrinology research due to its structural similarity to LH and its ability to directly stimulate gonadal steroidogenesis. It remains the gold standard for maintaining intratesticular testosterone during exogenous testosterone therapy, preserving both Leydig cell function and spermatogenesis. ## Proposed Mechanisms - Mimics luteinizing hormone (LH) by binding the LH/CG receptor on Leydig cells - Stimulates intratesticular testosterone production independent of pituitary signaling - Maintains spermatogenesis during exogenous testosterone use - In women, triggers final oocyte maturation and ovulation in assisted reproduction ## Evidence Snapshot High Evidence Low Medium High ## Commonly Discussed Benefits [Hormone Support](/benefits/hormone-support)[Fertility](/benefits/fertility)[Sexual Health](/benefits/sexual-health) Researching HCG ? Track it, set reminders, and keep notes in the free app. [Track in App](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=hcg) ## Safety & Cautions - FDA-approved prescription medication - Must be prescribed and monitored by a physician - May cause gynecomastia or mood changes in men - Contraindicated in hormone-sensitive cancers ## Comparisons See how HCG compares to related peptides: [HCG vs HMG](/compare/hcg-vs-hmg) [HCG vs Kisspeptin-10](/compare/hcg-vs-kisspeptin-10) ## Calculator Tools Use our research tools to explore dosing and reconstitution data: [Reconstitution Calculator](/calculators) ## Citations 1. \[1\] Coviello AD. et al. — Effects of graded doses of testosterone on spermatogenesis and HCG. JCEM. 2008 [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) ### Keep researching in the app - Log HCG to your private tracker - Set a dosing reminder - Compare it side-by-side with your stack [Open PepTracker Pro Free](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=hcg) [Browse more peptides](/peptides) ## Related Peptides ### HMG High Evidence A gonadotropin preparation containing FSH and LH, used in fertility protocols for both men and women. [Fertility](/benefits/fertility)[Hormone Support](/benefits/hormone-support) [View Details](/peptides/hmg) [\+ Compare](/compare?select=hmg)[](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=hmg) ### Kisspeptin-10 Medium Evidence A neuropeptide that stimulates GnRH release, studied for fertility and reproductive hormone regulation. [Fertility](/benefits/fertility)[Hormone Support](/benefits/hormone-support)[Sexual Health](/benefits/sexual-health) [View Details](/peptides/kisspeptin-10) [\+ Compare](/compare?select=kisspeptin-10)[](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=kisspeptin-10) [PepTracker Pro](/) Educational peptide information and research tracking tools. Not medical advice. #### Explore - [Peptide Directory](/peptides) - [Compare Peptides](/compare) - [Glossary](/glossary) - [Benefits](/benefits/sleep) #### Learn - [Blog](/blog) - [Calculators](/calculators) - [Start Here](/start) - [About](/about) #### Legal - [Editorial Policy](/editorial-policy) - [Research Disclaimer](/research-disclaimer) - [Disclaimer](/disclaimer) - [Privacy Policy](/privacy) - [Terms of Service](/terms) - [Contact](/contact) © 2026 PepTracker Pro. Educational purposes only. Not medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider.