Skip to content
AncillaryWADA ProhibitedCompare

HCG

Also known as: Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Pregnyl, Novarel, Ovidrel

2
1 · Natty510 · Enhanced

Lower numbers = closer to natural. Higher numbers = more enhanced.

Why this rating?

Per PubMed research (Coviello et al.), HCG mimics LH to stimulate testosterone production. 500 IU EOD increases intratesticular testosterone ~26% above an unsuppressed baseline, and it keeps the testes functional during AAS-induced suppression rather than adding independent anabolic drive. FDA-approved uses are male hypogonadism, cryptorchidism, and female fertility, not performance enhancement. Like other HPG-axis ancillaries (SERMs, gonadorelin, HMG), it primarily maintains or restores natural testicular function during/after a cycle rather than building muscle beyond what the user's own physiology could otherwise support, so it is rated alongside those support compounds rather than as an independent muscle-building agent.

Overview

A glycoprotein hormone that mimics luteinizing hormone (LH), directly stimulating the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone. Essential for maintaining testicular function during steroid cycles and facilitating recovery during PCT. The alpha subunit is identical to LH, FSH, and TSH.

Important Warnings

  • •HCG suppresses natural LH production - do not use as sole PCT agent
  • •Must transition to SERMs after HCG phase of PCT
  • •Limit high-dose use to 2-3 weeks to avoid desensitization concerns
  • •Use divided doses rather than single large doses for better results
  • •Requires refrigeration after reconstitution (36-46°F / 2-8°C)
  • •Reconstituted HCG stable for 30-60 days refrigerated
  • •Never freeze - will damage the hormone

Purpose & Use Cases

Testicular Function Maintenance

Prevents testicular atrophy and maintains sperm production during steroid cycles by keeping Leydig cells active.

PCT Bridge

Used before SERMs to "jumpstart" the testes after a cycle, making subsequent SERM therapy more effective.

Fertility Preservation

Maintains spermatogenesis in men on TRT or during steroid cycles who wish to preserve fertility.

Testosterone Production

Directly stimulates endogenous testosterone production. 500 IU EOD can increase intratesticular testosterone 26% above baseline.

Benefits

  • Prevents testicular atrophy during steroid use
  • Maintains intratesticular testosterone for spermatogenesis
  • Makes PCT recovery faster and more complete
  • Can restore fertility in steroid-induced azoospermia - high success rates reported with combination therapy (hCG plus FSH/SERM)
  • Reduces psychological distress from testicular shrinkage
  • Both subcutaneous and intramuscular administration equally effective

Good to Know

It is essentially injectable LH

HCG binds the same receptor as luteinizing hormone (LH) on the Leydig cells and tells them to make testosterone directly. It works one level DOWNSTREAM of the pituitary. It acts on the testes themselves, so it works even when your own LH is fully shut down by a cycle. This is the opposite end of the axis from SERMs/GnRH/kisspeptin, which try to restart signalling from the top.

Restores testicular size: but it is a bridge, not a PCT

On-cycle (or in the ~10-14 days before PCT) HCG keeps the testes full and functional and reverses atrophy. But because it stands in for LH, it keeps your own pituitary LH suppressed. Run it first to wake the testes up, then STOP it ~3-5 days before starting the SERMs (Nolvadex/Clomid) so the pituitary is free to rebound. Using HCG alone as PCT just prolongs shutdown.

Divided doses beat big boluses

Small frequent doses (e.g. 250-500 IU) produce more total testosterone output and avoid Leydig-cell/LH-receptor desensitization than one large 1500+ IU shot. Peak testosterone response lands ~72-96 hours after a dose.

It raises estrogen because it raises testosterone

By driving intratesticular and serum testosterone up, HCG increases aromatization to estradiol. The main reason gyno/water can appear at higher doses. An AI is sometimes needed above ~1500 IU, dosed to bloodwork.

Dosage Guidelines

Experience LevelDosage Range
Beginner500 – 1000 IU/week
Intermediate1000 – 2000 IU/week
Advanced2000 – 4000 IU/week
Frequency
On-cycle maintenance: 250-500 IU injected 2-3x weekly. PCT bridge: 500-1,500 IU every other day (EOD) for 10-20 days, then transition to SERMs.
Typical Cycle Length
2 – 16 weeks
Notes

Ranges above are WEEKLY TOTALS split across 2-3 shots/week or EOD dosing. Individual injections are typically 250-1,000 IU each (see Frequency). On-cycle, run the low-to-mid weekly total for the length of the AAS cycle to keep the testes responsive; for a PCT bridge, use the higher end for 10-20 days immediately after the last AAS dose, then STOP and move to SERMs (Nolvadex/Clomid), HCG itself suppresses natural LH, so running it alone long-term just prolongs shutdown. For reference, the FDA-approved Novarel/Pregnyl label for diagnosed hypogonadotropic hypogonadism uses higher clinical doses still (500-1,000 IU 3x weekly initially, up to 4,000 IU 3x weekly in some regimens), a different, medically-supervised indication, not typical off-label AAS-cycle use. Peak testosterone response occurs ~72-96 hours after injection. In men with pharmacologically suppressed LH, 250 IU EOD maintains intratesticular testosterone (ITT) ~7% below baseline and 500 IU EOD raises it ~26% above baseline (Coviello et al.). Divided, smaller doses are preferred over large single boluses, high single doses risk transient Leydig-cell/LH-receptor desensitization.

Side Effects

Elevated Estrogen

common
Severity
2.5/5

Increased testosterone production leads to increased aromatization to estrogen. More pronounced at higher doses.

Mitigation

May need AI at higher doses (>1500 IU). Monitor estrogen via bloodwork.

Injection Site Pain

common
Severity
1.5/5

One of the most commonly reported adverse effects listed on the FDA label; generally mild and transient.

Mitigation

Rotate injection sites. Use proper technique.

Gynecomastia

uncommon
Severity
3/5

From elevated estrogen, especially at higher doses.

Mitigation

Control estrogen with AI if needed. Keep doses moderate.

Water Retention

uncommon
Severity
1.5/5

Mild bloating in most cases, related to estrogenic effects.

Mitigation

Usually mild. Manage with dose adjustment.

Headache

uncommon
Severity
1.5/5

Typically mild and resolves within 1-2 weeks.

Mitigation

Usually transient.

Leydig Cell Desensitization

rare
Severity
3/5

Prolonged high-dose use can downregulate LH receptors, reducing testosterone response. However, this appears temporary and reversible.

Mitigation

Use divided doses (not single large doses). Keep individual injections under 500 IU for maintenance. Limit high-dose PCT protocols to 2-3 weeks.

Mood Changes

uncommon
Severity
2/5

Depression, fatigue, or irritability reported in some users.

Mitigation

Usually related to hormonal fluctuations. Monitor and adjust protocol.

General Mitigation Strategies

Use smaller, divided doses rather than large single doses - preclinical research shows hCG causes dose- and time-dependent Leydig-cell/LH-receptor desensitization, so frequent small injections are preferred over infrequent large boluses. Keep individual doses under 500-1,000 IU for maintenance use. May need an AI at higher doses. Peak effect occurs roughly 72-96 hours post-injection.

Post Cycle Therapy (PCT)

⚠️PCT Required

HCG is part of PCT but is NOT the complete PCT. Use HCG for 10-20 days, then transition to SERMs (Nolvadex/Clomid). Do not use HCG alone for PCT - it suppresses natural LH. Common PCT bridge protocol: 500-1,500 IU EOD for 10-20 days, followed by SERM therapy.

How It Works

HCG binds to the same LH/CG receptor (LHCGR) as luteinizing hormone on Leydig cells. Upon binding, it activates adenylyl cyclase via Gαs coupling, increasing cyclic AMP and triggering testosterone synthesis. Research shows HCG is actually a more potent agonist than LH itself (biased agonism). Maintains intratesticular testosterone (ITT) necessary for spermatogenesis and prevents testicular atrophy during exogenous steroid use.

Fundamentals

Reference on the practices relevant to HCG: how they are done and where they go wrong. Not a recommendation to use it.

Sterile technique & injection-site infection→

Avoiding abscesses and cellulitis

HPTA suppression and recovery→

What post-cycle therapy is for

Bloodwork: what to measure and when→

The markers that matter here

Warning signs & when to seek care→

When to stop and get help

Common Stacks

  • HCG (throughout cycle) + Testosterone - Maintains testicular function
  • HCG (2-3 weeks) followed by Nolvadex (4 weeks) - Standard PCT sequence
  • HCG + Clomid + Nolvadex - Dr. Scally's Power PCT protocol
  • HCG + Clomiphene (ongoing) - TRT fertility preservation protocol

WADA Status

⛔Prohibited by WADA
Category: S2. Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics
In-Competition: ProhibitedOut-of-Competition: Prohibited

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is explicitly prohibited in males under S2.2 as a gonadotrophin.

References

Last updated: July 18, 2026