HCG
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin — an FDA-approved hormone that mimics LH, researched for testicular function, fertility, and TRT support.
What It Is
HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is a hormone that mimics the action of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the body. In males, LH signals the testes to produce testosterone and plays an important role in maintaining normal testicular function.
Because HCG stimulates this pathway directly, it is researched and clinically used in settings involving male fertility, testosterone production, and testicular function. It is commonly discussed alongside testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) because exogenous testosterone suppresses the body’s natural LH signaling, and HCG can help maintain testicular activity and intratesticular testosterone production during that suppression.
Who May Benefit
- Male fertility research
- Testosterone replacement therapy support
- Testicular function during TRT
- Maintaining testicular activity while on exogenous testosterone
- Post-cycle hormonal recovery
What to Expect
HCG works by providing an LH-like signal to the testes rather than directly supplying testosterone. Depending on the objective, it may support testicular function, intratesticular testosterone production, testicular volume, and fertility-related parameters.
Fertility outcomes take time to change and HCG alone does not guarantee conception — sperm production depends on multiple hormonal and reproductive factors, and fertility-focused use should be guided by labs and semen analysis rather than symptoms alone.
What to Pair It With
Reconstitution
Suggested Research Dosing Strategy
Administration Notes
Subcutaneous administration, commonly in the abdomen.
Keep the reconstituted solution refrigerated and do not freeze it.
Fertility-focused use should ideally be guided by reproductive hormone labs and semen-analysis results rather than symptoms alone.
Research Considerations
HCG’s primary mechanism is well established clinically: it mimics LH and stimulates the testes directly. Its most important application in males is fertility preservation or restoration during testosterone therapy, since exogenous testosterone suppresses the natural LH/FSH signals needed for sperm production.
HCG does not guarantee preservation or restoration of fertility on its own, and additional therapies (such as FSH/hMG in physician-directed protocols) may be needed depending on the underlying cause.
Have a specific question about HCG? Chat with Pulse, Signal IQ’s free AI research assistant — ask about mechanisms, stacking, or how it compares to other compounds.