HCG
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin — a naturally occurring reproductive hormone studied for its role in gonadal signaling.
Overview
HCG is a glycoprotein hormone naturally produced during pregnancy, and it has an approved pharmaceutical history for specific reproductive and endocrine indications. It’s also structurally similar to luteinizing hormone (LH), which is why it’s been studied for its effects on gonadal function outside of pregnancy contexts. The research-grade material sold by Stack Science is a distinct, unapproved product intended strictly for laboratory research, not the approved pharmaceutical formulation.
Mechanism of Action
HCG binds the same receptor as luteinizing hormone (the LH/HCG receptor), stimulating gonadal tissue — testosterone production via Leydig cells in males, and ovarian function in females. Because of this LH-mimetic activity, it has been studied in research contexts examining the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, including how gonadal signaling responds when upstream LH production is suppressed.
Cited Research
LH-receptor pharmacology
Well-characterized activity at the shared LH/HCG receptor in gonadal tissue.
Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis research
Studied in the context of gonadal signaling when upstream hormone production is suppressed.
Fertility research
Extensively studied in assisted-reproduction research for its role in ovulation induction.
This is a summary, not an exhaustive review. Search the primary literature yourself: HCG on PubMed →
Safety & Handling
The research-grade HCG sold by Stack Science should be handled only by qualified personnel in a laboratory setting, stored and reconstituted per its Certificate of Analysis, and kept refrigerated once reconstituted. It is not the FDA-approved pharmaceutical product and is not intended for human use in this form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HCG FDA approved?
An approved pharmaceutical version exists for specific reproductive-medicine indications. However, the research-grade material sold here is a separate, unapproved product intended strictly for laboratory research, not human use.
Is research-grade HCG legal to purchase?
Yes, it’s legal to sell and purchase for laboratory research purposes in the U.S.
How should it be stored?
Keep the lyophilized powder refrigerated or frozen prior to reconstitution. Once reconstituted, keep refrigerated and use within the timeframe on its Certificate of Analysis.
Is this page medical advice?
No. This page summarizes published literature for research and educational context only. It does not recommend a dose, protocol, or use in humans or animals outside a laboratory setting.
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