HCG
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (Novarel / Pregnyl)
Mechanism of Action
Glycoprotein hormone structurally similar to LH. Binds the LH/hCG receptor on testicular Leydig cells, directly stimulating intratesticular testosterone production and spermatogenic support — independent of pituitary LH, so it works even when TRT has suppressed the pituitary.
Key Benefits
- Maintains testicular size and intratesticular testosterone during TRT
- Most extensively used fertility-sparing option for men on exogenous testosterone
- Effective for inducing spermatogenesis in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
- Comparable quality-of-life improvements to clomiphene-based approaches
Dosing Protocol
The most common real-world TRT-adjunct for testicular maintenance. Watch for estrogenic side effects at higher doses from increased aromatization.
Ideal Candidates
Men on TRT wanting to preserve fertility/testicular size; men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism seeking fertility induction.
Side Effects & Safety
Injection site reactions, gynecomastia/estrogenic effects at higher doses (from increased testosterone-to-estrogen aromatization), mood changes. Suppresses LH/FSH more than clomiphene-based approaches.
Regulatory Status
FDA-ApprovedFDA-approved (e.g., Novarel, Pregnyl) for hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, cryptorchidism, and fertility induction. TRT-adjunct testicular-maintenance use is off-label but extremely common in clinical practice.
Evidence & Citations
Frequently asked
What is HCG?+
HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (Novarel / Pregnyl)) is a peptide studied for lh receptor agonist and testicular maintenance. Glycoprotein hormone structurally similar to LH. Binds the LH/hCG receptor on testicular Leydig cells, directly stimulating intratesticular testosterone production and spermatogenic support — independent of pituitary LH, so it works even when TRT has suppressed the pituitary.
What is the dosing protocol for HCG?+
Literature commonly references 250 IU 2x/wk (low) to 500 IU EOD (3x/wk) (maintenance) via SubQ / IM, on a ongoing during trt; 4–6 wks for fertility induction/pct cycle. Educational reference only — a licensed Stackhaus Health provider sets any personalized protocol.
What is the regulatory status of HCG?+
FDA-approved (e.g., Novarel, Pregnyl) for hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, cryptorchidism, and fertility induction. TRT-adjunct testicular-maintenance use is off-label but extremely common in clinical practice.
Where can I access HCG?+
Research-grade HCG is available through Stackhaus Research. For a personalized, provider-reviewed protocol, consult a licensed clinician through Stackhaus Health.
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Used in these stacks
HCG appears in 1 research protocol in the Stackhaus Academy library.