What it is
A glycoprotein hormone naturally produced during pregnancy. Pharmaceutical HCG is supplied as a lyophilized powder for reconstitution.
How it works
HCG mimics luteinizing hormone (LH) by binding to LH receptors on Leydig cells in the testes, stimulating intratesticular testosterone production.
Where it's used
Used in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, induction of ovulation, and cryptorchidism. In men on TRT it is sometimes used adjunctively to maintain testicular function.
FDA-approved use
Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in males, prepubertal cryptorchidism, and induction of ovulation in females.
Reconstitution
Supplied as a lyophilized powder; reconstituted with bacteriostatic or sterile water prior to injection.
Tracking it
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin is injectable, so two things matter in a log: when you dosed and where. Rotating sites and writing both down prevents the classic “did I already pin the left side?” problem. with a half-life of about 36 hours, a dose log also lets a tracker model the relative amount still in your system between doses.
Source
OpenFDA
Last reviewed 2026-06-11