Fertility and endocrine therapy
Studies. Product-specific clinical indications and research.1
HormonalHormone
HCG
Human chorionic gonadotropin, a glycoprotein hormone
Prescription hCG products have approved endocrine and fertility indications; no approved weight-loss use.
What does it do?
Prescription hCG products have specific fertility and endocrine indications. Urinary hCG and recombinant products have their own labels; IU amounts cannot be treated as peptide mass.
Fertility · testosterone support
Reported fertility preservation and testosterone-support practices, including off-label TRT-adjunct use.16
Amino-acid sequence
An exact sequence has not been verified for this formulation.
Reference identity · not independently confirmed16
Length237 amino acids total (alpha: 92 aa + beta: 145 aa)
Molecular weight · Da36,700 Da (36.7 kDa)
How long does it stay in the body?
Pharmacokinetics · How quickly the compound clears.
Half-life1.5 days
Time for the level to fall by half.
About 97% cleared7.5 days
After five half-lives in this model.
Unverified reference estimate · Source page: Injectable. Exact PK route not verified.15
This value is reported by a secondary reference. The stated attribution has not been independently verified as a route- and formulation-matched human PK measurement.
50%estimated remaining
Illustrative scenario using an unverified reference estimate.
Does this tell me how long the effects last?
No. Effects can end sooner or last longer than the measured level. This curve estimates decline from a starting reference level; it does not set a dosing schedule.
What this estimate is based on
Not established by the reference estimate. The reference attributes this to FDA Pregnyl label; that attribution is unverified.
The source reports a peak time of 6 hrs; this is unverified and is not part of the curve.
The model uses a constant half-life. It starts from a reference level, not the moment of administration, and excludes absorption, repeated doses, and metabolites. About 3% remains after five half-lives.
What to expect
Study outcomes
Defined product and units
Pregnyl contains 10,000 USP units per vial for intramuscular use. Its units are biological activity, not milligrams.1
New study is a protocol, not an outcome
APHRODITE describes a trial of hCG with or without FSH in selected hypogonadal men with non-obstructive azoospermia. It cannot yet establish treatment benefit.2
Doses by goal
These are reported practices from secondary sources, not validated dosing recommendations.
Route
Scroll to compare all columns →
| Goal | Dose | Frequency | Route | Duration | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TRT Adjunct (Low Dose) | 250-500 IU | Every other day | SubQ | Ongoing during TRT; 3-6 months for fertility protocols; 3-4 weeks for cryptorchidism | 16 |
Population Population not independently verified; see the reference and linked research. Context Reported in Pep-Pedia’s educational protocol table. Study attribution and applicability to this exact product are not independently established. Compatibility labels are context-specific source claims; hormone treatment requires diagnosis-based monitoring. Source route wording SubQ or IM Source tabs Injectable | |||||
| TRT Adjunct (Low Dose) | 250-500 IU | Every other day | IM | Ongoing during TRT; 3-6 months for fertility protocols; 3-4 weeks for cryptorchidism | 16 |
Population Population not independently verified; see the reference and linked research. Context Reported in Pep-Pedia’s educational protocol table. Study attribution and applicability to this exact product are not independently established. Compatibility labels are context-specific source claims; hormone treatment requires diagnosis-based monitoring. Source route wording SubQ or IM Source tabs Injectable | |||||
| TRT Adjunct (Standard) | 500-1000 IU | Twice weekly | SubQ | Ongoing during TRT; 3-6 months for fertility protocols; 3-4 weeks for cryptorchidism | 16 |
Population Population not independently verified; see the reference and linked research. Context Reported in Pep-Pedia’s educational protocol table. Study attribution and applicability to this exact product are not independently established. Compatibility labels are context-specific source claims; hormone treatment requires diagnosis-based monitoring. Source route wording SubQ or IM Source tabs Injectable | |||||
| TRT Adjunct (Standard) | 500-1000 IU | Twice weekly | IM | Ongoing during TRT; 3-6 months for fertility protocols; 3-4 weeks for cryptorchidism | 16 |
Population Population not independently verified; see the reference and linked research. Context Reported in Pep-Pedia’s educational protocol table. Study attribution and applicability to this exact product are not independently established. Compatibility labels are context-specific source claims; hormone treatment requires diagnosis-based monitoring. Source route wording SubQ or IM Source tabs Injectable | |||||
| HCG Monotherapy (Hypogonadism) | 1500-2000 IU | 2-3 times weekly | IMIM injection | Ongoing during TRT; 3-6 months for fertility protocols; 3-4 weeks for cryptorchidism | 16 |
Population Population not independently verified; see the reference and linked research. Context Reported in Pep-Pedia’s educational protocol table. Study attribution and applicability to this exact product are not independently established. Compatibility labels are context-specific source claims; hormone treatment requires diagnosis-based monitoring. Source tabs Injectable | |||||
| Fertility Protocol (with FSH) | 1500-2000 IU | 2-3 times weekly | IMIM injection | Ongoing during TRT; 3-6 months for fertility protocols; 3-4 weeks for cryptorchidism | 16 |
Population Population not independently verified; see the reference and linked research. Context Reported in Pep-Pedia’s educational protocol table. Study attribution and applicability to this exact product are not independently established. Compatibility labels are context-specific source claims; hormone treatment requires diagnosis-based monitoring. Source tabs Injectable | |||||
| Cryptorchidism (Pediatric) | 1000-5000 IU (age-dependent) | 2-3 times weekly x 3-4 weeks | IMIM injection | Ongoing during TRT; 3-6 months for fertility protocols; 3-4 weeks for cryptorchidism | 16 |
Population Population not independently verified; see the reference and linked research. Context Reported in Pep-Pedia’s educational protocol table. Study attribution and applicability to this exact product are not independently established. Compatibility labels are context-specific source claims; hormone treatment requires diagnosis-based monitoring. Source tabs Injectable | |||||
| Ovulation Trigger (Female) | 5000-10,000 IU single dose | Once (timed with follicle maturity) | SubQ | Ongoing during TRT; 3-6 months for fertility protocols; 3-4 weeks for cryptorchidism | 16 |
Population Population not independently verified; see the reference and linked research. Context Reported in Pep-Pedia’s educational protocol table. Study attribution and applicability to this exact product are not independently established. Compatibility labels are context-specific source claims; hormone treatment requires diagnosis-based monitoring. Source route wording IM or SubQ Source tabs Injectable | |||||
| Ovulation Trigger (Female) | 5000-10,000 IU single dose | Once (timed with follicle maturity) | IM | Ongoing during TRT; 3-6 months for fertility protocols; 3-4 weeks for cryptorchidism | 16 |
Population Population not independently verified; see the reference and linked research. Context Reported in Pep-Pedia’s educational protocol table. Study attribution and applicability to this exact product are not independently established. Compatibility labels are context-specific source claims; hormone treatment requires diagnosis-based monitoring. Source route wording IM or SubQ Source tabs Injectable | |||||
| PCT Protocol | 1000-1500 IU | Every other day x 2-3 weeks | SubQ | Ongoing during TRT; 3-6 months for fertility protocols; 3-4 weeks for cryptorchidism | 16 |
Population Population not independently verified; see the reference and linked research. Context Reported in Pep-Pedia’s educational protocol table. Study attribution and applicability to this exact product are not independently established. Compatibility labels are context-specific source claims; hormone treatment requires diagnosis-based monitoring. Source route wording SubQ or IM Source tabs Injectable | |||||
| PCT Protocol | 1000-1500 IU | Every other day x 2-3 weeks | IM | Ongoing during TRT; 3-6 months for fertility protocols; 3-4 weeks for cryptorchidism | 16 |
Population Population not independently verified; see the reference and linked research. Context Reported in Pep-Pedia’s educational protocol table. Study attribution and applicability to this exact product are not independently established. Compatibility labels are context-specific source claims; hormone treatment requires diagnosis-based monitoring. Source route wording SubQ or IM Source tabs Injectable | |||||
No protocols match these filters.
Reported use periods and breaks. These do not establish a safe cycle or prove that breaks prevent tolerance.
Injectable
- Use period
- Ongoing during TRT; 3-6 months for fertility protocols; 3-4 weeks for cryptorchidism
- Break
- Not typically cycled when used as TRT adjunct. For PCT, standard 2-3 week protocols
Reported timing
No specific time requirement - maintain consistent schedule. Some prefer morning dosing
Side effects & safety
Ovarian hyperstimulation
In fertility treatment, OHSS can become life-threatening; the Pregnyl label requires specialist monitoring of ovarian response.
1Thromboembolic complications
Serious clotting events have been reported during gonadotropin therapy, both with and apart from OHSS.
1Hypersensitivity and fluid retention
Urinary hCG has reports of anaphylaxis. Androgen stimulation can also produce fluid retention.
1Hormonal effects
Breast symptoms, mood/headache, edema and excess sex hormones; monitor clinically.
Serious risks
OHSS, thrombosis, hormone-sensitive cancer and inappropriate pediatric exposure.
Urgent symptoms
Chest pain/breathlessness, painful swollen leg, severe abdominal bloating/pain, vision changes, allergy or testicular pain.
Not a complete safety screen. Discuss health decisions with a qualified clinician.
Combinations & interactions
9 entriesCheck cautions and reported pairings. A compatibility claim does not establish that a combination is safe.
GnRH analogs
Caution reportedCoordinated fertility/endocrine treatment.16
Reference report · Pep-Pedia label: Monitor CombinationThyroid hormones
Caution reportedHigh-HCG thyroid effects.16
Reference report · Evidence context: Monitor requiredTestosterone
Unverified pairingOff-label fertility intent; preservation not guaranteed.16
Reference report · Evidence context: Common combinationClomiphene
Unverified pairingSource's practice claim, not universal rule.16
Reference report · Evidence context: Use sequentiallyAromatase inhibitors
Unverified pairingClinically indicated estrogen management only.16
Reference report · Evidence context: Commonly combinedFSH
Unverified pairingEstablished selected infertility regimens.16
Reference report · Evidence context: Synergistic for fertilityKisspeptin
Unverified pairingCombination benefit unestablished.16
Reference report · Evidence context: Complementary mechanismsMetformin
Unverified pairingSelected PCOS fertility settings.16
Reference report · Evidence context: Protective combinationOther medicines and research compounds
Not establishedNo clinical interaction study for the exact proposed combination was verified; absence of evidence does not establish compatibility.3
Research contextNo matching interactions. Try another name or filter.
Reconstitution
The label specifies 1–10 mL of the supplied solvent and refrigerated storage after mixing for up to 60 days. These instructions do not transfer to other hCG products.1
Reference preparation details
Reported handling information, not a validated formulation or instruction to prepare an injectable product.
Injectable
The source describes a supplied product diluent, whose identity depends on the product.
- Solvents mentioned
- Product-supplied diluent
- Reported parameters
- Example: 5,000 IU in 2 mL gives 2,500 IU/mL. · Reported storage: 2–8°C; the stated 30–60-day interval depends on diluent and product.
The source describes gentle mixing and avoiding vigorous shaking.
HCG IU measure biological activity and are not U-100 syringe volume units.
Appearance & documentation
Appearance and a purity certificate cannot establish sterility, identity, or suitability for injection.
Reported appearanceWhite lyophilized powderReported appearanceClear, colorless reconstituted solutionReported appearancePharmaceutical-grade product with proper labelingReported appearanceProper cold chain for recombinant productsReported variationGeneric/compounding pharmacy productsReported concernCloudy, discolored, or particles visibleReported concernVial seal compromised or product past expiration
16Available forms
Pregnyl 10,000 USP units
Lyophilized prescription vial with supplied solvent; biological units cannot be entered as mg.1
Packaging examples, not a market survey. Approved and research products are not interchangeable.
Storage after mixing
Checked product labels
These limits apply only to the named product and its specified diluent.
Pregnyl
1Applies to Pregnyl mixed with its supplied diluent. Do not freeze. Not a shelf life for other hCG preparations.
Novarel
17Applies to Novarel reconstituted with its specified preserved diluent.
Reconstituted research vials
Pep-Pedia reports these handling limits after mixing. They are not validated stability or sterility limits for your vial.
Storage notes
16Lyophilized: room temperature (some products) or refrigerated. Reconstituted: refrigerate 2-8°C, use within 30-60 days
Storage depends on the formulation, diluent, container, and handling. Follow the specific product label or pharmacist’s instructions.
Evidence limits
View findings →Research-market product identity, purity and formulation cannot be established from a publication.1
Well researched. HCG has established product-specific fertility and endocrine indications. Community TRT-adjunct and body-composition practices do not all share that evidence.1
Evidence definitions →Research findings
Human trialsSource context
Compatibility labels are context-specific source claims; hormone treatment requires diagnosis-based monitoring.
Compound identity & other names
Prescription hCG products have specific fertility and endocrine indications. Urinary hCG and recombinant products have their own labels; IU amounts cannot be treated as peptide mass.
Other names: HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
Prescription hCG products have approved endocrine and fertility indications; no approved weight-loss use.
Human chorionic gonadotropin, a glycoprotein hormone316
Pep-Pedia identity record
237 amino acids total (alpha: 92 aa + beta: 145 aa) · 36,700 Da (36.7 kDa)
Alpha subunit (92 aa): identical to LH, FSH, and TSH alpha subunits. Beta subunit (145 aa): unique to HCG with 24 aa C-terminal extension not found in LH. Heavy glycosylation (~30% carbohydrate content)Reference description; checked chemical identity takes precedence when available.16
How it may work
Stimulates gonadal steroid production and final follicle maturation; outcomes depend on diagnosis and other reproductive hormones.16
Defined product and units
Pregnyl contains 10,000 USP units per vial for intramuscular use. Its units are biological activity, not milligrams.
1New study is a protocol, not an outcome
APHRODITE describes a trial of hCG with or without FSH in selected hypogonadal men with non-obstructive azoospermia. It cannot yet establish treatment benefit.
2Research areas and evidence gaps
Fertility and endocrine therapy. Product-specific clinical indications and research.1
- Research-market product identity, purity and formulation cannot be established from a publication.
Additional uses listed by Pep-Pedia
Approved reproductive indications. Specified male hypogonadism, non-obstructive prepubertal cryptorchidism and ovulation induction.16
TRT/fertility and recovery. Off-label testicular-function preservation, monotherapy and post-cycle practices.16
Body composition. Indirect testosterone-related claims, not general weight-loss efficacy.16
Community reports Unvalidated
TRT-adjunct discussions as described by Pep-Pedia.3
No representative survey, independently verified products, or controlled outcomes.
Search coverage and review status
The targeted check identified relevant additional literature or current regulatory information; checked findings are separated from retained bibliography-only references.
- Checked
- 2026-10-12
- Search
- human chorionic gonadotropin 2025 2026 randomized trial hypogonadism site:pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Catalog
- Pep-Pedia ↗ · 11 listed references retained
- Targeted search, not an exhaustive systematic review.
- Bibliography-only entries are retained for traceability and are not treated as verified findings.
- Pep-Pedia’s study label describes induction, but its citation labels the linked item a spermatogenesis review; identity/outcome mapping remains unresolved.
AI-prepared summaries. Independent medical editorial review is pending.
Community poll 10 topics · Pep-Pedia snapshot
Voluntary, unverified reports. These percentages do not measure effectiveness or safety.
Experience
Number of responses to this question: not disclosed.
Duration of use
The source hides 1 additional categories. Their labels and percentages are unavailable.
Number of responses to this question: not disclosed.
Age range
Number of responses to this question: not disclosed.
Gender
Number of responses to this question: not disclosed.
Primary goal
The source hides 4 additional categories. Their labels and percentages are unavailable.
Number of responses to this question: not disclosed.
Effectiveness
Number of responses to this question: not disclosed.
Side effects
The source hides 1 additional categories. Their labels and percentages are unavailable.
Number of responses to this question: not disclosed.
Dosage frequency
Number of responses to this question: not disclosed.
Would recommend
Number of responses to this question: not disclosed.
How discovered
Number of responses to this question: not disclosed.
Source & limitations
The source displays “176 responses” for this profile. This is not a confirmed participant count or a denominator for individual questions.
- Voluntary self-reports from Pep-Pedia visitors; identity, treatment, outcomes and timing are unverified. These data are not efficacy or safety estimates.
- The source displays a profile-wide response label, not a confirmed unique participant count. It stays unchanged across questions. Question-specific denominators and absolute option counts are not exposed.
- Only the top five categories are displayed for some questions. Extra categories are retained as an undisplayed-category count; their labels and percentages are unavailable.
- Displayed percentages are rounded. They may not total 100%, especially where categories are hidden.
- This is a dated snapshot, not a live survey or current recommendation.
References
Original sources and review status. Open a reference to read its summary.
1Pregnyl US prescribing information, revised March 2025Primary source checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY
Urinary hCG prescription product; 10,000 USP-unit vial with a supplied solvent. Indications and preparation are product-specific.
Defined product and units
Pregnyl contains 10,000 USP units per vial for intramuscular use. Its units are biological activity, not milligrams.
Additional research · Checked 2026-10-12
2APHRODITE Groups 3–4 gonadotropin trial protocolAbstract checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY
2026 protocol proposes randomized testing of hormonal optimization in hypogonadal men with non-obstructive azoospermia; results are not yet reported.
New study is a protocol, not an outcome
APHRODITE describes a trial of hCG with or without FSH in selected hypogonadal men with non-obstructive azoospermia. It cannot yet establish treatment benefit.
Additional research · Checked 2026-10-12
3Pep-Pedia: HCG — community referenceCommunity source checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY
Accessed October 12, 2026. Secondary descriptions and bibliography; community schedules are unvalidated reports, not recommendations.
4Spermatogenesis Induction with HCG/FSH (2018)Pep-Pedia’s study label describes induction, but its citation labels the linked item a spermatogenesis review; identity/outcome mapping remains unresolved.Pep-Pedia report · Primary source not checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY
Pep-Pedia reports: The source reports sperm production in 70–90% of hypogonadotropic men treated with HCG plus FSH; it is combination and diagnosis-specific evidence.
Reported population / model
Review
Reported study details
Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism · Fertility outcomes
Reported by Pep-Pedia; the linked publication, design, doses and result have not been independently verified here. Pep-Pedia’s study label describes induction, but its citation labels the linked item a spermatogenesis review; identity/outcome mapping remains unresolved.
Read the Pep-Pedia report ↗Pep-Pedia reference card; original summary of its reported findings · Checked 2026-10-12
5Ovulation Induction Success Rates (2017)Pep-Pedia report · Primary source not checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY
Pep-Pedia reports: Pregnancy rates of 15–25% per cycle are described for certain ovulation-induction protocols; outcomes depend on the accompanying fertility treatment.
Reported population / model
Systematic review
Reported study details
Anovulatory infertility · HCG trigger timing
Reported by Pep-Pedia; the linked publication, design, doses and result have not been independently verified here.
Read the Pep-Pedia report ↗Pep-Pedia reference card; original summary of its reported findings · Checked 2026-10-12
6Cryptorchidism Treatment Meta-Analysis (2014)Pep-Pedia report · Primary source not checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY
Pep-Pedia reports: The source reports approximately 25% response to hormonal cryptorchidism treatment, less than surgery; exact review attribution needs checking.
Reported population / model
Cochrane Review
Reported study details
1231 boys · Hormonal vs surgical treatment
Reported by Pep-Pedia; the linked publication, design, doses and result have not been independently verified here.
Read the Pep-Pedia report ↗Pep-Pedia reference card; original summary of its reported findings · Checked 2026-10-12
7HCG Monotherapy for Hypogonadism (2013)Pep-Pedia report · Primary source not checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY
Pep-Pedia reports: Testosterone and symptoms reportedly improved during HCG monotherapy; fertility preservation was not quantified in the card.
Reported population / model
Clinical study
Reported study details
Late-onset hypogonadism · 3-month treatment
Reported by Pep-Pedia; the linked publication, design, doses and result have not been independently verified here.
Read the Pep-Pedia report ↗Pep-Pedia reference card; original summary of its reported findings · Checked 2026-10-12
8HCG for Intratesticular Testosterone Maintenance During TRT (2005)Pep-Pedia report · Primary source not checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY
Pep-Pedia reports: The source describes maintained intratesticular testosterone with adjunct HCG; that surrogate alone does not prove preserved fertility or prevention of atrophy.
Reported population / model
Prospective study
Reported study details
TRT patients · Intratesticular testosterone measurement
Reported by Pep-Pedia; the linked publication, design, doses and result have not been independently verified here.
Read the Pep-Pedia report ↗Pep-Pedia reference card; original summary of its reported findings · Checked 2026-10-12
9Recombinant vs Urinary HCG Comparison (2003)Pep-Pedia report · Primary source not checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY
Pep-Pedia reports: Urinary and recombinant products reportedly had similar ovulation-trigger efficacy; preparation-specific dosing remains distinct.
Reported population / model
Comparative study
Reported study details
Ovidrel vs Pregnyl · Ovulation induction
Reported by Pep-Pedia; the linked publication, design, doses and result have not been independently verified here.
Read the Pep-Pedia report ↗Pep-Pedia reference card; original summary of its reported findings · Checked 2026-10-12
10Age and duration of testosterone therapy predict time to return of sperm count after human chorionic gonadotropin therapyLinked reference · Not independently reviewed
REFERENCE NOTE
Listed in Pep-Pedia’s bibliography; the linked publication and its findings have not been independently verified in this pass.
Pep-Pedia bibliography · Checked 2026-10-12
11Management of endocrine disease: reversible hypogonadotropic hypogonadismLinked reference · Not independently reviewed
REFERENCE NOTE
Listed in Pep-Pedia’s bibliography; the linked publication and its findings have not been independently verified in this pass.
Pep-Pedia bibliography · Checked 2026-10-12
12Biological functions of hCG and hCG-related moleculesLinked reference · Not independently reviewed
REFERENCE NOTE
Listed in Pep-Pedia’s bibliography; the linked publication and its findings have not been independently verified in this pass.
Pep-Pedia bibliography · Checked 2026-10-12
13HCG Diet Products Are IllegalLinked reference · Not independently reviewed
REFERENCE NOTE
Listed in Pep-Pedia’s bibliography; the linked publication and its findings have not been independently verified in this pass.
Pep-Pedia bibliography · Checked 2026-10-12
14Exogenous testosterone: a preventable cause of male infertilityLinked reference · Not independently reviewed
REFERENCE NOTE
Listed in Pep-Pedia’s bibliography; the linked publication and its findings have not been independently verified in this pass.
Pep-Pedia bibliography · Checked 2026-10-12
15Pep-Pedia: HCG — reported pharmacokineticsReference estimate; not independently verified human PKCommunity source checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY
Lists a half-life of 1.5 days and a peak time of 6 hrs. Stated attribution: FDA Pregnyl label. This value is reported by a secondary reference. The stated attribution has not been independently verified as a route- and formulation-matched human PK measurement. Five half-lives is not complete clearance, and the source’s “cleared” value is not used as a measured endpoint.
Secondary reference page checked; the underlying quantitative claim is not independently confirmed. · Checked 2026-10-12
16Pep-Pedia: HCG — route-specific referenceReference page checked; underlying claims require separate verification.Community source checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY
Source page checked across available routes. Protocols, cycles, storage, mechanisms and pairing claims are secondary reports; checking the page does not independently validate those claims. Original concise summaries are used here.
Content coverage audit · Checked 2026-10-12
17Novarel prescribing information: storage after reconstitutionPrimary source checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY
Novarel specifies refrigeration at 2–8°C and use within 30 days after mixing with its benzyl-alcohol-preserved diluent. This applies to the labeled product.