Why use HCG during TRT?

Exogenous testosterone suppresses LH, causing testicular atrophy and reduced fertility. HCG at 250-500 IU 2-3x weekly mimics LH, preserving testicular size, function, and fertility while on TRT. It also maintains neurosteroid production.

How do you reconstitute HCG?

Add the included bacteriostatic water to the vial (typically 5000 IU vial + 5mL BAC water = 1000 IU/mL). For a 250 IU dose, draw 0.25mL (25 units on an insulin syringe). Refrigerate and use within 30 days.

Should HCG be used during PCT?

HCG can jumpstart recovery in the first 2-3 weeks of PCT (1000-1500 IU EOD), followed by SERM-only for 4-6 weeks. Do not use HCG for the entire PCT as prolonged use can desensitize LH receptors.

Research & Educational Use Only. This protocol guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any research protocol.

Gonadotropin Evidence Grade: A (FDA Approved)

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) Protocol Guide

✓ Verified dosing (fact-checked against FDA labels / published trials): Route: the FDA label specifies intramuscular, but subcutaneous is widely used and accepted in fertility/TRT research practice (off-label, effective). Male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: 500-1,000 USP Units IM 3x/week x3 wks, then 2x/week x3 wks; OR 4,000 USP Units IM 3x/week x6-9 mo, then 2,000 USP Units 3x/week x3 mo. Doses are in USP Units, reconstituted from 5,000 or 10,000-unit vials. The "2-3x per week" frequency is consistent with the male regimen, and the route is flexible — IM per label, or SubQ in common practice. This supersedes any conflicting figures shown elsewhere on this page; confirm with a licensed provider.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a naturally occurring glycoprotein hormone that mimics luteinizing hormone (LH). It directly stimulates Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone and maintain testicular function. Widely used to prevent testicular atrophy during TRT/steroid cycles, as PCT, and for fertility support.

Protocol Overview

Compound: HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
Category: Gonadotropin / LH Analog
Mechanism: Binds to LH receptors on testicular Leydig cells, stimulating intratesticular testosterone production and maintaining spermatogenesis. Also stimulates steroidogenic enzyme expression and pregnenolone/DHEA production
Half-Life: 24-36 hours
Form: Lyophilized powder (5000-10000 IU vials) for reconstitution
Route: Subcutaneous or intramuscular
Frequency: 2-3x per week
Cycle Length: Ongoing during TRT, or 4-8 weeks for PCT

Dosing Protocol

Protocol	Dose	Frequency	Route	Duration
TRT Adjunct	250 IU	3x weekly (EOD)	Subcutaneous	Ongoing with TRT
TRT Adjunct (Standard)	500 IU	2x weekly	Subcutaneous	Ongoing with TRT
PCT Protocol	1000-1500 IU	EOD	Subcutaneous	2-3 weeks, then SERM
Fertility Support	1000-2000 IU	3x weekly	Subcutaneous/IM	Per physician guidance
Monotherapy	1500-2000 IU	3x weekly	Subcutaneous	Ongoing (with monitoring)

Expected Timeline

Day 1-3

LH receptor stimulation begins. Intratesticular testosterone starts rising within 24-48 hours.

Week 1-2

Testicular volume improvement noticeable. Testosterone and sperm production increasing.

Week 3-4

Testicular function well-supported. Stable testosterone contribution from HCG.

Week 5-8

PCT: transition to SERM-only after 2-3 weeks of HCG. TRT adjunct: maintain current dose.

Month 2+

Long-term TRT adjunct use maintains testicular health indefinitely.

Side Effects & Monitoring

Common Side Effects

Water retention
Acne (from increased testosterone/estrogen)
Nipple sensitivity (estrogen increase)
Injection site irritation
Mood fluctuations
Increased libido

Precautions

Can significantly increase estrogen via aromatization
AI (anastrozole) may be needed to manage estrogen if symptoms arise
Excessive doses can desensitize Leydig cells - more is not better
Refrigerate reconstituted HCG (use within 30 days)
High doses during PCT can paradoxically delay recovery via excessive estrogen

Related Tools & Resources

Dosing Calculator Reconstitution Calc Bloodwork Planner Stack Checker

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