hCG for PCT (Post-Cycle Therapy) - Complete Research Guide

Important: hCG is a prescription-only hormone in many countries. The following information is for educational and research purposes only. It is not medical advice.

Anabolic steroid cycles suppress the body’s natural testosterone production by shutting down the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis. When a cycle ends, men are often left with low testosterone, small testicles, and infertility until natural production restarts. Post-cycle therapy (PCT) is designed to accelerate this recovery, and hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is one of the most researched tools for this purpose.

Because hCG mimics luteinizing hormone (LH), it can stimulate the testes to produce testosterone even while the pituitary remains suppressed. This makes it a key compound in many PCT research protocols.

Why hCG is Used in PCT

After a steroid cycle, LH and FSH levels are near zero, leaving the testes “offline.” Without stimulation, recovery can take months, and in some cases natural testosterone never fully returns. Research into hCG for PCT shows it can:

“Kickstart” testosterone production after suppression
Maintain testicular size and function while the HPG axis restarts
Prepare the body for smoother transition into SERM therapy (e.g., clomiphene, tamoxifen)
Shorten recovery time compared to PCT without hCG

Potential Benefits of hCG in PCT

Testicular function: restores activity more quickly than waiting for natural LH to return
Faster hormonal balance: reduces time spent with low testosterone symptoms after a cycle
Improved fertility outcomes: better sperm production recovery in men concerned about family planning
Reduced side effects: may limit severe mood swings, low libido, and energy crashes post-cycle

When is hCG Used in PCT?

Research protocols generally introduce hCG immediately after a cycle ends (or even in the last weeks of the cycle). The goal is to restart the testes while external androgens clear from the system. Once testosterone levels normalize, protocols often switch to SERMs to maintain long-term function.

Example Research Dosing Protocols for hCG in PCT

While protocols vary, studies and clinical reports generally prefer short-term, moderate dosing over long-term high dosing.

Common range: 1000-2000 IU every other day for 2–3 weeks
Alternative: 500 IU daily for 2-3 weeks
Transition: Followed by SERM therapy (clomiphene or tamoxifen) to stabilize the HPG axis

Note: High doses (>5000 IU) are generally avoided in PCT research, as they may cause excessive estrogen conversion and risk of side effects.

Side Effects to Watch For

Because hCG stimulates testosterone production, it also increases estrogen through aromatization. Reported side effects include:

Gynecomastia (breast tissue development)
Water retention and bloating
Mood swings or irritability
Injection site irritation

Tip: Many PCT research protocols include an aromatase inhibitor (AI) if estrogen rises too high.

Lifestyle Tips for Post-Cycle Recovery

PCT isn’t only about injections and pills. Recovery is faster when men also focus on lifestyle factors, including:

Eating a balanced diet rich in protein and micronutrients
Getting 7-8 hours of sleep for hormonal recovery
Managing stress, which can suppress the HPG axis further
Exercising with moderate intensity - avoid overtraining during recovery

Confirming hCG Activity

As with TRT use, a home pregnancy test can confirm the presence of hCG in a vial. Diluted samples often trigger a positive line, showing the peptide is active. This does not confirm purity or IU strength, but it reassures researchers the compound contains hCG.

See our full hCG dosing & testing guide here.