hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) - Research Dosing & Guide
What is hCG?
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a hormone naturally produced during pregnancy. In research and clinical settings, it is studied for its ability to mimic luteinizing hormone (LH) - the signal that tells the testes to produce testosterone and sperm.
Because of this action, hCG is widely researched in male hormone studies, especially in the context of TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) and post-cycle therapy (PCT) after anabolic steroid use.
Quick Facts
| CAS | 9002-61-3 |
| Form | Peptide hormone (glycoprotein) |
| Appearance | White lyophilized powder (often 5000 IU vials) |
| Storage (powder) | –20 °C (long-term) |
| Storage (reconstituted) | 2–8 °C; use within 20–30 days |
How Does hCG Work?
hCG mimics the effects of luteinizing hormone (LH), stimulating the testes to produce testosterone and support sperm production. This makes it valuable in research on:
- Male fertility: stimulating sperm count and quality
- TRT support: maintaining testicular size and function during testosterone therapy
- PCT (post-cycle therapy): helping restart natural testosterone production after steroid use
What Research Has Explored
- Maintaining natural testosterone production during TRT
- Preserving fertility and testicular volume
- Restoring hormonal balance after anabolic steroid cycles
- Supporting healthy sperm parameters in fertility studies
hCG for Men on TRT
In long-term testosterone replacement therapy, natural LH is suppressed. Research shows that adding hCG can:
- Maintain testicular size and function
- Help preserve fertility and sperm production
- Reduce testicular shrinkage often seen with TRT alone
Example protocols in research: 250–500 IU 2–3x weekly alongside TRT. These doses vary by study and individual context.
Read our full guide to hGC for Men on TRT
hCG with Steroid Use / PCT
After anabolic steroid cycles, natural testosterone is suppressed. Research into PCT strategies has used hCG to:
- Stimulate the testes to produce testosterone again
- Reduce recovery time after long cycles
- Prepare the body for transition to SERMs (clomiphene, tamoxifen) in PCT protocols
Example protocols in research: 1000–2000 IU every other day for 2–3 weeks post-cycle, followed by SERM therapy. These are research protocols only.
Read our full guide to hGC For Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT)
Commonly Reported Side Effects
- Water retention
- Headache
- Mood changes or irritability
- Gynecomastia (due to increased estrogen conversion)
Tip: Studies often combine hCG with an aromatase inhibitor (AI) to manage estrogen-related side effects.
Lifestyle Tips (General Research Context)
- Stay hydrated: helps with water balance and reduces headaches.
- Balanced diet: high in protein and micronutrients supports hormone health.
- Exercise: strength training improves testosterone utilization.
- Sleep: 7–8 hours per night supports hormonal recovery.
These are general wellness practices often mentioned in hormone research, not medical advice.
Reconstitution Guide (5000 IU Vial)
Most hCG comes as a 5000 IU vial of dry powder.
- Add 5 mL of bacteriostatic water to the vial.
- This yields a concentration of 1000 IU per mL.
- On a 100-unit insulin syringe: 1 mL = 100 units.
| Dose (IU) | Volume (mL) | Syringe (units) |
|---|---|---|
| 250 IU | 0.25 mL | 25 units |
| 500 IU | 0.50 mL | 50 units |
| 1000 IU | 1.00 mL | 100 units |
Store reconstituted hCG in the refrigerator (2–8 °C) and use within 20–30 days. Keep powder frozen at –20 °C for long-term storage.
Handling & Storage
- Use sterile mixing technique.
- Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
- Clearly label vials with mix date and concentration.
How to Check hCG with a Home Pregnancy Test
Because home pregnancy tests are designed to detect hCG, you can use a simple test like the ones sold at Locatel to confirm that your vial contains active hCG.
Congratulations!!… it’s hCG.
Why This Works
Most pregnancy tests react to very small amounts of hCG (around 20–25 mIU/mL). A reconstituted vial of hCG is much stronger - in the thousands of IU per mL - so if you test it directly, the concentration may be too high and can actually give a false negative. To avoid this, you should dilute a small sample in clean water before testing.
Simple Step-by-Step
- Reconstitute your hCG vial as normal (for example, 5000 IU in 5 mL BAC water = 1000 IU/mL).
- In a clean cup, add about 1 mL of your reconstituted hCG solution to 99 mL of clean water (this is roughly a 1:100 dilution).
- Stir gently. This brings the concentration closer to the range a home test is built to detect.
- Dip the pregnancy test strip or (drip onto the device) into the diluted solution following the instructions on the box (usually 5–10 seconds).
- Lay the strip flat and wait the indicated time (usually 3–5 minutes).
How to Read It
- Control line only: the test is valid, but no hCG detected in the diluted sample.
- Control + test line: confirms the presence of hCG - your vial contains active hormone.
- No control line: the test is invalid; repeat with a fresh strip.
Research & Sources
- PubMed – hCG use in hypogonadal men
- NEJM – Male hypogonadism overview
- ClinicalTrials.gov – hCG in male studies
Explore More
• hCG 5000 IU Colombia - Product Page
• Recovery & Vitality Collection
Disclaimer: For laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption, therapeutic, or diagnostic use. Follow local laws and regulations.
