HCG dosage and protocol
Last reviewed Oct 7, 2026. Editorial policy
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin - mimics LH to stimulate testosterone production and prevent testicular atrophy during cycles.
- Vial size: 5000 mg
- Reconstitution: 2 mL bacteriostatic water
- Concentration: 2500 IU/mL
- Administration: subcutaneous
Research areas
- Testosterone
- Fertility
- PCT
- Testicular Function
Quick start
- Reconstitute: Add 2 mL bacteriostatic water to the 5,000 IU vial → 2,500 IU/mL
- Typical dose: No protocol in the record; commonly discussed adjunct doses are 250-500 IU two to three times weekly
- Easy measuring: At 2,500 IU/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL = 25 IU on a U-100 syringe, so 250 IU = 10 units and 500 IU = 20 units
- Storage: Refrigerate after reconstitution and follow the product label's use-by period
How it works
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a glycoprotein hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. Its beta subunit closely resembles luteinizing hormone (LH), so hCG binds and activates the LH/choriogonadotropin receptor. In men, this receptor sits on Leydig cells of the testes, and activation drives testosterone synthesis and supports intratesticular testosterone needed for sperm production. In women, the same receptor mediates final egg maturation and ovulation, and supports the corpus luteum. hCG is an approved prescription drug in the US (marketed as chorionic gonadotropin products, including Novarel and Pregnyl) for prepubertal cryptorchidism, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in males, and induction of ovulation in women with appropriate pretreatment. It is also used, off-label, alongside testosterone therapy to maintain testicular size and fertility, since exogenous testosterone suppresses natural LH. FDA labeling specifically states hCG has not been shown to be effective for weight loss. Clinical studies in men show hCG raises serum testosterone and can maintain intratesticular testosterone and sperm production during testosterone therapy. Because it has a long half-life (roughly a day or more), it is typically given two to three times weekly rather than daily.
Units chart for a 5000 mg vial
| Water added | Strength | 1 unit = | 100 mcg | 250 mcg | 500 mcg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mL | 5000 mg/mL | 50000 mcg | 0 units | 0 units | 0 units |
| 2 mL | 2500 mg/mL | 25000 mcg | 0 units | 0 units | 0 units |
| 3 mL | 1666.67 mg/mL | 16666.7 mcg | 0 units | 0 units | 0 units |
Units on a U-100 insulin syringe (100 units = 1 mL).