๐ด IMPORTANT: Read This Before Proceeding With Dosing
Go to the Prep & Injection Guide for proper reconstitution, syringe sizing, and injection protocols. Mistakes here can compromise your research.
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HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
HCG for Men
Commonly prescribed to help address the symptoms of hypogonadism, low testosterone, and infertility. Testosterone deficiency is typically accompanied by fatigue, stress, a low sex drive, and depression. HCG increases testosterone and sperm, which can help reduce infertility and restore sexual desire/drive. Perhaps unexpectedly, HCG may be able to minimize or prevent such side effects from the consumption of anabolic steroids as gonad shrinkage, dropping sperm count, and infertility.
In men, HCG acts like luteinizing hormone (LH). LH stimulates Leydig cells in the testicles, which results in the production of testosterone. LH stimulates production of sperm within structures in the testicles (the “seminiferous tubules”). As HCG stimulates the testicles to produce testosterone and sperm, the testicles grow in size over time.
HCG for Women
A glycoprotein that is produced during pregnancy and is produced by the placenta. It plays a vital role in maintaining pregnancy and supporting fetal development. It thickens the uterine lining, and signals the body to cease menstruation and create more estrogen and progesterone.
HCG injections can increase the chances of becoming pregnant when used in combination with either IVF (in vitro fertilization) or IUI (intrauterine insemination). It works by inducing ovulation (the release of an egg by the ovaries). If you have a history of infertility, monitoring HCG levels early on in the pregnancy can determine if a successful pregnancy has occurred.
A shot of HCG is considered a trigger shot, and once given, triggers ovulation within 36 hours.
The HCG hormone may increase the chances of multiple pregnancies, which may be a high risk to both the mother and babies. Discontinue HCG immediately after conception.
Side Effects
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Restlessness and/or irritability
- Tenderness or swelling in the breasts
- Swelling, water retention
- Depression
- Gynecomastia (growth of male breasts)
Rare but serious or life-threatening conditions may include:
- Blood clots โ signs include pain, warmth, redness, extreme dizziness, severe headache, numbness, tingling in extremities, confusion
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) โ symptoms include severe pelvic pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, stomach swelling, leg or hand swelling, rapid weight gain, reduced urine
- Early puberty in young boys
Contraindications
Do not take if you have ever had an allergic reaction to HCG, or if you have:
- Early (precocious) puberty
- Hormone-related cancer (e.g., prostate cancer)
- Cancer or tumor of the breast(s), ovary, or uterus
- Certain types of ovarian cysts
- Uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction
- Cancer or tumor of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland
- Vaginal bleeding of unknown cause
- If you are pregnant
Consult a doctor before using HCG if you have:
Thyroid/adrenal disorder, ovarian cyst, unexplained vaginal bleeding, heart disease, kidney disease, epilepsy, migraines, or asthma.
Reconstitution and Dosing
HCG: 1,000 IUs
Mix HCG 1,000 IUs with 2.5mL (250 units) of BAC water
Intramuscular administration preferred; subcutaneous also permitted
Low Dose Protocol (to mimic natural LH levels)
- 250โ500 IUs, 3x per week
- Always start at the lowest possible dose and increase only as tolerated
- Typical titration:
- 31 units = 125 IUs
- 38 units = 150 IUs
- 44 units = 175 IUs
- 50 units = 200 IUs
Some users experience temporary heart palpitations or anxiety due to LH release โ this usually fades with continued use.
HCG: 10,000 IUs
Mix HCG 10,000 IUs with 2mL (200 units) of BAC water
Subcutaneous (preferred for stable daily levels) or Intramuscular administration
Cycle
- 8โ12 weeks on, followed by a 4โ6 week washout period
Low Dose Protocol (to mimic natural LH levels)
- 250โ500 IUs, 3x per week
Standard TRT Support Dosage
- 500โ1,500 IUs, 1โ3x per week
- Helps maintain testicular function without suppressing testosterone therapy
Bodybuilding Post-Cycle Protocol
- 1,000โ3,000 IUs, 1โ3x per week
High Dose Fertility/Restoration Protocol
- 1,500โ5,000 IUs, 2โ3x per week
Ovulation Trigger (women)
- 5,000 IUs as a one-time injection
Dosing Reference
- 5 units = 250 IUs
- 10 units = 500 IUs
- 20 units = 1,000 IUs
- 30 units = 1,500 IUs
- 40 units = 2,000 IUs
- 50 units = 2,500 IUs
- 60 units = 3,000 IUs
Stacking & Pairing Suggestions
- Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) โ Maintains testicular size and fertility during TRT
- Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate) โ Enhances natural testosterone production, ideal for post-cycle use
- Aromatase Inhibitors (e.g., Arimidex) โ Helps regulate estrogen while on HCG
- BPC-157 or TB-500 โ Supports injury healing and recovery during hormone therapy
- PT-141 or Kisspeptin โ Boosts libido and sexual function when paired with HCG