Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a naturally occurring peptide hormone that functions similarly to luteinizing hormone (LH). It plays a central role in reproductive health, regulating testosterone synthesis in men and ovulation in women. In sports and hormone therapy, it is often used to maintain testicular activity during testosterone replacement or after anabolic cycles. Modern HCG is produced biosynthetically, ensuring consistent purity and biological activity. Main effects of HCG 💪 Stimulates natural testosterone production 🧬 Enhances sperm development and testicular function 👩‍🍼 Supports ovulation and early pregnancy in women ⚖️ Helps preserve hormonal balance during and after cycles 🩸 Prevents testicular atrophy during testosterone therapy 🌿 Promotes luteal function and progesterone release How to take HCG Reconstitution Add 1–2 ml of bacteriostatic or sterile water to the vial Swirl gently until the powder dissolves (do not shake) Store the reconstituted solution in a refrigerator at 2–8 °C Administration Route: subcutaneous or intramuscular injection Use sterile disposable syringes Alternate injection sites (abdomen, thigh, or gluteal area) Dosage For men To restore natural testosterone production: 500–2500 IU, 2–3 times weekly During anabolic or TRT cycles: 250–500 IU, 2–3 times weekly to maintain testicular size and function For women To trigger ovulation: 5000–10 000 IU once, depending on the treatment plan Possible side effects Mild headaches or fatigue Mood swings, restlessness, or irritability Injection site redness or swelling Temporary water retention Rarely: gynecomastia or hormonal imbalance with long-term use Contraindications Prostate or breast cancer Precocious puberty Uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal disorders Active thromboembolic conditions Hypersensitivity to gonadotropins How to store Unmixed powder: store below 25 °C, away from moisture and light Reconstituted solution: refrigerate at 2–8 °C (36–46 °F) and use within 30 days Do not freeze How does HCG work HCG mimics the action of luteinizing hormone (LH), binding to LH receptors in reproductive tissues. In men, this interaction stimulates Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone, supporting sperm development and maintaining testicular volume even when endogenous LH is suppressed. In women, HCG replicates the natural LH surge, triggering ovulation and supporting progesterone production by the corpus luteum, which is vital for early pregnancy. At the molecular level, HCG activates intracellular signaling through cyclic AMP (cAMP) pathways, promoting steroidogenesis - the conversion of cholesterol into sex hormones. This mechanism underlies its therapeutic value in both fertility treatments and hormonal recovery protoc