HCG (Novarel, Pregnyl)

A pregnancy hormone that acts like LH. Prescribed for fertility, and used in men to keep testosterone and sperm production going.

Evidence: Extensive clinical research
Half-life: ~29 hours
Sources: 3 cited

Is HCG FDA-approved?

FDA-approved prescription drug, regulated as a biologic since 2020, which ended routine compounding.

Is HCG banned in sport?

Banned in sport for men by WADA.

Overview

HCG is made by the placenta during pregnancy. It works on the same receptor as luteinizing hormone (LH), so in men it tells the testes to make testosterone and support sperm production, and in women it triggers ovulation. In a study of men on testosterone therapy, adding HCG kept semen quality steady during follow-up, and none of the men lost sperm production entirely. HCG isn't approved for weight loss, and its label says it hasn't been shown to help.

How it works

It binds the LH receptor. In the testes that triggers testosterone production; in the ovary it triggers the final egg release.

How long does HCG stay in the body?

About a day or a bit more (29 hours for the recombinant form in its label).

What it's studied for

Ovulation induction
Low testosterone from pituitary problems
Preserving fertility in men on testosterone
Undescended testicles in boys

Reported side effects

Headache, tiredness, irritability
Breast tenderness or growth in men
Fluid retention
Ovarian hyperstimulation in women

How should HCG be stored?

Powder at room temperature. Once mixed, keep it in the fridge and use it within the time on the product label.

Sources

The studies and prescribing labels this page is written from.