HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)
Hormones · LH-analog gonadotropin
Tier B
What this is
Invaluable for men on TRT who want to preserve testicular size and fertility. 'HCG diet' (Simeons protocol + 500 kcal/day) has been FDA-warned and thoroughly debunked — weight loss comes from starvation, not HCG. Counterfeit HCG rampant on the gray market. Gonadorelin has emerged as a domestic alternative.
Mechanism
Placenta-derived glycoprotein that structurally resembles LH; binds LHR on Leydig cells to stimulate endogenous testosterone and maintain testicular size/fertility during TRT or post-AAS-cycle
Dose & route
250-500 IU subQ 2-3x/week alongside TRT; 1500-3000 IU 2x/week for restart
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15705014/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16093462/
- https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/hcg-diet-products-are-illegal
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This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.