HCG
FDA ApprovedHuman Chorionic Gonadotropin
- Category
- Sexual Health
- Aliases
- hCG, Pregnyl, Novarel
- Administration
- Subcutaneous injection, Intramuscular injection
Overview
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a naturally occurring hormone, best known for its role in pregnancy, that closely mimics luteinizing hormone (LH) and can directly stimulate the testes or ovaries. It has several FDA-approved uses, including treating hypogonadism and supporting fertility, and is commonly used off-label alongside testosterone replacement therapy to help maintain testicular size and natural testosterone production during treatment.
Treatments studied
Treatment categories
Hypogonadism
Its FDA-approved mechanism — directly mimicking LH at the testes to stimulate natural testosterone production, commonly paired with testosterone therapy to preserve testicular function.
Fertility support
Directly triggers ovulation in women by mimicking the natural LH surge, and supports sperm production in men by directly stimulating the testes.
Reproductive health
One of the most established, longest-used hormones in reproductive medicine, with decades of FDA-approved clinical use behind it.