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Short answer: hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) acts like LH, the natural hormone that tells the testes to make testosterone and support sperm production. In men it is used for low testosterone caused by a pituitary or hypothalamus problem, to protect fertility and testicular size during testosterone therapy, and to help natural production restart after it has been suppressed. It does not help weight loss. It needs blood tests before and during treatment, so it should only be used under a physician.
Key facts
- What it is: a hormone made in pregnancy, purified or produced for medical use.
- How it works in men: copies LH, so the testes make more testosterone and keep sperm production going.
- Approved uses: secondary (hypogonadotropic) hypogonadism in men, and fertility treatment in women.
- Not approved for: weight loss. The US FDA has warned against "hCG diet" products.
- Monitoring: testosterone, oestradiol, blood count and sometimes semen analysis.
- Our product: hCG 5,000 IU, 1,185 SAR.
Who might benefit?
Men with secondary hypogonadism
If testosterone is low because the brain is not sending enough LH, the testes themselves are healthy and can respond to hCG. This can raise testosterone while keeping fertility, which testosterone injections alone do not.
Men on testosterone therapy who want to keep fertility
Testosterone therapy switches off the body's own LH, so the testes shrink and sperm production often falls sharply. Adding hCG can help maintain testicular size and sperm production. Men planning a family should discuss this before starting testosterone.
Restarting natural production
After testosterone or anabolic steroid use, natural production can take months to return. Physicians sometimes use hCG, often with other medicines, to support recovery. See peptides vs steroids and SARMs.
Who will not benefit?
Men with primary hypogonadism, where the testes themselves are damaged, usually respond poorly to hCG because the problem is in the target organ, not the signal. Blood tests (LH, FSH and testosterone) show which type you have.
hCG vs Kisspeptin vs testosterone
| hCG | Kisspeptin | Testosterone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where it acts | Testes directly | Brain, which then releases LH and FSH | Replaces the hormone itself |
| Fertility | Usually maintained | Usually maintained | Often reduced |
| Evidence | Decades of clinical use | Research studies | Standard treatment |
Read more in PT-141 vs Kisspeptin, or see our hormone and reproductive collection.
Side effects
- Breast tenderness or swelling, because some extra testosterone turns into oestradiol.
- Acne, oily skin and mood changes.
- Fluid retention.
- A rise in red blood cells, which is checked with blood tests.
Most are dose-related and settle when the dose is adjusted.
A note on the "hCG diet"
The hCG diet combines hCG with a very low calorie diet of around 500 calories a day. Trials found that people lost the same weight with placebo injections, so the weight loss comes from the diet, not hCG. For weight loss, see fat-loss peptides or GLP-X3 vs semaglutide.
Common questions
Does hCG increase testosterone?
Yes, in men whose testes are healthy. Levels usually rise within days to weeks.
Will hCG improve my fertility?
It can maintain or restore sperm production in men with secondary hypogonadism or on testosterone therapy. Some men also need FSH. A semen analysis shows progress.
Is hCG allowed in sport?
No. hCG is prohibited in men by WADA, which the Saudi Arabian Anti-Doping Committee follows.
Do I need blood tests first?
Yes. A physician needs your testosterone, LH, FSH and oestradiol to decide whether hCG fits and to set the dose.
Information on this website is for education only and does not replace a physician's advice. Treatments are dispensed by prescription only, after assessment by a licensed physician.
Keep reading
- PT-141 vs Kisspeptin
- Peptides vs steroids and SARMs
- Your first peptide consultation
- Hormone and reproductive peptides
Book a private consultation to review your hormones with a physician.