What it is
HCG is a glycoprotein hormone that mimics luteinizing hormone and stimulates testicular Leydig-cell testosterone production. It belongs in fertility and endocrine care, not generic PCT language.
Evidence boundary
Human trial evidence exists. Keep the interpretation focused on fertility and endocrine use, not on universal restart claims.
Trial evidence
- PMID 39547644 — Triggering oocyte maturation in in vitro fertilization treatment in healthy responders: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
- PMID 37400840 — Time interval between hCG administration and oocyte retrieval and ART outcomes: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.
- PMID 41837133 — Diagnostic accuracy of initial serum β-hCG in predicting pregnancy outcomes post-SET in IVF/ICSI cycles: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Preparation and measurement
Reconstitution: 10 mg vial + 2 mL BAC = 5 mg/mL.
Concentration matches.
Reference schedule
| Phase | Dose | Draw / measure | Frequency | Weekly total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertility-style maintenance | 500 IU | 20 units (0.20 mL) | 2–3× weekly | 1,000–1,500 IU/week |
| Higher-support reference | 1,000 IU | 40 units (0.40 mL) | 2–3× weekly | 2,000–3,000 IU/week |
| Short higher-support reference | 1,500 IU | 60 units (0.60 mL) | 2–3× weekly | 3,000–4,500 IU/week |
Fertility-style maintenance
- Dose
- 500 IU
- Draw / measure
- 20 units (0.20 mL)
- Frequency
- 2–3× weekly
- Weekly total
- 1,000–1,500 IU/week
Higher-support reference
- Dose
- 1,000 IU
- Draw / measure
- 40 units (0.40 mL)
- Frequency
- 2–3× weekly
- Weekly total
- 2,000–3,000 IU/week
Short higher-support reference
- Dose
- 1,500 IU
- Draw / measure
- 60 units (0.60 mL)
- Frequency
- 2–3× weekly
- Weekly total
- 3,000–4,500 IU/week
Weekly totals apply only during the active phase. These are reference rows, not a universal treatment plan.
Titration rules
- 250–500 IU 2–3× weekly is the common practical range.
- Higher short-term schedules are used when the goal is fertility support.
- Keep the schedule tied to the goal.
- Do not present the rows as a generic TRT replacement.
Cycle length and breaks
Reassess every 8–12 weeks.
What to monitor
- Testicular size and function
- Testosterone, estradiol, LH, FSH
- Injection-site reactions
- Do not frame this in PCT marketing language.
Practical rules
- Keep bloodwork in the loop.
- Use a consistent injection pattern.
- Rotate sites.