Description
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is a glycoprotein hormone produced by trophoblastic cells of the placenta shortly after fertilization. These cells support the fertilized egg by aiding implantation into the uterine wall and nourishing the developing embryo.
Medical Uses of HCG Beyond Pregnancy :
- Fertility and Infertility Treatment : The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved hCG for the treatment of specific medical conditions related to infertility in both males and females assigned at birth. One of its primary uses is to support hormonal processes that enhance reproductive health and function.
- Fertility Treatments : HCG is commonly used in fertility therapy for both men and women. In women, it triggers ovulation by mimicking luteinizing hormone (LH), allowing for timed intercourse or IVF procedures. In men, hCG stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone, improving sperm production and fertility.
- Hypogonadism and Hormone Replacement Therapy : In males with hypogonadism, hCG can be used to increase endogenous testosterone production and support testicular function.
- HCG for Male Fertility : HCG is frequently used alone or in combination with TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) to help to preserve fertility while correcting testosterone deficiency.
- Boosting Testosterone Levels
Why Bodybuilders Use HCG :Â
In the bodybuilding and performance enhancement community, hCG is often used to:
- Bridge cycles during post-cycle therapy (PCT)
- Taper off anabolic steroids
- Restore natural testosterone production after suppression
- Prevent testicular shrinkage and other side effects of AAS (anabolic-androgenic steroid) use
Many athletes also use peptides like Sermorelin or Tesamorelin alongside hCG to further support growth hormone and testosterone levels, although clinical evidence on peptide efficacy is still developing.
A Viable Alternative to TRT :
Unlike traditional testosterone replacement therapy—which can suppress fertility—hCG preserves the body’s ability to produce sperm and testosterone simultaneously. This makes it a promising therapy for men with secondary hypogonadism, especially those who still wish to conceive.
Current research suggests that hCG therapy may effectively stimulate sperm production and natural testosterone synthesis, without the fertility-suppressing drawbacks of long-term TRT.
