HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a hormone produced during pregnancy that has luteinizing hormone (LH)–like activity. Purified and recombinant forms of HCG are used in regulated reproductive and endocrine medicine.

Beyond those indications, HCG is sometimes referenced in weight-loss or performance discussions, often in ways that diverge from evidence-based practice and local regulations.

Therapeutic HCG binds to LH receptors in the gonads, leading to:

• Stimulation of sex-steroid production (e.g., estrogen and progesterone in the ovary)
• Support of ovulation or corpus luteum function in fertility protocols
• In certain endocrine contexts, support of testosterone production in males by acting on Leydig cells

These effects underpin both established reproductive uses and some of the off-label or experimental contexts in which HCG is discussed.

In regulated medicine, HCG may be used:

• As part of assisted reproductive protocols to trigger ovulation or support luteal function
• In selected endocrine conditions to stimulate endogenous testosterone production in males under specialist care

Exact indications, combinations, and dosing strategies are defined by product labeling and specialist guidelines. Uses of HCG in weight-loss regimens or unsupervised hormone manipulation are controversial and often not aligned with regulatory or evidence-based standards.

Reported risks include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and multiple pregnancy in fertility settings, as well as injection-site reactions, mood changes, and various hormone-related symptoms. In males, endocrine testing and careful monitoring are important when HCG is used for hypogonadal conditions.

Because effects depend strongly on context and co-therapies, safety assessment should always be individualized and clinician-led.

HCG mimics LH and is used to stimulate testicular or ovarian function. Protocols differ vastly between fertility, hypogonadism, and diet contexts.

Note: HCG raises testosterone levels in men but suppresses natural LH/FSH production via negative feedback if used for long periods without breaks.

HCG products appear as vials or prefilled syringes and may be used alongside other gonadotropins or hormone treatments in structured fertility protocols.

Catalog entries for HCG in this site list structural vial codes and specifications. They do not indicate which combinations or regimens, if any, are appropriate for individual patients.

HCG has been studied extensively as part of assisted reproductive technologies and in selected endocrine conditions. Outcomes include ovulation and pregnancy rates, sex-steroid levels, and safety endpoints such as OHSS.

In contrast, evidence for HCG-based weight-loss approaches or other non-standard uses is limited and often does not support strong claims. Interpretation of HCG research therefore depends heavily on the clinical question being asked.

Future FAQs may address how clinicians decide between different reproductive hormone protocols, why HCG has appeared in weight-loss narratives, and what regulators and guidelines say about off-label use. Answers will remain educational and non-prescriptive.