Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)

What is HCG?

Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a gonad-stimulating polypeptide hormone normally secreted by the placenta during pregnancy. The non-recombinant products are obtained from the urine of pregnant women. The pharmacological actions of HCG resemble those of luteinizing hormone (LH); HCG is generally used as a substitute for LH. Human chorionic gonadotropin is banned from use in competitive sport; some male athletes have used HCG to stimulate testosterone production or to prevent testicular atrophy resulting from the abuse of anabolic steroids and androgens. Urine-derived HCG was first approved by the FDA in 1939, and received subsequent approval for additional indications in 1973.

HCG Uses (includes off-label)

Treatment of cryptorchidism (undescended testicles)
Hypogonadism
Infertility
Testosterone Therapy adjunct
Anabolic Steroid Post Cycle Therapy (PCT)
Possible improvement of libido beyond effect of testosterone alone (Unproven)
Potential reactivation of upstream hormones with testosterone plus hCG? (Unproven)

Why consider HCG therapy?

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin HCG Defy Medical 04

HCG is an effective way to support fertility and augment testosterone replacement therapy.

Continuous exposure to exogenous testosterone may reduce fertility in vast majority of users TRT may also cause testicular atrophy in 10-30% of users. Smaller testicular size at baseline may make atrophy more obvious. Possible effects of TRT on fertility and testicular size can be treated with HCG. HCG provides testicular support that results in the maintenance of fertility and testicular size during therapy.

Additional benefits include anecdotal reports of improvements in mood and libido from patients using HCG with testosterone. Patients who started HCG after testosterone have reported experiencing an increase in sexual drive and response. Some patients also reported an improvement in mood with ‘anti-depressant’ effects.

If these potential effects are important, ask your doctor if hCG with Testosterone is right for you.

Access is Important

With Defy, HCG medication costs less than $40 per month on average*

When it comes to being able to obtain all your medications for a reasonable price, access is important. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is an example of a medication that men can have trouble locating. Since HCG is indicated for fertility support, any use in men for the purpose of testosterone replacement therapy is considered off-label. This eliminates insurance coverage resulting in restricted access.

Defy Medical offers several HCG options through a network of specialty pharmacies who recognize the need for HCG products that are designed specifically for men undergoing replacement therapies. The cost of HCG at Defy Medical averages out to about $40 per month for most patients, excluding lab and consultation costs.

*Price is for medication only. Additional consultation and lab work costs apply.

HCG Injection Kit

HCG is available as a lyophilized injection in 3 different strengths.

Lyophilization, or freeze dried medication, is a dosage form used to help preserve the stability of peptide hormones including HCG. Peptide hormones require lyophilization to preserve potency and sterility during transportation and storage. Each order will arrive with a bottle containing the medication in powder form and a second bottle containing a sterile diluent. A measured amount of diluent is added to the powder to create a sterile liquid injection. Detailed instructions are included. All orders will include necessary supplies needed to dilute and administer the HCG.

How to Mix HCG

HCG supports fertility while supplementing testosterone

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Research shows that HCG as part of a TRT protocol can help men maintain fertility while receiving exogenous testosterone. Read more about these studies below.

Testosterone + HCG : The Baylor Study

Concomitant intramuscular human chorionic gonadotropin preserves spermatogenesis in men undergoing testosterone replacement therapy.

In a retrospective review of 4 years of hypogonadal men presenting to the Baylor andrology clinic, Hsieh reported on 26 men, concerned about their fertility, who were treated simultaneously with hCG treatment (500 IU qod) and exogenous T (19 IM T 200mg per week and 7 with transdermal gel- 5 Grams/day) for an average of 6.2 months. Despite a mean post- treatment level T level of 1055 ng/dl seminal parameters (count, motility and morphology) did not significantly change during the periods of observation. The Baylor study demonstrated the ability of low dose hCG to maintain spermatogenesis despite the administration of exogenous T.

Source: The Journal of Urology. Volume 189, Issue 2, February 2013, Pages 647–650

Steroid-Induced Hypogonadism and Infertility

Anabolic steroid induced male infertility is a frequently observed problem in some bodybuilders and young men seeking to enhance muscle bulk. Turek et al. first reported on the use of hCG as a successful treatment modality in an azoospermia anabolic steroid abuser

Source: The reversibility of anabolic steroid-induced azoospermia.Turek PJ, Williams RH, Gilbaugh JH 3rd, Lipshultz LI. J Urol. 1995 May; 153(5):1628-30.

Click here for more HCG research