⚡ Gonadotropin

HCG (5000 IU Vial) Dosage Protocol

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a glycoprotein hormone structurally similar to LH (luteinizing hormone). It stimulates Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone and supports steroidogenesis. It is FDA-approved for hypogonadism, cryptorchidism, and female infertility.

⚡ Quickstart Highlights

Reconstitution

5.0 mL bacteriostatic water → 1000 IU/mL

Dose Range

500–1500 IU per injection

1 U-100 Unit =

10 IU

Frequency

2–3× per week

Dosing & Reconstitution Guide

Route: Subcutaneous or IM | Frequency: 2–3 times per week

Application	Dose Per Injection	Frequency	U-100 Units (at 1000 IU/mL)	Volume
Testosterone support	250–500 IU	2–3×/week	25–50 units	0.25–0.50 mL
Standard HCG protocol	1000 IU	3×/week	100 units	1.0 mL
Fertility/stimulation	1500–2000 IU	Every other day	150–200 units	1.5–2.0 mL

IU (International Units) and syringe "units" are different. At 1000 IU/mL concentration: 1 IU = 0.001 mL. On a U-100 syringe: 100 units = 1.0 mL = 1000 IU. See the Beginner's Guide for full IU vs syringe unit explanation.

Reconstitution Steps

Draw 5.0 mL bacteriostatic water (creates 1000 IU/mL).
Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming.
Gently swirl until dissolved.
Refrigerate at 2–8°C; use within 30–60 days.

Supplies Planning

Item	8 Weeks (500 IU 3×/wk)	12 Weeks
HCG vials (5000 IU each)	3 vials	5 vials
Insulin syringes (U-100)	24	36
Bacteriostatic water (10 mL)	3 × 10 mL	4–5 × 10 mL
Alcohol swabs	1 × 100-pack	2 × 100-pack

Mechanism of Action

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is a glycoprotein hormone naturally produced by the placental syncytiotrophoblast during pregnancy. Its alpha subunit is identical to LH, FSH, and TSH; its beta subunit is unique and confers LH-like biological activity by binding to LH receptors.

In males, HCG acts on testicular Leydig cells (identical to LH's action) to stimulate testosterone biosynthesis and maintain testicular volume. In research contexts, it is studied for maintaining endogenous testosterone production, preventing testicular atrophy, and supporting spermatogenesis. In females, HCG is used clinically to trigger ovulation in fertility protocols.

Research Findings & Safety Profile

FDA-approved for prepubertal cryptorchidism, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in males, and ovulation induction in females.
LH-equivalent mechanism: directly stimulates Leydig cell testosterone production.
Used in clinical TRT (testosterone replacement) protocols to preserve testicular function and endogenous production.
Adverse effects: injection-site reactions, headache, gynecomastia risk at high doses (estrogen aromatization), water retention.
High doses can suppress the HPG axis through desensitization — protocols should avoid chronic supraphysiological use.
Unlike LH, HCG has a longer half-life (~24–36 hours vs ~1 hour for LH) enabling every-other-day dosing.

Storage

State	Temperature	Duration	Notes
Lyophilized	Refrigerator 2–8°C	Up to 2 years	Do not freeze lyophilized HCG
Reconstituted	2–8°C (35–46°F)	30–60 days	Avoid freeze-thaw; protect from light

⚠ Research Use Only: HCG is an FDA-approved prescription medication; research-grade use is investigational. Gynecomastia risk at high doses due to estrogen aromatization. Do not chronically use at supraphysiological doses.

References

Liu PY et al. 'The short-term effects of high-dose testosterone on sleep, breathing, and function in older men' — J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2003 (HCG comparison context)

Coviello AD et al. 'Effects of graded doses of testosterone on erythropoiesis in healthy young and older men' — J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2008

FDA. 'Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) prescribing information' View source ↗