REGULATORYRFK Jr.: 14 peptides returning to Category 1 — FDA advisory committee July 2026TRENDINGHexarelin: ↑↑ Surging ��� Trends score 100 as of May 2026UPDATESemaglutide and tirzepatide compounding ended — shortage resolved Feb/May 2025REGULATORYBPC-157, TB-500, thymosin alpha-1, CJC-1295, ipamorelin: expected Category 1 reclassification pendingEVENTpep-talk con ��� First US Peptide Convention · August 2026 · Anaheim CAFDAFDA advisory committee meetings scheduled: late July 2026REGULATORYRFK Jr.: 14 peptides returning to Category 1 — FDA advisory committee July 2026TRENDINGHexarelin: ↑↑ Surging ��� Trends score 100 as of May 2026UPDATESemaglutide and tirzepatide compounding ended — shortage resolved Feb/May 2025REGULATORYBPC-157, TB-500, thymosin alpha-1, CJC-1295, ipamorelin: expected Category 1 reclassification pendingEVENTpep-talk con ��� First US Peptide Convention · August 2026 · Anaheim CAFDAFDA advisory committee meetings scheduled: late July 2026

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Peptide Library

FDA-Regulated Compound

This compound is FDA-approved or regulated. Purchasing without a valid prescription may violate federal law. Verify all legal requirements in your jurisdiction.

HCG

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin / Pregnyl / Novarel

Sexual Health

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a glycoprotein hormone naturally produced during pregnancy that mimics luteinizing hormone (LH) activity at the Leydig cells. It is FDA-approved for the treatment of hypogonadism, cryptorchidism in pediatric patients, and as a fertility treatment to induce ovulation. In clinical practice, it is widely used alongside testosterone replacement therapy to maintain testicular function and intratesticular testosterone production.

Mechanism of Action

Glycoprotein hormone that mimics luteinizing hormone (LH) action. In males, stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone. In females, triggers ovulation and supports corpus luteum progesterone production. Maintains testicular function during exogenous hormone use.

Research Protocols

For research purposes only. Not medical advice.

Male research protocols use 250-500 IU 2-3 times weekly to maintain testicular function. Female protocols (fertility) use 5,000-10,000 IU to trigger ovulation. Intramuscular or subcutaneous injection.

Research Notes

Clinical Research Status

HCG holds longstanding FDA approval for multiple indications including male hypogonadism, prepubertal cryptorchidism, and female infertility (ovulation induction). It has been used clinically since the 1930s with an extensive safety database spanning decades. Compounded HCG was temporarily restricted by the FDA in 2020 under the Biologics Control Act, though branded pharmaceutical versions (Pregnyl, Novarel) remain available.

Key Published Findings

Studies demonstrate that HCG at doses of 500-1500 IU two to three times weekly maintains intratesticular testosterone levels and spermatogenesis during exogenous testosterone administration. Research confirms LH receptor activation by HCG stimulates both testosterone production and supports Sertoli cell function critical for sperm maturation. In fertility contexts, HCG triggers final oocyte maturation at doses of 5,000-10,000 IU as a surrogate LH surge.

Safety Profile

Common side effects include injection site pain, headache, and mood fluctuations related to hormonal changes. Prolonged use at high doses can cause Leydig cell desensitization, potentially reducing endogenous LH receptor sensitivity. Gynecomastia may occur due to downstream aromatization of increased testosterone, and rare cases of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome occur in female fertility use.

Comparison to Related Compounds

Unlike gonadorelin which stimulates the pituitary to release LH, HCG acts directly at the gonadal level bypassing the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. This makes HCG effective even in patients with suppressed gonadotropin release from exogenous testosterone use. Compared to recombinant LH (Luveris), HCG has a longer half-life of approximately 24-36 hours and is significantly less expensive.

Community Observations

HCG is considered essential by many TRT practitioners for maintaining testicular size and preserving fertility potential during testosterone therapy. Typical protocols use 250-500 IU two to three times per week alongside testosterone, with some clinicians preferring every-other-day dosing. The 2020 regulatory changes affecting compounded HCG availability created significant disruption for patients relying on lower-cost compounded preparations.

Half-Life

~24-36 hours

Reconstitution

Bacteriostatic water (BAC) provided with kit

Storage

Lyophilized

Refrigerate 2-8C.

Reconstituted

Refrigerate 2-8C. Use within 30 days.

US Legal Status

FDA-approved (Rx only)

Also Known As

Human Chorionic GonadotropinPregnylNovarel

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