HCG
Pregnyl · Novarel · Ovidrel · Choragon
Half-life
30 hr
Time to Peak
12 hr
Steady State
~7 days
Dose Range
250–2000 IU
Frequency
Twice weekly
Overview
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin — a glycoprotein hormone naturally produced during pregnancy. FDA-approved for multiple indications including hypogonadism, cryptorchidism, and infertility. Widely used alongside TRT to maintain testicular function, intratesticular testosterone production, and fertility. Also used in post-cycle therapy (PCT) after AAS use. Available as lyophilized powder (Pregnyl, Novarel) or prefilled syringe (Ovidrel).
Mechanism of Action
Structural and functional analog of luteinizing hormone (LH). Binds LH receptors on Leydig cells to stimulate testosterone production, and on ovarian cells to stimulate progesterone production and ovulation.
Dosing Information
| Route | Dose Range | Half-life | Tmax | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subcutaneous (SubQ) | 250–2000 IU | 30 hr | 12 hr | Twice weekly, three times weekly, Every other day |
| Intramuscular (IM) | 250–5000 IU | 30 hr | 6 hr | Twice weekly, three times weekly |
Storage & Handling
2-8C — Store lyophilized powder refrigerated. Reconstitute with provided diluent (bacteriostatic sodium chloride). Use reconstituted solution within 60 days when refrigerated.
Used in Regimens
6 regimensBeginner First Cycle (Harm Reduction)
Conservative beginner AAS cycle for harm reduction: testosterone-only at moderate dose with on-cycle HCG and post-cycle Nolvadex. Designed to minimise risk while providing meaningful data about individual response to testosterone before adding other compounds.
HCG 500 IU 2x/week on-cycle throughout.
Beginner Test-Only Blast + PCT
12-week testosterone cypionate blast at beginner doses with on-cycle HCG for testicular maintenance, followed by a 2-week clearance window and 4-week Nolvadex PCT. The gold-standard first cycle.
Run HCG throughout blast to maintain testicular size and intra-testicular T
Standard TRT Protocol
Evidence-based testosterone replacement with HCG for testicular maintenance and optional low-dose aromatase inhibitor. The most common TRT stack recommended by progressive clinicians.
Add if testicular atrophy or fertility preservation is a concern
Test/Deca Bulk Cycle
Testosterone enanthate + Nandrolone Decanoate (Deca) classic bulk cycle. One of the most popular intermediate AAS stacks. Deca adds significant mass with less androgenic side effects than testosterone alone. Requires HCG on-cycle, an AI if needed, cabergoline for prolactin, and full PCT.
HCG 500 IU 2x/week on-cycle for testicular maintenance.
Test/EQ Endurance Cycle
Testosterone enanthate + Boldenone Undecylenate (EQ/Equipoise) cycle favoured by endurance athletes and those seeking lean, quality mass with minimal water retention. EQ increases RBC and appetite. Requires long cycle duration (16+ weeks) due to undecylenate ester half-life.
HCG 500 IU 2x/week on-cycle.
Scally PoWeR PCT
Dr Michael Scally's Power of Will and Endurance Recovery (PoWeR) PCT protocol. The most aggressive, evidence-based PCT: HCG blast to prime the testes, then concurrent Clomid + Nolvadex for maximal HPTA stimulation. Used after long/heavy cycles or blast and cruise transitions.
HCG 2500 IU EOD for 16 days to prime testes before SERM phase.
Data Sources
Related Tools
Track HCG with Doseline
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