HCG

Grade A applies only to the FDA-approved hCG products (Novarel, Pregnyl, Ovidrel and generic chorionic gonadotropin), which have decades of clinical use; it does not extend to research material.

Strengths: 5,000, 10,000 IU
Also known as: Human chorionic gonadotropin, Chorionic gonadotropin, Choriogonadotropin alfa (recombinant), Novarel, Pregnyl, Ovidrel
Molecule: Glycoprotein hormone (α/β heterodimer, 237 amino acids)
Formula: None (heavily glycosylated)
Mol. weight: ~36.7 kDa
CAS: 9002-61-3

Origin

The pregnancy hormone, made by the placenta. Pharmaceutical hCG is purified from pregnant women's urine (Novarel, Pregnyl) or made recombinantly (Ovidrel); it has been FDA-approved since the 1970s. The catalog does not state its source.

How it works

HCG binds the same receptor as LH. In men it stimulates the testes' Leydig cells to make testosterone, keeping testicular testosterone high enough for sperm production. In women it substitutes for the mid-cycle LH surge, triggering egg maturation and ovulation.

What the research shows

The brand drugs are approved for undescended testes in boys, some forms of male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and fertility treatment, backed by label-supporting trials and long clinical use. A 2005 study in 29 men on testosterone found hCG kept intratesticular testosterone near or above baseline, versus a 94% drop on placebo; it measured a hormone marker, not fertility. A 1976 trial and a 1995 meta-analysis found no weight-loss benefit, which is why every US label states it is not effective for obesity. The best long-term approach for preserving sperm on testosterone therapy is still unsettled.

Key studies

Coviello et al., JCEM 2005 hCG maintained intratesticular testosterone in men on testosterone; placebo fell 94%.
Ovidrel registration studies (label) About 31% multiple births with the approved product in assisted reproduction; hyperstimulation in 3% of ovulation-induction patients.
Mulhall et al., AUA Guideline 2018 (reaffirmed 2024) Conditional recommendation for hCG to preserve fertility in men on testosterone therapy.
Lijesen et al., 1995 meta-analysis No weight-loss benefit over calorie restriction alone.

Safety findings

Labels list headache, irritability, fatigue, edema, breast enlargement and injection-site pain. Serious risks include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, multiple pregnancy, arterial blood clots, early puberty in boys, and anaphylaxis with urinary-derived products. Research-grade vials are not the same as licensed, sterile, potency-tested products.

Regulatory status

FDA-approved prescription biologic (Novarel, Pregnyl, generic chorionic gonadotropin, Ovidrel); deemed a biologic license on March 23, 2020. Because licensed biologics fall outside the compounding exemptions, pharmacies can no longer lawfully compound it. WADA prohibits it at all times for males under S2.2.1. Status as of October 2026.

Catalog notes

Available in 5,000 and 10,000 IU. No certificate or purity value is published yet, and the source (urinary or recombinant) and potency method are not stated. Follow the storage stated on the label. The catalog asks buyers to confirm cold-chain handling.