HCG

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone that is naturally produced during pregnancy. In medicine, HCG is also available as a prescription medication and is used to treat certain fertility conditions and some forms of low testosterone under medical supervision.

What Does HCG Do?

HCG acts similarly to Luteinizing Hormone (LH), a hormone that signals the testes to produce testosterone.

In men, HCG stimulates the Leydig cells to produce testosterone, which can help maintain normal testicular function.

Potential Uses in Men

HCG may be prescribed to:

• Help maintain or increase natural testosterone production in certain situations
• Preserve or improve fertility in men with some forms of low testosterone
• Help maintain testicular size in men receiving testosterone therapy
• Treat specific cases of Hypogonadism when appropriate

Potential Uses in Women

In women, HCG is commonly used as part of fertility treatment to:

• Trigger ovulation
• Support assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF)

Possible Benefits During Testosterone Therapy

Some clinicians prescribe HCG alongside testosterone therapy for selected patients because it may help:

• Maintain sperm production
• Preserve fertility
• Reduce testicular shrinkage
• Support the body’s own testosterone production to some degree

Not everyone on testosterone therapy needs HCG. Whether it’s appropriate depends on factors such as fertility goals and the underlying reason for treatment.