Hormonal & sexual functionInjectable

HCG

Also known as: Human chorionic gonadotropin

HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a hormone with established, approved medical uses in fertility and certain endocrine conditions, used under specialist supervision.

Physician-reviewedDr. Bushra Mir, Medical Director · DHA-licensedReviewed 10 July 2026

The molecule, up close

Class: Glycoprotein hormone
Origin: Naturally produced in pregnancy; also made pharmaceutically
Chemistry: Large glycoprotein hormone
Typical format: Injectable (prescription medicine)
Regulatory status: Approved medicine for specific indications

This page is educational information, not medical advice or an offer of treatment. Peptides used clinically are prescription medicines; whether any is appropriate for you is a decision a physician makes after a diagnostic assessment.

What it is

Unlike most compounds in this library, HCG is an established, approved hormone medicine. It's naturally produced in pregnancy and is also manufactured pharmaceutically for defined medical uses.

Its inclusion here is for honest education: HCG appears in the peptide conversation, but it's a recognised prescription hormone with specialist indications — a different category from the research peptides.

What it's studied for

It has established uses in fertility treatment and in specific hormonal conditions, and is used within the male hormonal axis — for example to stimulate the body's own testosterone production in defined situations.

Some uses discussed online, such as "HCG diets," are off-label and aren't supported by good evidence.

The science

HCG acts like luteinising hormone (LH), stimulating the gonads. In men, that can prompt the testes to produce testosterone; in fertility care, it's used for its effects on ovulation and reproductive function.

Because it acts on the hormonal system directly, its use calls for specialist understanding of the endocrine picture.

Typical form

Injectable

Shown in the dispensing format most often used in research and clinical settings. Where any protocol is appropriate, the route, dose and schedule are a physician’s decision — not a fixed recipe.

Safety & considerations

HCG is a prescription hormone used under specialist supervision, with defined indications, contraindications and monitoring. It isn't a lifestyle supplement.

Because it acts on the hormonal system, inappropriate use can disrupt normal endocrine function — which is why it belongs with a physician who has the relevant expertise.

Status & oversight

HCG is an approved medicine for specific indications. Any use should be led by a physician with the relevant endocrine or fertility expertise.

Common questions

HCG, in brief.

What is HCG used for medically?

It has established, approved uses in fertility treatment and certain hormonal conditions, and is used within the male hormonal axis. It's a prescription hormone used under specialist supervision.

Is HCG a weight-loss treatment?

"HCG diets" aren't supported by good evidence and aren't an appropriate use of the hormone. Medical weight management is best handled through assessed, evidence-based care.

Is HCG a peptide?

It's a glycoprotein hormone rather than a small peptide, but it appears in the peptide conversation. Medically, it's best understood as an approved hormone medicine.

Peptides of this kind are prescription medicines. Whether any protocol is appropriate is decided the way the rest of the practice works — from data, after an assessment.

How our longevity assessment works Back to the peptide field guide

How this is written

Physician-reviewed and evidence-led. We describe what a compound is studied for and where the evidence stands — not what it will do for you — and we revise pages as the science changes. Reviewed by Dr. Bushra Mir, Medical Director · DHA-licensed.

References

Peer-reviewed references for this compound are added by the physician author before publication.