What it is
hCG is a hormone made during pregnancy. As a medicine, it acts like LH, a pituitary hormone that tells the testes to make testosterone and the ovaries to release an egg.
It is used in fertility treatment, for certain boys with undescended testicles, and for men whose low testosterone comes from a pituitary problem.
US regulatory status
FDA-approved prescription biologic (Pregnyl, Novarel, generic chorionic gonadotropin, and recombinant Ovidrel). Since March 2020 it is regulated as a biologic, which ended routine compounding from bulk; the FDA states hCG is not approved for weight loss and has acted against over-the-counter "homeopathic" hCG diet products.
What the research shows
hCG has decades of use and good evidence in fertility treatment and for male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Controlled trials have shown it does not help with weight loss beyond what a very low-calorie diet does alone.
How it is given
Intramuscular or subcutaneous injection (vial or prefilled syringe)
Commonly reported side effects
- Headache
- Irritability or restlessness
- Tiredness or low mood
- Fluid retention
- Breast enlargement in men
- Ovarian hyperstimulation in women using it for fertility
Questions to ask your provider
- Why is hCG the right choice for my diagnosis?
- How will we track my hormone levels or response?
- What symptoms of ovarian hyperstimulation or other problems should I watch for?