Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)
Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a polypeptide hormone produced by the human placenta. It is composed of an alpha and beta sub-unit. The alpha sub-unit is essentially identical to the alpha sub-units of the human pituitary gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), as well as to the alpha sub-unit of human thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). The beta sub-units of these hormones differ in amino acid sequence.
In men, it is used to treat hypogonadism. It stimulates Leydig (interstitial) cells of the testes to produce androgens (testosterone).
Therapeutically it is used between cycles of testosterone therapy to stimulate the testicles to produce testosterone. It is given in a 1cc injection, subcutaneously, for 5 days for 2 weeks. It is not necessary to use HCG during testosterone replacement therapy but we think it is very helpful.
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