HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) (10000 iu Vial) Dosage Protocol
HCG is a glycoprotein hormone that mimics luteinizing hormone (LH), stimulating testicular Leydig cell testosterone production. Used in fertility protocols and as adjunct to TRT for testicular function preservation.
⚡ Quickstart Highlights
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
Route: Subcutaneous or intramuscular | Frequency: 3× weekly (Mon/Wed/Fri) | Half-life: ~36 hours
Standard Approach (4 mL = 0.25 mg/mL)
Reconstituting with 4 mL bacteriostatic water produces a concentration of 0.25 mg/mL. Volume per dose changes with concentration; mg dose itself does not change between vial sizes.
| Phase / Protocol | Dose | U-100 Units | Volume | Doses per vial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard maintenance (Weeks 1–12) | 500 IU (0.050 mg) | 20 units | 0.20 mL | 20 doses |
| High-dose recovery (Weeks 1–4) | 1500 IU (0.150 mg) | 60 units | 0.60 mL | 6 doses |
| High-dose recovery (Weeks 5–8) | 2000 IU (0.200 mg) | 80 units | 0.80 mL | 5 doses |
| High-dose recovery (Weeks 9–12) | 1000 IU (0.100 mg) | 40 units | 0.40 mL | 10 doses |
Reconstitution Steps
- Wipe the vial stopper and BAC water vial with alcohol; let dry.
- Draw 4 mL of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the inside glass wall of the peptide vial. Do not aim at the powder.
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved. Do not shake.
- Label with reconstitution date. Refrigerate at 2–8°C; use within 60 days.
Supplies Needed
Estimates for an 8-week and 12-week cycle at 50 mcg per dose, 3× weekly (mon/wed/fri) (3 doses/week).
| Item | 8-Week Cycle | 12-Week Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) (10000 iu) vials | 2 vials | 2 vials |
| Insulin syringes (U-100) | 24 | 36 |
| Bacteriostatic water (10 mL) | 1 × 10 mL | 1 × 10 mL |
| Alcohol swabs | 1 × 100-pack | 2 × 100-pack |
Protocol Overview
HCG protocols span fertility restoration (high-dose, short-term), TRT adjunct (low-dose, ongoing), and PCT (post-cycle therapy after AAS use). The dose-and-frequency depends heavily on the protocol goal.
For TRT-adjunct use — the most common research-grade application — the goal is preserving testicular size and intratesticular testosterone during exogenous T administration. 250–500 IU 2–3× weekly is the standard.
Dosing Protocol
Three protocol patterns:
- TRT adjunct (250 IU, 2–3× weekly): Maintains testicular size and intratesticular T during exogenous TRT. Most common research application.
- Standard maintenance (500 IU, 2–3× weekly): More substantial Leydig cell stimulation.
- Restart / fertility (1000+ IU, 2–3× weekly): Used in fertility restoration after extended HPG suppression. Often paired with HMG.
Cycle structure: TRT-adjunct use is continuous. Restart protocols run 4–12 weeks then bloodwork reassessment.
Bloodwork cadence: Total/free T, estradiol, LH, FSH every 8–12 weeks. AI (aromatase inhibitor) may be needed if E2 climbs into upper-quartile range.
Storage Instructions
| State | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Lyophilized | −20°C (−4°F) | Up to 24 months, dry & dark |
| Reconstituted | 2–8°C (35–46°F) | Up to 60 days, protect from light |
Important Notes
How This Works
HCG is a 244-amino-acid glycoprotein structurally similar to LH (sharing the same alpha subunit). It binds LH receptors on testicular Leydig cells, stimulating intratesticular testosterone production and supporting spermatogenesis.
In TRT contexts, HCG is added to prevent the testicular atrophy and infertility caused by suppressed endogenous LH. In male fertility protocols (post-AAS or congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism), HCG restores testicular function over 3–6 months.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits
- Maintains testicular size and intratesticular testosterone during TRT.
- Restores fertility post-cycle in many men.
- Used in PCT (post-cycle therapy) protocols.
- Also used in some weight-loss research (controversial).
Side Effect Profile
- Estrogen elevation (intratesticular T → aromatization).
- Acne and oily skin.
- Possible mood changes.
- Injection-site reactions.
- Long-term high-dose use can desensitize Leydig cells.
Lifestyle Factors
- Pair with regular bloodwork (T, E2, LH, FSH).
- AI (aromatase inhibitor) may be needed if E2 climbs.
- Adequate zinc, vitamin D, and sleep support testicular function.
Injection Technique
- Subcutaneous (most common) or intramuscular.
- Rotate sites with each dose.
- 90° angle with short insulin needle.