HCG (10,000 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
Educational guide for reconstitution and intermittent dosing
Standard Protocol (2 mL = 5,000 IU/mL)
| Week/Phase | Dose per Injection (IU) | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–12 | 500 IU | 10 units (0.1 mL) |
Frequency: Inject 3 times weekly subcutaneously (e.g., Monday/Wednesday/Friday). This yields a total weekly dose of 1,500 IU. This schedule maintains intratesticular testosterone during exogenous testosterone therapy and supports fertility preservation.
Reconstitution Steps
- Draw 2 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming or vigorous shaking.
- Gently swirl or roll until the powder fully dissolves (clear solution).
- Label vial with reconstitution date and concentration (5,000 IU/mL); refrigerate immediately at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F).
Dosing Calculations:
- 250 IU = 5 units (0.05 mL)
- 500 IU = 10 units (0.1 mL)
- 1,000 IU = 20 units (0.2 mL)
High‑Dose Protocol (for Post‑Cycle Recovery or Severe Suppression)
| Week/Phase | Dose per Injection (IU) | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–4 | 1,500 IU | 30 units (0.3 mL) |
| Weeks 5–8 | 2,000 IU | 40 units (0.4 mL) |
| Weeks 9–12 | 1,000 IU | 20 units (0.2 mL) |
Frequency: Inject 3 times weekly subcutaneously. High‑dose protocols (1,500–5,000 IU per injection) are used to reactivate testosterone production after prolonged anabolic steroid use or severe hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. After initial recovery, doses are typically reduced to maintenance levels (500–1,000 IU 3×/week).
Important: This guide is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. For research use only. Not for human consumption.
Supplies Needed
Plan based on an 8–16 week protocol using standard 500 IU × 3 times weekly dosing.
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Peptide Vials (HCG, 10000 IU each) | 8 weeks (12,000 IU total): 2 vials 12 weeks (18,000 IU total): 2 vials 16 weeks (24,000 IU total): 3 vials |
| Insulin Syringes (U‑100) | Per week: 3 syringes (Mon/Wed/Fri) 8 weeks: 24 syringes 12 weeks: 36 syringes 16 weeks: 48 syringes |
| Bacteriostatic Water (10 mL bottles) | 8 weeks (2 vials): 4 mL — 1 bottle required (10 mL each) 12 weeks (2 vials): 4 mL — 1 bottle required (10 mL each) 16 weeks (3 vials): 6 mL — 1 bottle required (10 mL each) |
| Alcohol Swabs | Per week: 6 swabs (2 per injection × 3 injections) 8 weeks: 48 swabs — 1 box required (100 swabs each) 12 weeks: 72 swabs — 1 box required (100 swabs each) 16 weeks: 96 swabs — 1 box required (100 swabs each) |
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.
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.