Produced by the placenta, hCG shares the LH receptor and effectively acts as long-acting LH — its extensive glycosylation gives it a far longer half-life than LH itself. In males it stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone directly, bypassing the pituitary, which is why it is used to maintain testicular function during exogenous testosterone use. In females it triggers ovulation.
Decades of established use in fertility medicine and in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. The evidence for the approved indications is solid.
FDA-approved for ovulation induction, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in males, and prepubertal cryptorchidism. Prescription-only. Note the label carries an explicit statement that hCG has no effect on fat mobilisation and is not effective for weight loss — the FDA required this after the “hCG diet”, one of the more durable frauds in this field. Prohibited in sport (WADA S2 for males).
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in females can be life-threatening. Gynaecomastia in males via aromatisation of the testosterone it induces. Thromboembolic events reported. Precocious puberty in paediatric use.
Forge Bioenergy does not publish dosing, reconstitution, or administration protocols for any peptide. See our editorial policy for why. If you are considering any substance on this page, that conversation belongs with a licensed physician.
Regulatory status changes. This page reflects our reading of public sources as of July 2026 and should be independently verified before it is relied upon.