Glycoprotein hormone (LH analog / gonadotropin)
A hormone that mimics luteinizing hormone to stimulate the gonads to produce sex hormones and support ovulation or sperm/testosterone production.
| Class / type | Glycoprotein hormone (LH analog / gonadotropin) |
|---|---|
| Category | Hormones & Reproductive |
| Status (Jul 2026) | FDA-approved |
HCG binds LH receptors on ovarian and testicular cells, triggering ovulation in women and stimulating Leydig cells to produce testosterone in men.
Infertility ovulation trigger in assisted reproduction, ovulation induction, male hypogonadism, undescended testicles, and preserving fertility/testicular size during testosterone therapy.
Well-established fertility tool; restores or maintains endogenous testosterone and testicular volume; decades of clinical use.
Risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, multiple pregnancy, injection-site reactions, mood changes, gynecomastia, fluid retention, and blood clots; no legitimate role in weight loss (the 'HCG diet' is discredited and FDA-warned).
Fertility patients and TRT users often report it as effective and reassuring for maintaining function, though injections and cost are common complaints.
FDA-approved as a prescription drug (e.g., Pregnyl, Novarel; recombinant choriogonadotropin alfa) for fertility and hypogonadism; over-the-counter/homeopathic HCG weight-loss products are illegal and FDA-warned.