hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) dosage

What hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is

Human chorionic gonadotropin is a placental glycoprotein hormone with LH-like activity, available in the US as FDA-approved prescription products such as Novarel and Pregnyl for prepubertal cryptorchidism, male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and ovulation induction, and its labels state it has not been shown to help treat obesity.

hCG acts at the same receptor as pituitary LH, with a small degree of FSH-like activity according to the label ^1. Effects described in the labels Males: stimulates testicular interstitial (Leydig) cells to produce androgens, which can lead to secondary sex characteristics and may stimulate testicular descent ^1,2. Females: can substitute for the mid-cycle LH surge that triggers ovulation, and in pregnancy… How it works →

Dosing as stated on the FDA label

• The labels state that the regimen depends on indication, age, weight and physician preference, and list regimens 'advocated by various authorities' for intramuscular use only ^1,2.
• Prepubertal cryptorchidism (label regimens): 4,000 USP units three times weekly for three weeks; 5,000 USP units every second day for four injections; 15 injections of 500 to 1,000 USP units over six weeks; or 500 USP units three times weekly for four to six weeks, with a second course at 1,000 USP units one month later if unsuccessful ^1,2.
• Selected male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (label regimens): 500 to 1,000 USP units three times a week for three weeks then twice a week for three weeks; or 4,000 USP units three times weekly for six to nine months, then 2,000 USP units three times weekly for three more months ^1,2.
• Ovulation induction in appropriately pretreated anovulatory women: 5,000 to 10,000 USP units one day after the last dose of menotropins/gonadotropins; 10,000 USP units is recommended in the menotropins labeling ^1,2.
• Ovidrel (recombinant): 250 µg one day after the last dose of the follicle-stimulating agent, as part of an ART program ^3.

How long did human studies run?

No human study durations are recorded for hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).

Side effects reported in studies

• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
  Not quantified in the urinary hCG labels · Women receiving hCG after gonadotropins for ovulation induction ²
• Multiple births and rupture of ovarian cysts
  Not quantified · Same ¹
• Arterial thromboembolism
  Not quantified · Same ¹
• Headache, irritability, restlessness, depression, fatigue, edema
  Not quantified · Label adverse reactions (all uses) ¹
• Precocious puberty and gynecomastia
  Not quantified · Males, including boys treated for cryptorchidism ¹
• Hypersensitivity, including anaphylaxis
  Not quantified · Urinary-derived hCG products ¹

Supplies and handling

• Lyophilized vial
  Sealed vial with the freeze-dried cake. Check the label, lot and the certificate of analysis before opening.
• Sterile diluent
  The diluent named on the product documentation. Bacteriostatic water contains benzyl alcohol; sterile water does not.
• Graduated syringes
  Sized to the volume being measured. U-100 insulin syringes are graduated in units where 100 units = 1 mL.
• Alcohol prep pads
  For wiping vial stoppers before each puncture.
• Nitrile gloves
  Clean gloves for aseptic handling.
• Sharps container
  Puncture-resistant container for used needles.

Storage

Per the labels, unopened Novarel is stored at 20-25°C and reconstituted product refrigerated and used within 30 days; reconstituted Pregnyl is stable for 60 days refrigerated. Follow the current label for any approved product ^1,2.

• Lyophilized (unmixed) vials: typically stored cold and dry, away from light, as the documentation directs. Many are stable longer frozen.
• Reconstituted vials: typically refrigerated (about 2–8 °C), protected from light and not frozen.
• Bacteriostatic water contains benzyl alcohol, which inhibits bacterial growth in multi-use vials; sterile water has no preservative.

Handling mistakes and troubleshooting

Added the wrong volume of diluent

The concentration changes, not the amount of compound in the vial. Recalculate with the volume actually added and relabel the vial.

Shook the vial and it foamed

Let it settle in the refrigerator. Foam is a sign of agitation; some peptides aggregate when shaken. Note it on the label.

The solution is cloudy or has particles

Do not use it. Cloudiness can indicate incomplete dissolution, contamination or degradation. Record the lot and contact the supplier with the certificate of analysis.

The powder cake looks melted or shrunken before reconstitution

This can indicate the vial was exposed to heat or moisture. Record the lot and condition on arrival.

Liquid sprayed back when the needle was removed

Pressure built up in the vial. Withdraw a small volume of air while adding diluent to keep pressure neutral.

Regulatory status

Status

FDA-approved prescription products include Novarel (initial U.S. approval 1974; label Rev. 05/2023, U.S. License No. 2112) and Pregnyl (label revised 03/2025) for prepubertal cryptorchidism, selected male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and ovulation induction; Ovidrel (recombinant) is labeled for final follicular maturation in ART. hCG is not approved for body-weight reduction or for use without a prescription ^1,2,3,4.

United States (FDA)

FDA-approved as Novarel (initial U.S. approval 1974) and Pregnyl, both urinary-derived, and Ovidrel (recombinant) ^1,2,3. FDA states hCG is not approved for body-weight reduction and is not approved for use without a prescription for any purpose ^4.

Sport (WADA)

The 2026 Prohibited List names chorionic gonadotrophin (CG) under S2.2.1, testosterone-stimulating peptides in males; S2 substances are prohibited at all times and are non-Specified Substances ^7.

Status varies by country and changes over time. How we describe regulatory status.

hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) compared with related compounds

Frequently asked questions

References

1. NOVAREL (chorionic gonadotropin) for injection, for intramuscular use, prescribing information (Rev. 05/2023; DailyMed version Sep 25, 2025) FDA label (DailyMed). 2025
2. PREGNYL (chorionic gonadotropin) for injection, prescribing information (Revised 03/2025; DailyMed version Dec 04, 2025) FDA label (DailyMed). 2025
3. OVIDREL PreFilled Syringe (choriogonadotropin alfa injection), prescribing information (DailyMed version Dec 28, 2023) FDA label (DailyMed). 2023
4. HCG Diet Products Are Illegal (consumer update; content current as of 07/13/2020) FDA. 2020
5. The effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in the treatment of obesity by means of the Simeons therapy: a criteria-based meta-analysis Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1995
6. Efficacy of Gonadotropin Treatment for Induction of Spermatogenesis in Men With Pathologic Gonadotropin Deficiency: A Meta-Analysis Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2024
7. Tractatenblad 2026 Nr. 25: Anti-doping convention (ETS No. 135), amendment to the appendix - The 2026 Prohibited List, World Anti-Doping Code (English text; entry into force 1 January 2026) Tractatenblad van het Koninkrijk der Nederlanden (official government publication). 2026