HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
6k IU: $212.50 | 12k IU: $337.50 | 50k IU: $625
HCG stimulates the testes to maintain natural testosterone production and preserve fertility during TRT. It prevents testicular atrophy and supports sperm production — essential for men who want to keep fertility options open while on testosterone therapy.
Interested in HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)?
Our medical team will evaluate if this medication is right for you during your consultation.
Dosage & Administration
For Fertility Support During TRT: 1,000 to 2,000 IU, 2-3 times per week via subcutaneous injection.
For Weight Management Support: 125 to 250 IU daily (under medical supervision).
Always follow the dosage and schedule prescribed by your provider. Regular monitoring is crucial to assess hormone levels and adjust treatment as needed.
Important: Like any prescribed medication, dosing varies from person to person. Always follow the dosage prescribed by your healthcare provider. Optimize 360 personalizes every protocol based on your labs, symptoms, and goals.
Side Effects
- Headaches: Mild, usually temporary.
- Fatigue: Some patients report tiredness initially.
- Mood Swings: Hormonal fluctuations can affect mood.
- Injection Site Tenderness: Mild discomfort at injection site.
- Elevated Estrogen: HCG can raise estrogen, causing water retention or chest sensitivity. Monitored via labs.
Why Choose Optimize 360 for HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
- Prescribed and monitored by Dr. Steve Farmer — 30+ years in hormone medicine
- Comprehensive lab work before prescribing — we never guess
- Sourced from licensed U.S. compounding pharmacies
- Transparent pricing — the price above is what you pay, no hidden fees
- Telehealth available nationwide — medications shipped to your door
- Unlimited messaging with your provider throughout treatment
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Related
How HCG Works
Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone that mimics luteinizing hormone (LH) at the testicular level. In men on testosterone replacement therapy, exogenous testosterone suppresses the body's natural LH production through negative feedback on the hypothalamus and pituitary. Without LH stimulation, the testes reduce testosterone production and may atrophy over time. HCG restores this signaling by directly stimulating the Leydig cells in the testes, maintaining intratesticular testosterone production, testicular size, and — critically — spermatogenesis (sperm production).
Benefits & Clinical Evidence
The primary benefits of HCG in men on TRT are fertility preservation and maintenance of testicular volume. Studies show that concurrent HCG use during TRT maintains sperm counts in the majority of men, compared to significant sperm count reduction in men on TRT alone. HCG also maintains intratesticular testosterone at levels necessary for spermatogenesis — a function that exogenous testosterone cannot replicate. Many patients also report improved sense of well-being, as intratesticular testosterone contributes to local hormonal balance. Some men notice fuller testicular appearance within 2-4 weeks of starting HCG.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
HCG is most commonly prescribed for men on TRT who want to preserve fertility, men concerned about testicular atrophy, or men who plan to discontinue TRT in the future and want to maintain their natural production capacity. It is also used in post-TRT recovery protocols (PCT) to restart natural testosterone production. Men who are actively trying to conceive while on TRT should discuss HCG with their provider as a critical addition to their protocol.
What to Expect: Treatment Timeline
Testicular volume improvements are often noticed within 2-4 weeks of starting HCG. Sperm production effects take longer — approximately 3-6 months — reflecting the 72-day sperm maturation cycle. When used alongside TRT, HCG is typically dosed at 500-1,000 IU two to three times per week via subcutaneous injection. Lab work including testosterone, estradiol, and semen analysis (if fertility is the goal) is monitored periodically. Available at Optimize 360 from $212.50 starting.
Side Effects & Safety
Common side effects include mild water retention, mood fluctuations, and in some cases, elevated estradiol (since HCG stimulates intratesticular aromatase activity). Estradiol elevation may require adjustment of anastrozole dosing if already prescribed. Injection site reactions are generally mild. HCG is well-tolerated in most men at standard therapeutic doses. Regular lab monitoring ensures hormonal balance is maintained throughout treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Not necessarily. HCG is primarily indicated if you want to preserve fertility or prevent testicular atrophy. Many men on TRT do well without HCG. However, if future fertility is even a possibility, starting HCG early in your TRT protocol is recommended — it's easier to maintain sperm production than to restart it.
A: In some cases, yes. HCG monotherapy can raise testosterone levels in men with secondary hypogonadism. However, the testosterone increase is generally more modest than with TRT, and response varies. Your provider can help determine if HCG monotherapy is appropriate for your situation.
A: The regulatory landscape for compounded HCG has changed. Optimize 360 works with licensed compounding pharmacies that continue to provide HCG in compliance with current regulations. Your provider will ensure you have access to appropriate fertility-preserving options.