Scientific Reference

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

Evidence profile: Controlled human evidence

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a heterodimeric glycoprotein hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. It comprises an alpha subunit shared with LH, FSH and TSH, and a distinct beta subunit that gives it its biological specificity. It acts as a luteinising hormone analogue, binding LH receptors and activating steroidogenesis, and is studied in endocrinology on that basis. Licensed medicines containing chorionic gonadotropin exist and are prescribed by clinicians; the material supplied here is a research compound and is not one of them.

Published Research

  • Clomiphene citrate and human chorionic gonadotropin are both effective in restoring testosterone in hypogonadism: a short-course randomized study

    Habous M et al. · BJU international · 2018 · Clinical

    PMID 29772111 — View on PubMed
  • Late-onset hypogonadism: the advantages of treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin rather than testosterone

    La Vignera S et al. · The aging male : the official journal of the International Society for the Study of the Aging Male · 2016 · Clinical

    PMID 26488941 — View on PubMed
  • Gonadotropins for pubertal induction in males with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: systematic review and meta-analysis

    Alexander EC et al. · European journal of endocrinology · 2024 · Review

    PMID 38128110 — View on PubMed
  • A combined analysis of data to identify predictive factors for spermatogenesis in men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism treated with recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone and human chorionic gonadotropin

    Warne DW et al. · Fertility and sterility · 2009 · Review

    PMID 18930225 — View on PubMed