HCG
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a glycoprotein hormone naturally produced during pregnancy that mimics luteinizing hormone (LH) activity. It's FDA-approved for fertility treatments and hypogonadism in men. HCG stimulates testosterone production in males and triggers ovulation in females, making it valuable for hormone support, fertility preservation during testosterone therapy, and reproductive treatments.
HCG Mechanism of Action
The Complete Journey: From Injection to Results
HCG functions as a luteinizing hormone (LH) analog, binding with high affinity to the LH/chorionic gonadotropin receptor (LHCGR), a G-protein coupled receptor expressed primarily in gonadal tissues. Upon binding, it activates the Gs protein pathway, elevating intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels. This triggers protein kinase A (PKA) activation, leading to steroidogenesis through upregulation of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein and enzymes like CYP11A1 and CYP17A1. In males, this results in testosterone synthesis by Leydig cells. In females, it induces ovulation and progesterone production by corpus luteum cells.
The Injection
You inject HCG under your skin or into muscle. The hormone analog begins absorbing into your bloodstream.
LH Receptor Binding
HCG travels to reproductive tissues and binds to LH receptors in testes (men) or ovaries (women), mimicking natural luteinizing hormone.
Hormone Stimulation
HCG stimulates testosterone production in men (2-5 fold increase) or triggers ovulation processes in women within 72 hours.
Sustained Effects
Continued hormone stimulation maintains testicular function, preserves fertility, and supports reproductive health.
Long-term Benefits
Regular HCG use maintains natural hormone production, preserves fertility during TRT, and supports reproductive wellness.
How HCG Works at the Molecular Level
Scientific Mechanism
HCG functions as a luteinizing hormone (LH) analog, binding with high affinity to the LH/chorionic gonadotropin receptor (LHCGR), a G-protein coupled receptor expressed primarily in gonadal tissues. Upon binding, it activates the Gs protein pathway, elevating intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels. This triggers protein kinase A (PKA) activation, leading to steroidogenesis through upregulation of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein and enzymes like CYP11A1 and CYP17A1. In males, this results in testosterone synthesis by Leydig cells. In females, it induces ovulation and progesterone production by corpus luteum cells.
Simple Explanation
Think of HCG as a master key that unlocks hormone production in your reproductive system. It tricks your body into thinking it's getting a signal from luteinizing hormone (LH), which is like a messenger that tells your gonads to make hormones. In men, it tells the testes to produce testosterone. In women, it tells the ovaries to release eggs and make progesterone. It's like having a backup remote control for your hormone system.
The Simple Truth: Why It Works So Well
Medical Disclaimer
HCG is FDA-approved for specific fertility indications and testosterone replacement therapy support. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace consultation with healthcare providers. Use only under medical supervision with appropriate monitoring.