What it is
Human chorionic gonadotropin is the hormone the placenta makes in early pregnancy, and the one pregnancy tests detect. As a medicine it has been used for decades. Pregnyl and Novarel are purified from the urine of pregnant women; recombinant versions such as Ovidrel are made in cell culture.
It sits on this site because it is sold in the same online channels as research peptides and discussed in the same forums, usually alongside testosterone. Unlike most compounds here, it is an approved prescription medicine, so the usual rule applies: prescribing belongs with a licensed Philippine physician. This page explains what the labels and evidence say, not how to use it.
How it works
hCG is built from two subunits. The alpha subunit is shared with LH, FSH and TSH; the beta subunit gives each hormone its identity. hCG's beta chain is close enough to LH's that its action is, in the words of the Pregnyl label, virtually identical to that of pituitary LH.
That single fact explains its uses:
- In men, LH tells the Leydig cells of the testes to make testosterone. hCG does the same, which is why it is used in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, where the pituitary does not send that signal.
- In women, a surge of LH triggers ovulation and supports the corpus luteum, which makes progesterone. hCG is given as a stand-in for that surge in fertility treatment.
- In boys with undescended testes, the androgen rise it causes can help the testes descend when there is no anatomical blockage.
Because it bypasses the hypothalamus and pituitary, hCG acts directly at the gonads. Compare gonadorelin and kisspeptin, which act further up the chain and depend on a working pituitary.
What the evidence shows
hCG's evidence base is its regulatory history as an approved medicine. The current US labels cover three indications: prepubertal cryptorchidism not due to anatomical obstruction, selected cases of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in males, and induction of ovulation and pregnancy in anovulatory infertile women.
The labels also carry a statement printed in capital letters: hCG has not been demonstrated to be effective adjunctive therapy in the treatment of obesity, and it has no known effect on fat mobilisation, appetite, sense of hunger or body fat distribution. That statement exists because of the "hCG diet", which paired injections with severe calorie restriction. Any weight lost on that diet comes from the calorie restriction.
Use of hCG alongside testosterone therapy to preserve testicular function is widespread in men's health clinics. It is not a labelled indication in the US products we reviewed, and the decision belongs with a physician who can monitor bloodwork. For local testing options, see bloodwork in the Philippines.
Side effects listed on the label
The Novarel and Pregnyl labels list headache, irritability, restlessness, depression, fatigue, oedema, gynaecomastia, injection-site pain and hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis. In boys, the androgen rise can cause precocious puberty. Serious warnings in fertility use include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, rupture of ovarian cysts, multiple pregnancy and arterial thromboembolism.
hCG vs gonadorelin
| hCG | Gonadorelin | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | LH-like glycoprotein hormone | Synthetic GnRH, a 10 amino acid peptide |
| Where it acts | Directly on testes and ovaries | On the pituitary, which then releases LH and FSH |
| Needs a working pituitary | No | Yes |
| US status | Approved, marketed | Human products discontinued |
| WADA | Prohibited in males (S2) | Prohibited in males (S2) |
Status in the Philippines
hCG is a prescription medicine, and its legitimate local use is in fertility and hormone care under a doctor. Prescribing belongs with a licensed Philippine physician. We could not confirm from the FDA Philippines verification portal which hCG brands are currently registered, so check a product's registration number there before trusting it. Vials sold online as "research hCG" are not registered medicines, and there is no way to know the actual potency of a glycoprotein bought that way.
For athletes, the WADA Prohibited List bans chorionic gonadotrophin in males under section S2, at all times.
Storage
Follow the product label. The US urinary products are stored at room temperature before mixing. After reconstitution they must be refrigerated at 2 to 8°C and not frozen; the Novarel label says to use the mixed product within 30 days and the Pregnyl label gives 60 days. In a Philippine household, that means the fridge, not the door, and planning for brownouts.
