HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) 5000 IU – Glycoprotein hormone

What is HCG (chorionic gonadotropin) 5000 IU?

HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a glycoprotein hormone naturally produced by the placenta during pregnancy. In research protocols it is used as an LH mimetic (luteinizing hormone) — it sends a signal to the testes for endogenous testosterone production and supports spermatogenesis. Hence the interest in it in research on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, fertility and hypogonadism.

HCG belongs to the category peptides for immunity and hormonal balance, which contains compounds studied in the context of the HPG axis and endocrine adaptation — including Gonadorelin and Kisspeptin-10.

In the version offered by Peptology, HCG is available in a 5000 IU variant as a lyophilized hormone of high purity, confirmed by independent laboratory analysis (CoA for every batch). The product is intended exclusively for scientific research and in vitro applications.

Variant: HCG 5000 IU

HCG is offered in a single variant — a vial containing 5000 IU of lyophilized chorionic gonadotropin. The hormone's activity is expressed in international units (IU), not in milligrams, which distinguishes it from typical peptides.

How HCG works — an LH mimetic

In the research literature, HCG is described as a hormone „impersonating" LH — it stimulates the gonads to work while bypassing the pituitary. Below are the three most frequently studied elements.

HCG's position on the HPG axis

HCG acts at the very bottom of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Above it are the „upstream" signals: Kisspeptin-10 stimulates the hypothalamus to secrete GnRH, Gonadorelin (GnRH) acts on the pituitary, releasing LH and FSH, and HCG already mimics LH itself directly at the gonadal level. This makes it the „final" element of the chain — it stimulates the gonads even when the higher-order axis is suppressed.

These data come from research and clinical literature on chorionic gonadotropin and do not constitute a claim about the effect of the research-grade product offered by Peptology.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (research framework)

HCG is a glycoprotein hormone with a relatively long half-life (longer than endogenous LH thanks to glycosylation). The most important research features:

• Class: glycoprotein hormone (two subunits α/β), LH mimetic — not a classic peptide
• Target: LH/HCG receptor in Leydig cells (testes) and ovaries
• Unit: biological activity expressed in IU (international units)
• Schedule: subcutaneous or intramuscular administration described, per the protocol
• Position on the HPG axis: downstream (gonadal level), below Gonadorelin and Kisspeptin-10

Comparison: HCG vs Gonadorelin vs Kisspeptin-10

Within the same category it is worth comparing HCG with two other HPG-axis regulators. All influence the production of sex hormones, but at different levels of the chain — from the hypothalamus to the gonads.

HCG acts lowest — it mimics LH directly on the gonads, Gonadorelin stimulates the pituitary, and Kisspeptin-10 starts the axis from the hypothalamus. In studies they are sometimes combined as complementary approaches. This comparison is indicative in nature and does not constitute a recommendation for use.

Research data on HCG

HCG is one of the best-studied hormones in reproductive medicine. Below are the most important directions — they concern the hormone/medicine, not the research-grade product.

Testosterone and testicular function

HCG as an LH mimetic has been associated with stimulation of endogenous testosterone production and maintenance of testicular size and function, especially under conditions of axis suppression (e.g. during long-term use of androgenic substances).

Fertility and reproductive medicine

In men, HCG has been studied for supporting spermatogenesis and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. In women, this hormone is used in ovulation induction protocols — exclusively under medical supervision.

Post-cycle therapy (PCT)

In research models, HCG is sometimes analyzed in the context of reactivating testicular function after a period of hormonal suppression — often in combination with other HPG-axis regulators. These are data on the hormone/medicine, not a claim about the research-grade product.

Note: The information is presented for scientific and informational purposes and is based on the literature on chorionic gonadotropin. It does not constitute medical advice, a recommendation for use or a claim about the effect of the research-grade product offered by Peptology.

HCG profile at a glance

• Glycoprotein hormone (not a classic peptide) — naturally produced by the placenta
• LH mimetic — stimulates the gonads to produce endogenous testosterone
• Acts at the gonadal level (downstream) of the HPG axis, bypassing the pituitary
• Research-grade product — not a medication
• Related HPG-axis regulators: Gonadorelin and Kisspeptin-10
• Every batch with CoA and confirmed laboratory purity

All information provided concerns research literature on chorionic gonadotropin and should not be interpreted as a promise of effect, an instruction for use or a claim about the effect of the research-grade product offered by Peptology.

Research dosing protocols

In research protocols, HCG is administered after reconstitution of the lyophilizate, most often subcutaneously or intramuscularly:

• The dose is expressed in IU; the hormone's activity differs from peptides measured in mg
• Subcutaneous or intramuscular administration described, per the research protocol
• Calculate precise volumes and units in the peptide calculator (max. 3 mL of solvent per vial)
• In research on the HPG axis it is sometimes combined with Gonadorelin or Kisspeptin-10
• Very high doses carry a risk of LH receptor desensitization — important in study planning

These schedules come from the research literature and do not constitute a recommendation for self-administration.

Side effects and safety

HCG is generally well tolerated at appropriate dosing. Side effects are usually mild and dose-dependent. The data concern research on the hormone/medicine.

Because of HCG's hormonal action, especially with long-term or high dosing, the literature emphasizes the importance of specialist supervision. This information is scientific in nature and does not constitute an instruction for use.

Storage and reconstitution

HCG is supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder in a vial. In lyophilized form it is stable at room temperature, protected from light and moisture — refrigeration before reconstitution is not mandatory. After reconstitution, stability depends on the solvent used, with Peptide Matrix Water™ significantly extending the molecule's lifespan.

• Before reconstitution: room temperature, in the original packaging, protected from light and moisture. A refrigerator is not mandatory.
• After reconstitution with Peptide Matrix Water™: stability in the refrigerator +2 °C to +8 °C for up to 60 days under appropriate laboratory conditions — the stabilizing formula extends the molecule's lifespan relative to standard solvents.
• Freezing: not recommended — freeze/thaw cycles degrade the hormone's structure.
• Reconstitution: in a laboratory setting, Peptide Matrix Water™ is usually used, added slowly down the vial wall, without shaking.
• Volume: maximum 3 mL of solvent (capacity of a standard vial). For a precise calculation of volume and units, use the peptide calculator.
• Homogenization: after adding the solvent, wait 10–15 min, gently rolling the vial between your palms. Do not shake.

Laboratory tip: With your order, you can add Peptide Matrix Water™ to the cart — a stabilizing solution designed for working with reconstituted research peptides and hormones. More in the article Bacteriostatic water vs acetic acid vs matrix water.

Frequently asked questions about HCG

What exactly is HCG?

It is human chorionic gonadotropin — a glycoprotein hormone naturally produced by the placenta. In research it acts as an LH mimetic, stimulating the gonads to produce testosterone and supporting fertility. It is not a classic peptide, but a larger, glycosylated molecule.

Is HCG a peptide?

Not in the classic sense. HCG is a glycoprotein hormone composed of two subunits (α and β) with attached sugar residues — much larger than typical research peptides, whose activity is expressed in mg, whereas HCG is measured in IU.

Is it a medicine?

No. The product offered by Peptology is a research reagent (research-grade), not a medicine.

How does HCG relate to Gonadorelin and Kisspeptin-10?

All concern the HPG axis, but at different levels. Kisspeptin-10 acts highest (hypothalamus), Gonadorelin in the middle (pituitary), and HCG lowest — it mimics LH directly on the gonads.

How is HCG stored and reconstituted?

The lyophilized vial is stored at room temperature, protected from light and moisture. After reconstitution with Peptide Matrix Water™ stability is up to 60 days in the refrigerator +2 °C to +8 °C. Do not freeze.

Where to buy HCG for research?

Peptology offers HCG 5000 IU as a research reagent of confirmed purity with independent laboratory analysis for every batch. Fast shipping, discreet packaging and certificates of purity with the product. For scientific background, also see the article Peptides — what they are, how they work, main categories and safety profile.

Related products in the Peptology catalog

Researchers working with HCG often also consider the other HPG-axis regulators and related peptides of immunity and hormonal balance. Each of the products below has a certificate of purity (CoA):

See the full catalog: Peptides for immunity and hormonal balance · Recovery and anabolic peptides · All peptides · Blog on peptide research

Laboratory reconstitution

Laboratory protocol — reconstitution, research protocols, storage

Standardized protocol applicable to all research peptides in the Peptology catalogue. To calculate the solution concentration (mg/mL) for each vial, use the peptide reconstitution calculator.

60-second protocol

Quick reference

What you need

Five rules for reconstitution

Calculating concentration

Storage

Four mistakes to avoid

Shipping information

🚚 Shipping information

• Products in our warehouse – orders placed by 15:00 on working days are dispatched the same day, later orders on the next working day.

• Delivery with GLS to your address in 3–5 working days.

• Shipping costs €5 and is free from €50.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does HCG increase testosterone?

Yes, HCG stimulates the testes to produce their own testosterone by mimicking LH.

In what form is HCG supplied and how should it be stored?

It is supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder in a sealed vial. Store the unopened vial dry and protected from light, ideally at 2–8 °C. After laboratory reconstitution, keep the solution at 2–8 °C and use it within the period stated in the “Laboratory reconstitution” tab (up to 60 days with Peptide Matrix Water).

Is a prescription required?

No – the product is offered for research purposes only.

Where can I buy HCG in Europe and what does it cost?

You can buy HCG in Europe online from Peptology, from 30,00 €. Delivery with GLS in 3–5 working days. Shipping is free from 50,00 €. Payment by card. Purity 99%+, with an HPLC report for every batch.

Laboratory Analysis

HCG - 5000 IU - Batch - 0226 - Purity