Quickstart highlights
Dosing & reconstitution guide
Standard protocol (5 mL = 1000 IU/mL)
A 5000 IU vial dissolved in 5 mL bacteriostatic water gives a concentration of 1000 IU/mL. Calculate your own dilution →
Reconstitution steps
- Let the vial reach room temperature and wash your hands.
- Disinfect both rubber stoppers with an alcohol swab.
- Draw up 5 mL of bacteriostatic water.
- Inject the water slowly down the glass wall, not directly onto the powder.
- Swirl gently until clear — never shake.
- Label the vial with date and concentration and refrigerate.
Supplies needed
- HCG 5000 IU vial (5000 IU)
- Bacteriostatic water
- Mixing syringe (1–3 mL) and U-100 insulin syringes
- Alcohol swabs and sharps container
Protocol overview
Duration
Protocol-dependent, often 2–6 weeks
Route
Subcutaneous or intramuscular
Timing
Fixed days each week
Dosing protocol in research
| Phase | Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance (studies) | 250–500 IU | twice weekly |
Values as described in literature and research protocols; not dosing advice.
Storage instructions
- Lyophilised (powder): cool, dry and dark; long-term at −20 °C.
- After reconstitution: refrigerator at 2–8 °C, use within ~4 weeks.
- Avoid repeated freezing and thawing.
Important notes
- Relatively short shelf-life after reconstitution (~30 days refrigerated).
- On the WADA prohibited list for men.
How this works
HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a glycoprotein hormone naturally produced during pregnancy. In medical contexts, it is derived from urine or produced synthetically to treat fertility issues and hormonal deficiencies. Researchers study the compound for its potent interaction with the male and female reproductive systems.
HCG acts as a luteinizing hormone (LH) analogue and binds to the same LH receptors. In men, this stimulates the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone. While natural LH has a half-life of only 30 minutes, HCG remains active in the blood for approximately 36 hours. This longer duration provides sustained stimulation of the gonads. Consequently, the hormone supports intratesticular testosterone levels, which is important for sperm production. Unlike LH, HCG suppresses the body's own production of gonadotropins in the pituitary gland through a negative feedback loop.
Clinical studies focus on maintaining testicular function during testosterone therapy and restoring hormonal balance after suppression. Research examines doses from 250 to 500 IU for maintenance, while higher doses are used for hypogonadism. HCG is on the WADA prohibited list for athletes due to its ability to increase testosterone production. Although it is an approved medicine for specific indications, its use as a weight loss aid is not scientifically supported. Open questions remain regarding the optimal dosing frequency for long-term male fertility.
Potential benefits & side effects
Effects described in research
- Preservation of testicular function
- Stimulation of endogenous testosterone
Common side effects
- Headache
- Mood changes
- Gynaecomastia via estrogen rise
HCG can lead to an increase in estradiol, sometimes causing gynecomastia, water retention, or acne. Other reported side effects include headaches, irritability, and fatigue. Limited data exists on the long-term consequences of chronic use in healthy subjects without medical necessity.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Active or prior cancer
- Under 18 years of age
- Hormone-sensitive tumours
Lifestyle factors
- Keep a log of doses, timing and observed effects.
- Adequate sleep, hydration and a stable diet.
Injection technique
- Choose a site with subcutaneous fat: abdomen (5 cm from the navel), thigh or back of upper arm.
- Disinfect, pinch a skin fold and insert at a 45–90° angle.
- Inject slowly, wait 5 seconds and withdraw.
- Rotate sites and use each needle once.
Recommended source
Quality varies widely between suppliers. Look for an independent HPLC/MS lab report per batch, purity ≥ 98% and clear storage and shipping conditions.
As a reference we use the HCG 5000 IU from PeptideWinkel, which publishes lab reports per batch.
Ask a question about HCG 5000 IU
Answer based on our catalogue. Not medical advice — products are for research purposes only.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate the dosage with a 5000 IU vial?
When 5000 IU is dissolved in 2 ml of liquid, each ml contains 2500 IU. On a standard 100-unit insulin syringe, 10 units then corresponds to 250 IU.
How should HCG be stored?
Both the powder and the reconstituted liquid must be stored in the refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius. Once mixed, the solution in a sterile vial with bacteriostatic water typically remains stable for 60 days.
What is the difference between HCG and LH?
HCG is chemically almost identical to LH but has a much longer half-life. This makes HCG more effective as a therapeutic agent because it requires less frequent administration to stimulate the receptors.