{"id":"hcg","name":"HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)","aliases":["human chorionic gonadotropin","Pregnyl","Ovidrel","chorionic gonadotropin alfa"],"url":"https://lyoresearch.com/compounds/hcg","class":{"id":"reproductive-hormones","name":"Reproductive and neuroendocrine hormones","url":"https://lyoresearch.com/classes/reproductive-hormones"},"summary":"HCG is a hormone of pregnancy, approved to trigger ovulation in fertility treatment and to treat certain forms of low testosterone and undescended testicles. It is also the basis of the HCG diet, which pairs injections with a 500-calorie regime. A meta-analysis of the controlled trials found no evidence that HCG does anything at all for weight, hunger or fat distribution — any weight lost is caused by the starvation diet accompanying it.","overall_grade":"A","overall_grade_meaning":"established in humans","human_trials":"Approval-grade + meta-analysis","regulatory_status":"Approved (Rx) for fertility and hypogonadism; not for weight loss","molecule":{"formula":null,"molecular_weight":null,"cas":null,"pubchem_cid":null,"note":"A glycoprotein hormone (two subunits, glycosylated) — no small-molecule record"},"pharmacokinetics":{"basis":"label","route":"Intramuscular injection","half_life":"Not stated in the label","licensed_regimen":"Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: 500-1,000 USP units three times weekly for 3 weeks then twice weekly for 3 weeks, or 4,000 USP units three times weekly for 6-9 months; ovulation induction: 5,000-10,000 USP units one day after the last gonadotropin dose","product":"Pregnyl (chorionic gonadotropin)","source":{"title":"Pregnyl prescribing information (DailyMed)","url":"https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=1e94155f-19be-4944-b197-be4edbb4faf9"}},"outcomes":[{"outcome":"Ovulation induction and fertility","grade":"A","grade_meaning":"established in humans","effect_size":"large","adverse":false,"human_studies":"Approval-grade programmes","evidence":"Triggering final oocyte maturation is HCG's licensed use and standard practice in assisted reproduction worldwide.","references":[{"citation":"Chorionic gonadotropin prescribing information and approved indications.","where":"FDA / EMA product information","url":"https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/"}]},{"outcome":"Testosterone stimulation in men","grade":"A","grade_meaning":"established in humans","effect_size":"moderate","adverse":false,"human_studies":"Approval-grade","evidence":"Licensed for hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, where it stimulates the testes directly; used clinically to maintain testicular function and fertility.","references":[{"citation":"Chorionic gonadotropin prescribing information and approved indications.","where":"FDA / EMA product information","url":"https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/"}]},{"outcome":"Weight loss","grade":"A","grade_meaning":"established in humans","effect_size":"not measurable","adverse":false,"human_studies":"Meta-analysis of 8 controlled trials","evidence":"Repeatedly tested against placebo alongside the same very-low-calorie diet. The diet produces the weight loss; HCG adds nothing measurable to weight, hunger, fat distribution or wellbeing.","references":[{"citation":"Lijesen GKS, et al. The effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in the treatment of obesity by means of the Simeons therapy: a criteria-based meta-analysis.","where":"Br J Clin Pharmacol, 1995;40:237–243","url":"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8527285/"}],"verbatim":{"text":"We conclude that there is no scientific evidence that HCG is effective in the treatment of obesity; it does not bring about weight-loss of fat-redistribution, nor does it reduce hunger or induce a feeling of well-being.","citation":"Lijesen GKS, et al. The effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in the treatment of obesity by means of the Simeons therapy: a criteria-based meta-analysis.","url":"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8527285/"}}],"regions":[{"region":"European Union","status":"Approved, prescription-only","note":"Authorised for fertility indications and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism."},{"region":"United States","status":"Approved, prescription-only — weight-loss use prohibited on the label","note":"FDA-approved for fertility and hypogonadism. Labelling must state that HCG has no proven effect on weight loss, fat distribution or hunger; homeopathic and over-the-counter 'HCG diet' products are unapproved and have been the subject of enforcement."},{"region":"United Kingdom","status":"Licensed, prescription-only","note":"Licensed for fertility indications."},{"region":"Australia","status":"Registered, prescription-only","note":"On the ARTG for fertility and hypogonadism."},{"region":"Canada","status":"Authorised, prescription-only","note":"Authorised for fertility indications."},{"region":"Sport (WADA)","status":"Prohibited in males at all times","note":"Prohibited for male athletes as a testosterone-stimulating agent."}],"faq":[{"q":"Does the HCG diet work?","a":"The 500-calorie diet works; the injections do not add anything. In controlled trials HCG produced no more weight loss, no less hunger and no different fat distribution than placebo. Losing weight on 500 calories a day is not evidence that the hormone did it."},{"q":"Is HCG legal?","a":"Yes, as a prescription medicine for fertility and hypogonadism. Over-the-counter and homeopathic 'HCG diet' products are unapproved, and in the US the label must state it has no proven weight-loss effect."},{"q":"Is HCG used with testosterone therapy?","a":"It is prescribed clinically to preserve testicular function and fertility during testosterone therapy. That is a decision for a clinician and outside what this site covers."}],"references":[{"cite":"Lijesen GKS, et al. The effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in the treatment of obesity by means of the Simeons therapy: a criteria-based meta-analysis.","where":"Br J Clin Pharmacol, 1995;40:237–243","url":"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8527285/","note":"8 controlled and 16 uncontrolled trials."},{"cite":"Chorionic gonadotropin prescribing information and approved indications.","where":"FDA / EMA product information","url":"https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/","note":"Fertility and hypogonadism indications; required weight-loss disclaimer."},{"cite":"Young RL, et al. Chorionic gonadotropin in weight control: a double-blind crossover study.","where":"JAMA, 1976","url":"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/792477/"}],"last_reviewed":"2026-09-03","literature_searched_to":"2026-09-03","changelog":[{"date":"2026-09-03","note":"Initial publication. Fertility and hypogonadism graded A; weight loss graded A for a well-established absence of effect."}],"license":"CC BY 4.0 — cite as “LYO Research” with a link.","methodology":"https://lyoresearch.com/methodology"}