Does HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) help with ovulation induction and fertility?

What the studies show

Triggering final oocyte maturation is HCG's licensed use and standard practice in assisted reproduction worldwide.

Several well-run randomised trials in people, pointing the same way. You can plan around this. It still says nothing about whether the effect is worth the side effects for you.

1. 1
   Chorionic gonadotropin prescribing information and approved indications.FDA / EMA product informationFertility and hypogonadism indications; required weight-loss disclaimer.

In context

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.

HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is approved (rx) for fertility and hypogonadism; not for weight loss. Legal status differs by country — see the regulation section or the jurisdiction pages.

Questions

Other outcomes for HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)

• ATestosterone stimulation in menApproval-grade
• AWeight lossMeta-analysis of 8 controlled trials

Written and maintained by LYO Research — how pages are written and checked. Reviewed 3 September 2026. Grades count human evidence only; see how LYO grades. Not medical advice. Correct this page →