Hormonal & Endocrine

hCG

HCG · human chorionic gonadotropin · choriogonadotropin alfa · Pregnyl · Novarel

Human chorionic gonadotropin is an LH-receptor agonist used as a prescription fertility and hypogonadism drug (Pregnyl, Novarel; recombinant Ovidrel is a pen). Vials are labeled in IU, not mcg — reconstitution math is IU ÷ mL. In men it is a WADA S2 prohibited substance at all times. This page is for vial math, not a protocol.

WADA (S2) — prohibited in sport at all times
Reviewed by CalcMyPeptide Editorial Team
Last updated: April 2026Evidence: High2 peer-reviewed citations
Typical research dose
250-500 IU 2–3×/week (male hypogonadism / TRT adjunct); fertility doses are indication-specific
Frequency
2–3× weekly (SC or IM)
Half-life
~32–33 hours SC/IM (PMID 9648737)
Common vials
5000 IU / 10000 IU
CAS
9002-61-3
Molecular weight
~36–37 kDa (urinary hCG)
Dose it
5000 IU + 1 mL BAC water → 5000 IU/mL · 250 IU ≈ 5 units (U-100)
Open in calculator

Mechanism of Action

hCG is a glycoprotein hormone with an identical receptor target to luteinizing hormone. Urinary products (Pregnyl, Novarel) are labeled in USP/IU. Recombinant choriogonadotropin alfa (Ovidrel) is dosed in micrograms as a prefilled pen and is not this reconstitution job.

After IM or SC injection, terminal half-life is about 32–33 hours (PMID 9648737). Pregnyl 10,000 USP units reconstitutes with 1–10 mL of the supplied benzyl-alcohol diluent. Draw math is IU, not mcg — do not apply the usual mg×1000 conversion.

Source: Pregnyl PI (Organon); PMID: 9648737 (SC vs IM t½ ~32–33 h)

Dose in IU, not mcg

A 5,000 IU vial + 1 mL diluent is 5,000 IU/mL. On a U-100 syringe, 1 unit = 50 IU, so 250 IU is 5 units. Enter IU in the calculator — it will not multiply by 1,000.

Dosing Protocol

Typical Dose250-500 IU 2–3×/week (male hypogonadism / TRT adjunct); fertility doses are indication-specific
Frequency2–3× weekly (SC or IM)
Half-Life~32–33 hours (SC/IM terminal)
Common Vial Sizes5000 IU, 10000 IU

Dosing Protocols

Male hypogonadism / TRT adjunct (off-label community range)

Dose
250–500 IU
Frequency
2–3× weekly SC
Note: Not a substitute for labeled fertility protocols. Monitor estradiol and hematocrit with a clinician.

Labeled fertility (example only)

Dose
5,000–10,000 IU
Frequency
Per indication (ovulation trigger / spermatogenesis regimens)
Note: Follow the product PI. Do not copy TRT adjunct math onto an IVF trigger.

Administration

Route
Intramuscular (labeled Pregnyl) or subcutaneous (bioequivalent in PMID 9648737)
Timing
Per protocol. Multi-dose reconstituted Pregnyl may be refrigerated and discarded after 60 days per US PI.
Fasting Required?
No — food timing not critical

Expected Timeline

Hours–days
Serum hCG detectable; Leydig-cell testosterone rise in men is not immediate.
Weeks
Spermatogenesis and fertility protocols run on labeled multi-week schedules.

Who Is It For?

Fertility / hypogonadism

High

FDA-approved indications exist. This site does not prescribe — it does vial math.

Sport

Low

WADA S2 in males at all times. A reconstitution page is not a therapeutic-use exemption.

Reconstitution Example

Vial
5000 IU
Diluent
1 mL
Concentration
5000 IU/mL
Per Unit (100u syringe)
50 IU
Dose of 250 IU = 5 units on a 100-unit insulin syringe · IU mode (no mg→mcg conversion)
🧮 Calculate Your Exact hCG Dose →

Safety & Considerations

Prescription gonadotropin. Risks include OHSS in stimulated cycles, gynecomastia and erythrocytosis in men, and injection-site reactions. WADA-prohibited in males. Recombinant Ovidrel is a different presentation (pen, mcg).

Regulatory & Legal Status

FDA Status (US)
Approved

FDA-approved as Pregnyl®, Novarel® (urinary); recombinant choriogonadotropin alfa as Ovidrel® (pen)

WADA Status (2026)
Prohibited (S2)

Competitive athletes subject to anti-doping controls should not use hCG.

Classification

Prescription Drug

US Compounding: Not eligible / not available

⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only and may not reflect the most current regulatory updates. Always verify with official FDA, WADA, and jurisdiction-specific sources before use.

Dosing Quick Reference

hCG— Dosing Guide
Dose Range
250-500 IU 2–3×/week (male hypogonadism / TRT adjunct); fertility doses are indication-specific
Half-Life
~32–33 hours (SC/IM terminal)
Frequency
2–3× weekly (SC or IM)
Route
Subcutaneous
5000 IU vial10000 IU vial
💧 1 mL BAC water📐 5000 IU/mL💉 50 IU/unit (100u syringe)
Hormonal & Endocrinecalcmypeptide.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can I not enter milligrams for hCG?▼
Urinary hCG vials are labeled in IU. Specific activity (IU per mg) is not 1:1 with somatropin and is not printed as a simple 3 IU/mg conversion. Use the IU calculator mode.
How many units is 250 IU after 5,000 IU in 1 mL?▼
5,000 IU/mL means 50 IU per U-100 syringe unit. 250 IU = 5 units. 500 IU = 10 units.
Is Ovidrel the same math?▼
No. Ovidrel is recombinant hCG in a prefilled syringe dosed in micrograms. Do not run Pregnyl IU math on Ovidrel.

References

  1. Organon “Pregnyl (chorionic gonadotropin) prescribing information.” US PI (current).
  2. Mannaerts BM et al. “Bioavailability of Pregnyl after IM vs SC administration.” Human Reproduction (1998). PMID: 9648737

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