HCG
Hormone Support

HCG

Price range: $166.00 through $296.00

Per vial
$16.60
10 vials per pack
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$49.80
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hCG - Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Research Compound

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a glycoprotein hormone naturally produced by the placenta during pregnancy, structurally related to luteinizing hormone (LH) and sharing a nearly identical alpha subunit. In research, hCG is the reference LH-receptor agonist - it binds the same LH receptor on Leydig cells (testes) and theca cells (ovaries) that pituitary LH does, triggering direct gonadal steroidogenesis. Because hCG acts at the bottom of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis rather than at the top, it is a foundational tool in reproductive-endocrinology research.

Why the LH-Receptor Binding Profile Matters

hCG’s structural overlap with LH is what gives it research utility. It binds the LH/hCG receptor with a longer plasma half-life than endogenous LH pulses (roughly 24-36 hours vs minutes), producing a sustained downstream steroidogenic signal. That pharmacokinetic difference is the reason hCG is studied instead of native LH in protocols that require Leydig or theca cell stimulation across a longer time window.

Pathway What it does in plain terms
LH / hCG receptor Agonized - triggers gonadal steroidogenesis directly
Leydig cells (male) Testosterone biosynthesis from cholesterol via StAR / CYP enzymes
Theca cells (female) Androgen precursor synthesis for downstream estradiol production
Testicular volume / function Maintained in models of suppressed endogenous LH

hCG vs Kisspeptin-10 vs GnRH Analogs

All three raise downstream testosterone or estradiol in published work, but they act at different levels of the HPG axis.

Compound Axis level
Kisspeptin-10 Above GnRH - triggers native hypothalamic GnRH pulse
GnRH / gonadorelin Pituitary GnRH receptor - triggers LH/FSH release
hCG Gonadal LH receptor - triggers steroidogenesis directly (bypasses pituitary)

Research Applications

hCG is used in studies examining:

  • Leydig-cell steroidogenesis and testosterone output endpoints
  • Theca-cell androgen precursor synthesis
  • Testicular volume and function under suppressed endogenous LH
  • Ovulation-induction research (ovarian follicle maturation endpoints)
  • Cryptorchidism and delayed-puberty endocrine models
  • Comparative HPG-axis research vs GnRH analogs and kisspeptin

Specifications
Format Lyophilized powder
Purity ≥99%
Aliases Human chorionic gonadotropin, choriogonadotropin, hCG
Available sizes 5,000 IU · 10,000 IU
Storage 2-8°C unopened; stable 12+ months
Use Research purposes only - not for human use

Storage & Handling

Unopened vials are kept at 2-8°C under standard cold-chain conditions and remain stable for 12+ months. Reconstitution parameters, solvent compatibility, and post-reconstitution stability for HCG are documented in the published peer-reviewed literature and standard peptide-chemistry references.

Reference Literature

Published clinical and preclinical HCG literature is available through PubMed, Google Scholar, and other peer-reviewed databases. WWP does not provide protocol design, dosing guidance, or administration parameters. Those decisions rest with the researcher and any applicable institutional review board.

Common Questions About hCG Research

What is hCG used for in research?

It is studied as the reference LH-receptor agonist. Published work covers Leydig-cell testosterone output, theca-cell androgen synthesis, testicular volume maintenance under suppressed endogenous LH, ovulation-induction endpoints, and cryptorchidism / delayed-puberty endocrine models.

What is the difference between hCG and LH?

Both bind the LH/hCG receptor and trigger the same downstream steroidogenic cascade. hCG has a much longer plasma half-life (24-36 hours vs minutes for native LH pulses), which is why it shows up in research protocols that require sustained receptor activation rather than pulsatile signaling.

How does hCG compare to GnRH analogs or kisspeptin?

hCG acts at the bottom of the HPG axis (gonadal receptor). GnRH analogs act at the pituitary. Kisspeptin acts above GnRH in the hypothalamus. The three compounds are used to isolate different levels of axis function - hCG bypasses the hypothalamus and pituitary entirely, which makes it the cleanest tool for studying gonadal response in isolation.

Is hCG FDA approved?

hCG has been FDA approved as Pregnyl and Novarel for specific reproductive indications (cryptorchidism, infertility). Research-grade hCG is not sold under those brand labels and is distinct from the approved drug products. Every vial WWP ships is labeled and sold strictly for laboratory and research use only.

How is hCG stored?

Unopened vials are stored at 2-8°C and stay stable for 12+ months. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, the solution is kept at 2-8°C and used within 28-30 days.

Purity Guarantee

Every batch is ≥99% purity. Send us a COA from any independent test and we’ll issue store credit regardless of what it shows.

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