hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) / Studies

Natural peptide

hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) studies and research data

PepBank has 49 hCG studies with results. 27 of them gave hCG, with 95 results, grouped by what the studies measured. In each group, results from studies in people come first. Data as of 2026-10-30.

Searches 95 results and 1,001 papers. Newer studies from Europe PMC

Results in people

100% of 95 results

Results in animals

0% of 95 results

Results in lab cells

0% of 95 results

From computer models

0% of 95 results

The molecule

hCG identity

Identifiers, parent molecule, targets and development stage, from curated data.

hCG is a glycosylated hormone composed of alpha and beta subunits. Urinary hCG medicines act like luteinizing hormone and stimulate testicular androgen production. Pregnyl has labeled indications for selected male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and prepubertal cryptorchidism, as well as female ovulation induction. The literature scope here covers administered male treatments and the hCG weight-loss diet.

Kind: Natural peptide
Identifiers: UniProtP01215 (opens in a new tab)P0DN86 (opens in a new tab)
Development: Approved in the US (Pregnyl)Pregnyl: Organon (current labeler)Approved gonadotropin medicines exist. This is not approval for weight loss. Source (opens in a new tab)

Targets

Molecular targets with action and evidence source
Target	Action	Evidence
Luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptorLHCGRP22888 (opens in a new tab)	Agonist	knownSource (opens in a new tab)

Sequence and structure

Residues, differences from the parent, calculated properties and 3D structure. Source values and calculated values are shown separately.

Sequence

Sequence not disclosed

hCG is a glycosylated heterodimer: mature alpha chain P01215 residues 25-116 (92 amino acids) and beta chain P0DN86 residues 21-165 (145 amino acids). A single linear sequence or exact chemical formula cannot represent the complete glycoform mixture. Urinary hCG and recombinant choriogonadotropin alfa are related drug forms, not identical glycoform preparations.

Properties

From identity sources

No formula or molecular weight is listed for hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).

Calculated from the sequence

No sequence is listed, so nothing can be calculated.

Net charge by pH

No charge curve

No sequence is listed for this peptide.

Composition

No sequence is listed for this peptide.

3D structure

PredictedAlphaFold DB · P01215

Loads the 3D viewer (3Dmol.js, about 150 KB) and the model file from AlphaFold DB (EMBL-EBI).

Results by area

hCG results by year and outcome

Counts are exact and come from studies that gave the peptide.

Studies by year

49 of 1,001 studies have results (4.9%), published 1969 to 2017. Top row: every study. Bottom row: studies with results about hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), by class. The rows use different scales.

Studies
Human
Animal
Lab
Computer model
Natural levels, tool or combination only

Studies1,001 in all, 1963 to 2026

Studies with results49 in all, 1969 to 2017

Retracted studies are left out. A study with results in two classes counts in both.

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

What the studies measured

People first in each area, then animals, then lab cells. Counts are exact and come from studies that gave the peptide.

hCG studies on sex hormones and fertility

92 results · people 92 · animals 0 · lab 0

Top 5 of 92 results

In boys with cryptorchidism, testicular descent did not differ significantly between hCG and GnRH treatment.The New England journal of medicine, 1986
In patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, hCG lowered AMH more than exogenous testosterone did, although testosterone rose by a similar amount.The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 1999
In healthy men with suppressed gonadotropins, higher hCG doses produced higher testosterone inside the testes.The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 2005
In patients with low sperm counts, HCG increased blood testosterone.Acta endocrinologica, 1977
In men with experimental gonadotropin deficiency, testicular testosterone was higher with 125 IU hCG than with 0 IU.The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 2010

hCG studies on side effects

3 results · people 3 · animals 0 · lab 0

3 results

In men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, 7 of 22 developed above-normal estradiol levels during hCG treatment.The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 1988
In men with cryptorchidism, prior hCG treatment was linked to more dying sperm precursor cells than no hCG.The Journal of clinical investigation, 1997
In men with cryptorchidism, prior hCG treatment was linked to more fragmented DNA than in non-hCG-treated scrotal testes.The Journal of clinical investigation, 1997

Trials and papers

hCG trials

Registered trials that test the peptide, with phase, status and dates. A dot marks trials with posted results.

StatusPhase

123 trials match. Highest phase first. Data from ClinicalTrials.gov.

Trials on this page (25 of 123)

25 of 123 trials

Completed
Ongoing
Not yet recruiting
Stopped
Estimated dates (est.)
Results posted

20052010201520202025

Ph 4
CONSORT
NCT00249834
22 Sept 2004 to 16 Jan 2006
Ph 4
Gene Expression Profile After Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Agonist Trigger of Oocyte Maturation
NCT01606709
Apr 2012 to Dec 2014
Terminated
Terminated
Ph 4
Effect of hCG on Receptivity of the Human Endometrium
NCT01786252
Jan 2013 to Mar 2016
Ph 4
Co-administration of Low Dose hCG at the Time of GnRH Agonist Trigger or 35 Hours Later for the Prevention of OHSS
NCT01815138
Mar 2013 to Oct 2016
Ph 4
Comparison Between Recombinant Versus Urinary hCG for Ovulation Induction in High Responders
NCT00415766
Jun 2013 to est. Jul 2016
Ph 4
Biosimilarity Study of IM Injection of Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin After Parenteral Administration of Treatment A TEST Product Epifasi 5000 I.U. Ampoules (EIPICO PHARMA, EGYPT) and Treatment B REFERENCE Product Pregnyl 5000 I.U. Ampoules (Baxter Pharmaceutical Solutions for Organon, USA).
NCT04605107
30 Aug 2013 to 8 Mar 2015
Ph 4
Elonva in Combination With Hp-FSH Versus Elonva With Low Dose hCG
NCT03208972
Oct 2014 to Nov 2015
Ph 4
Timing of HCG Administration in IUI Cycles
NCT02330705
Jan 2015 to est. Aug 2019
Ph 4
Three Small Doses of HCG Versus Booster Dose of HCG on Ovum Pickup Day
NCT02397551
Mar 2015 to Jan 2018
Ph 4
Use of Low Dose of HCG During Ovulation Induction With CC in Women With CC Resistant PCOS
NCT02436226
Mar 2016 to Jan 2023

Browse all 123 matching trials in the list below

25 trials · 1 ongoing · 14 completed · 2 stopped early · 4 with posted results · source ClinicalTrials.gov (opens in a new tab)

Enrolling by invitationPhase 4NCT07523022

Comparison of the Effect of Gonadotropin and Clomiphene Citrate Treatment on Sperm Parameters and the Outcome of Assisted Reproductive Procedures in Subfertile Men Based on the APHRODITE Groups

Szeged Universityn = 5001 Sept 2024 to est. 1 Dec 2026

Male Infertility

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 16 Apr 2026

TerminatedPhase 4NCT03115320

Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer in a Natural Cycle: hCG Triggering Versus LH Home Test

Tampere University Hospitaln = 62Jan 2017 to Dec 2019

Infertility

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 22 Aug 2024

CompletedPhase 4NCT02436226

Use of Low Dose of HCG During Ovulation Induction With CC in Women With CC Resistant PCOS

Mohamed Sayed Abdelhafezn = 300Mar 2016 to Jan 2023

Infertility · Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 31 Oct 2023

Status unknownPhase 4NCT02330770

Dual Trigger Versus GnRHa Trigger Combined With Luteal HCG Administration

Mansoura Universityn = 2256 Jun 2016 to est. 31 Dec 2024

Infertility

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 30 Oct 2023

CompletedPhase 4NCT04724343

Effect of GnRH Agonist vs GnRH Antagonist on IVF/ICSI Outcomes.

Damascus Universityn = 5022 Dec 2019 to 5 Jul 2022

In Vitro Fertilization · Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection · Infertility

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 24 Oct 2023

CompletedPhase 4NCT04724486

Effect of GnRH Agonist vs GnRH Antagonist on Oocyte Morphology During IVF/ICSI

Damascus Universityn = 5022 Aug 2020 to 15 Jul 2022

In Vitro Fertilization · Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection · Infertility

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 24 Oct 2023

CompletedPhase 4NCT04727671

Effect of GnRH Agonist vs GnRH Antagonist on IVF/ICSI Outcomes in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients.

Damascus Universityn = 5022 Dec 2019 to 30 Dec 2021

In Vitro Fertilization · Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection · Infertility · Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 24 Oct 2023

CompletedPhase 4NCT04727684

Effect of GnRH Agonist vs GnRH Antagonist on Oocyte Morphology in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients During IVF/ICSI

Damascus Universityn = 5022 Aug 2020 to 12 May 2022

In Vitro Fertilization · Infertility · Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection · Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 24 Oct 2023

Status unknownPhase 4NCT05638529

Dual Trigger" in IVF Patients at High Risk of Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome

Mount Sinai Hospital, Canadan = 801 May 2019 to est. 31 Dec 2023

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome · Infertility, Female

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 3 Jul 2023

CompletedPhase 4NCT05340010

Administration of Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin Before Secretory Transformation of Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer Cycles

Alexandria Universityn = 1801 Jan 2020 to 30 Jul 2022

hCG · FET · Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfe · Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 1 Sept 2022

CompletedPhase 4NCT02703584

Co Administration of GnRH Agonist and hCG for Final Oocyte Maturation

Mount Sinai Hospital, Canadan = 276Mar 2016 to Sept 2018

Infertility

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 28 Apr 2022

CompletedPhase 4NCT03208972

Elonva in Combination With Hp-FSH Versus Elonva With Low Dose hCG

AZ Jan Palfijn Gentn = 107Oct 2014 to Nov 2015

Infertility

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 3 Feb 2021

CompletedPhase 4NCT04605107

Biosimilarity Study of IM Injection of Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin After Parenteral Administration of Treatment A TEST Product Epifasi 5000 I.U. Ampoules (EIPICO PHARMA, EGYPT) and Treatment B REFERENCE Product Pregnyl 5000 I.U. Ampoules (Baxter Pharmaceutical Solutions for Organon, USA).

Genuine Research Center, Egyptn = 6030 Aug 2013 to 8 Mar 2015

Infertility, Female

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 27 Oct 2020

Status unknownPhase 4NCT03687606

Efficacy and Safety of Long Term Use of hCG or hCG Plus hMG in Males With Isolated Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism (IHH)

Tongji Hospitaln = 21018 Oct 2018 to est. 1 Oct 2025

Isolated Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism · Kallmann Syndrome · Infertility

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 8 Apr 2020

CompletedPhase 4NCT04008966

Comparative Study Between Single Versus Dual Trigger for Poor Responders in GnRH-antagonist ICSI Cycles

Cairo Universityn = 16020 Jul 2016 to 1 Jul 2019

Assisted Reproduction

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 5 Jul 2019

Status unknownPhase 4NCT03920514

Timing and Intrauterine Insemination in Unexplained Infertility

Sohag Universityn = 80est. 30 Apr 2019 to est. 31 Dec 2019

Intrauterine Insemination

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 19 Apr 2019

Status unknownPhase 4NCT02330705

Timing of HCG Administration in IUI Cycles

Mohamed Ibrahem Eidn = 225Jan 2015 to est. Aug 2019

Infertility

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 25 Jan 2019

TerminatedPhase 4Results postedNCT01606709

Gene Expression Profile After Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Agonist Trigger of Oocyte Maturation

UConn Healthn = 7Apr 2012 to Dec 2014

Endometrial Receptivity · Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 21 Nov 2018

CompletedPhase 4Results postedNCT01815138

Co-administration of Low Dose hCG at the Time of GnRH Agonist Trigger or 35 Hours Later for the Prevention of OHSS

UConn Healthn = 89Mar 2013 to Oct 2016

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 26 Oct 2018

CompletedPhase 4Results postedNCT00249834

Safety and Efficacy of Pre-defined, Fixed Dose of Gonal-f Pen Based on Subject Baseline Characteristics in Subjects Undergoing in Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germanyn = 16622 Sept 2004 to 16 Jan 2006

Infertility

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 30 Mar 2018

CompletedPhase 4NCT02397551

Three Small Doses of HCG Versus Booster Dose of HCG on Ovum Pickup Day

Cairo Universityn = 200Mar 2015 to Jan 2018

Infertility

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 29 Jan 2018

Status unknownPhase 4NCT03120715

Pregnancy Outcome of Women Using Low Molecular Weight Heparin Before Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer

Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical Universityn = 3421 Jul 2016 to est. 5 Sept 2017

Infertility

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 19 Apr 2017

CompletedPhase 4Results postedNCT01786252

Effect of hCG on Receptivity of the Human Endometrium

Michigan State Universityn = 15Jan 2013 to Mar 2016

Infertility · Subfertility

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 24 Feb 2017

Status unknownPhase 4NCT02880280

Human Menopausal Gonadotropin Combining With Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Treat Congenital Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism

Beijing Children's Hospitaln = 40Aug 2016 to est. Dec 2018

Kallmann Syndrome · Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 26 Aug 2016

Status unknownPhase 4NCT00415766

Comparison Between Recombinant Versus Urinary hCG for Ovulation Induction in High Responders

Eugonian = 150Jun 2013 to est. Jul 2016

Infertility

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 20 Jan 2016

166 more mention it but do not test it. They are not trials of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin): they only measure it (a blood level or an eligibility term) or name it in their text.

Papers

Studies on this peptide. Some have results. The others have none yet.

Sort

Design

1,001 studies match. Retracted studies are left out.

Showing 25 of 1,001 studiesquery qry_bea465f8f9b704975bdd8dc5

Studies with results

49 studies in all, 9 on this page

Non-randomized trial · 2005

2 results

Insulin-like factor 3 serum levels in 135 normal men and 85 men with testicular disorders: relationship to the luteinizing hormone-testosterone axis.

Bay et al. 2005The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolismn = 5cited by 139

PMID 15755855DOI 10.1210/jc.2004-2257PUB-15755855

Rights unknown2 results where hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) was given

Source link See results (2)

Non-randomized trial · 1985

5 results

Stimulation of spermatogenesis by gonadotropins in men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

Finkel et al. 1985The New England journal of medicinen = 21cited by 120

PMID 3927163DOI 10.1056/nejm198509123131102PUB-03927163

Full text at the publisher2 results where hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) was given (plus 3 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

Publisher page See results (5)

Not a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) alone · 1998

10 results

Pulsatile GnRH or human chorionic gonadotropin/human menopausal gonadotropin as effective treatment for men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: a review of 42 cases.

Büchter et al. 1998European journal of endocrinologycited by 120

PMID 9758439DOI 10.1530/eje.0.1390298PUB-09758439

Full text at the publisher10 results where hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) was a tool, carrier or part of a combination

Publisher page See results (10)

Non-randomized trial · 1988

11 results

Gonadotropin therapy in men with isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: the response to human chorionic gonadotropin is predicted by initial testicular size.

Burris et al. 1988The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolismn = 22cited by 112

PMID 3372679DOI 10.1210/jcem-66-6-1144PUB-03372679

Full text at the publisher11 results where hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) was given

Publisher page See results (11)

Non-randomized trial · 1986

13 results

Chronic human chorionic gonadotropin administration in normal men: evidence that follicle-stimulating hormone is necessary for the maintenance of quantitatively normal spermatogenesis in man.

Matsumoto et al. 1986The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolismn = 8cited by 105

PMID 3084535DOI 10.1210/jcem-62-6-1184PUB-03084535

Full text at the publisher5 results where hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) was given (plus 8 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

Publisher page See results (13)

Non-randomized trial · 2005

2 results

Testicular anti-mullerian hormone secretion is stimulated by recombinant human FSH in patients with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

Young et al. 2005The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolismn = 7cited by 105

PMID 15536161DOI 10.1210/jc.2004-0542PUB-15536161

Full text at the publisher2 results where hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) was given

Publisher page See results (2)

Case report or series · 2000

3 results

Male hypogonadism caused by homozygous deletion of exon 10 of the luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor: differential action of human chorionic gonadotropin and LH.

Gromoll et al. 2000The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolismn = 1cited by 103

PMID 10852464DOI 10.1210/jcem.85.6.6636PUB-10852464

Full text at the publisher3 results where hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) was given

Publisher page See results (3)

Observational study · 1997

3 results

Germ cell apoptosis after treatment of cryptorchidism with human chorionic gonadotropin is associated with impaired reproductive function in the adult.

Dunkel et al. 1997The Journal of clinical investigationn = 25cited by 98

PMID 9410913PMC508431DOI 10.1172/jci119773PUB-09410913

Rights unknown3 results where hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) was given

Source link See results (3)

Not a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) alone · 2013

7 results

Optimization of spermatogenesis-regulating hormones in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia and its impact on sperm retrieval: a multicentre study.

Hussein et al. 2013BJU internationalcited by 98

PMID 22958644DOI 10.1111/j.1464-410x.2012.11485.xPUB-22958644

Rights unknown7 results where hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) was a tool, carrier or part of a combination

Source link See results (7)

More studies

945 studies in all, 16 on this page

PubMed tag: none · 2005

Increasing insulin resistance is associated with a decrease in Leydig cell testosterone secretion in men.

Pitteloud et al. 2005The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolismcited by 347

Laskey et al. 1991Toxicology and applied pharmacologycited by 105

PMID 1850171DOI 10.1016/0041-008x(91)90119-yPUB-01850171

Full text at the publisher

Publisher page

PubMed tag: none · 1974

Serum testosterone concentrations in women throughout the menstrual cycle and following HCG administration.

Goebelsmann et al. 1974American journal of obstetrics and gynecologycited by 100

PMID 4842588DOI 10.1016/0002-9378(74)90199-9PUB-04842588

Full text at the publisher

Publisher page

Newer studies

PepBank reads each paper before it shows the results. This search looks in Europe PMC for newer papers that PepBank has not read yet.

hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) studies: 49 papers with results

Page 1 of 1

Hormonal therapy of cryptorchidism. A randomized, double-blind study comparing human chorionic gonadotropin and gonadotropin-releasing hormone.
Rajfer J · The New England journal of medicine · 1986
Randomized controlled trial · 3 results
Low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin maintains intratesticular testosterone in normal men with testosterone-induced gonadotropin suppression.
Coviello AD · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 2005
Randomized controlled trial · 4 results
Dose-dependent increase in intratesticular testosterone by very low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin in normal men with experimental gonadotropin deficiency.
Roth MY · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 2010
Randomized controlled trial · 3 results
A combined analysis of data to identify predictive factors for spermatogenesis in men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism treated with recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone and human chorionic gonadotropin.
Warne DW · Fertility and sterility · 2009
Non-randomized trial · 5 results
The importance of mini-puberty for fertility in cryptorchidism.
Hadziselimovic F · The Journal of urology · 2005
Non-randomized trial · 4 results
Induction of spermatogenesis by recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (puregon) in hypogonadotropic azoospermic men who failed to respond to human chorionic gonadotropin alone.
Bouloux PM · Journal of andrology · 2003
Non-randomized trial · 9 results
Gonadotropin therapy in men with isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: the response to human chorionic gonadotropin is predicted by initial testicular size.
Burris AS · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 1988
Non-randomized trial · 11 results
Stimulation of spermatogenesis by gonadotropins in men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
Finkel DM · The New England journal of medicine · 1985
Non-randomized trial · 5 results
Antimüllerian hormone in patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
Young J · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 1999
Non-randomized trial · 4 results
Therapy with human chorionic gonadotrophin alone induces spermatogenesis in men with isolated hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism--long-term follow-up.
Vicari E · International journal of andrology · 1992
Non-randomized trial · 19 results
Male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: factors influencing response to human chorionic gonadotropin and human menopausal gonadotropin, including prior exogenous androgens.
Ley SB · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 1985
Non-randomized trial · 11 results
Chronic human chorionic gonadotropin administration in normal men: evidence that follicle-stimulating hormone is necessary for the maintenance of quantitatively normal spermatogenesis in man.
Matsumoto AM · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 1986
Non-randomized trial · 13 results
Testicular anti-mullerian hormone secretion is stimulated by recombinant human FSH in patients with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
Young J · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 2005
Non-randomized trial · 2 results
Sex hormone binding globulin binding capacity, testosterone, 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone, oestradiol and prolactin in plasma of patients with prostatic carcinoma under various types of hormonal treatment.
Bartsch W · Acta endocrinologica · 1977
Non-randomized trial · 5 results
Insulin-like factor 3 serum levels in 135 normal men and 85 men with testicular disorders: relationship to the luteinizing hormone-testosterone axis.
Bay K · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 2005
Non-randomized trial · 2 results
Follicle-stimulating hormone and human spermatogenesis.
Bremner WJ · The Journal of clinical investigation · 1981
Non-randomized trial · 6 results
Studies of the pituitary-Leydig cell axis in young men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and hyposmia: comparison with normal men, prepuberal boys, and hypopituitary patients.
Bardin CW · The Journal of clinical investigation · 1969
Non-randomized trial · 3 results
Hypothalamic and gonadal components of hypogonadism in boys with Prader-Labhart- Willi syndrome.
Eiholzer U · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 2006
Non-randomized trial · 4 results
Prolonged biphasic response of plasma testosterone to single intramuscular injections of human chorionic gonadotropin.
Padrón RS · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 1980
Non-randomized trial · 4 results
Clinical, physical, sperm and hormonal data in 251 adults operated on for cryptorchidism in childhood.
Gracia J · BJU international · 2000
Observational study · 1 result
Hormonal treatment may harm the germ cells in 1 to 3-year-old boys with cryptorchidism.
Cortes D · The Journal of urology · 2000
Observational study · 3 results
Germ cell apoptosis after treatment of cryptorchidism with human chorionic gonadotropin is associated with impaired reproductive function in the adult.
Dunkel L · The Journal of clinical investigation · 1997
Observational study · 3 results
Maintenance of spermatogenesis in hypogonadotropic hypogonadal men with human chorionic gonadotropin alone.
Depenbusch M · European journal of endocrinology · 2002
Observational study · 5 results
Varicocelectomy as therapy in male infertility: a study of 504 cases.
Dubin L · Fertility and sterility · 1975
Observational study · 2 results
Male hypogonadism caused by homozygous deletion of exon 10 of the luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor: differential action of human chorionic gonadotropin and LH.
Gromoll J · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 2000
Case report or series · 3 results
Hypogonadism in a patient with a mutation in the luteinizing hormone beta-subunit gene.
Valdes-Socin H · The New England journal of medicine · 2004
Case report or series · 3 results
The fertile eunuch variant of idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: spontaneous reversal associated with a homozygous mutation in the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor.
Pitteloud N · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 2001
Case report or series · 4 results
Testicular growth and spermatogenesis: new goals for pubertal hormone replacement in boys with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism? -a multicentre prospective study of hCG/rFSH treatment outcomes during adolescence.
Rohayem J · Clinical endocrinology · 2017
Not a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) alone · 13 results
The effects of gonadotropin treatment on the immunological features of male patients with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
Yesilova Z · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 2000
Not a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) alone · 12 results
Pulsatile GnRH or human chorionic gonadotropin/human menopausal gonadotropin as effective treatment for men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: a review of 42 cases.
Büchter D · European journal of endocrinology · 1998
Not a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) alone · 10 results
Two-year comparison of testicular responses to pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone and exogenous gonadotropins from the inception of therapy in men with isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
Liu L · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 1988
Not a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) alone · 9 results
Prostate volume and growth in testosterone-substituted hypogonadal men are dependent on the CAG repeat polymorphism of the androgen receptor gene: a longitudinal pharmacogenetic study.
Zitzmann M · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 2003
Not a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) alone · 9 results
Subcutaneous self-administration of highly purified follicle stimulating hormone and human chorionic gonadotrophin for the treatment of male hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. Spanish Collaborative Group on Male Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism.
Burgués S · Human reproduction (Oxford, England) · 1997
Not a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) alone · 8 results
The effect of human chorionic gonadotropin-based hormonal therapy on intratesticular testosterone levels and spermatogonial DNA synthesis in men with non-obstructive azoospermia.
Shinjo E · Andrology · 2013
Not a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) alone · 8 results
Optimization of spermatogenesis-regulating hormones in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia and its impact on sperm retrieval: a multicentre study.
Hussein A · BJU international · 2013
Not a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) alone · 7 results
Concomitant intramuscular human chorionic gonadotropin preserves spermatogenesis in men undergoing testosterone replacement therapy.
Hsieh TC · The Journal of urology · 2013
Not a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) alone · 7 results
Comparison of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and gonadotropin therapy in male patients with idiopathic hypothalamic hypogonadism.
Schopohl J · Fertility and sterility · 1991
Not a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) alone · 7 results
The Use of HCG-Based Combination Therapy for Recovery of Spermatogenesis after Testosterone Use.
Wenker EP · The journal of sexual medicine · 2015
Not a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) alone · 7 results
Efficacy and safety of recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone (Gonal-F) with urinary human chorionic gonadotrophin for induction of spermatogenesis and fertility in gonadotrophin-deficient men.
Liu PY · Human reproduction (Oxford, England) · 1999
Not a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) alone · 6 results
Induction of puberty with human chorionic gonadotropin and follicle-stimulating hormone in adolescent males with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
Barrio R · Fertility and sterility · 1999
Not a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) alone · 6 results
Age and duration of testosterone therapy predict time to return of sperm count after human chorionic gonadotropin therapy.
Kohn TP · Fertility and sterility · 2017
Not a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) alone · 6 results
An outbreak of hepatitis B associated with jet injections in a weight reduction clinic.
Canter J · Archives of internal medicine · 1990
Not a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) alone · 5 results
Recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone and human chorionic gonadotropin for induction of spermatogenesis in a hypogonadotropic male.
Kliesch S · Fertility and sterility · 1995
Not a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) alone · 5 results
Role of optimizing testosterone before microdissection testicular sperm extraction in men with nonobstructive azoospermia.
Reifsnyder JE · The Journal of urology · 2012
Not a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) alone · 4 results
Efficacy and safety of highly purified urinary follicle-stimulating hormone with human chorionic gonadotropin for treating men with isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. European Metrodin HP Study Group.
Fertility and sterility · 1998
Not a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) alone · 4 results
The contribution of hypogonadism to the development of osteoporosis in thalassaemia major: new therapeutic approaches.
Anapliotou ML · Clinical endocrinology · 1995
Not a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) alone · 2 results
Efficacy and safety of recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone in men with isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
Bouloux P · Fertility and sterility · 2002
Not a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) alone · 2 results
Outcome of gonadotropin therapy for male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism at university affiliated male infertility centers: a 30-year retrospective study.
Miyagawa Y · The Journal of urology · 2005
Not a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) alone · 2 results
Successful treatment of anabolic steroid-induced azoospermia with human chorionic gonadotropin and human menopausal gonadotropin.
Menon DK · Fertility and sterility · 2003
Not a test of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) alone · 2 results

Status and safety

Regulatory and safety

Approval and sport status, and the safety outcomes reported in study results. Laws and labels change, so check the regulator for the current status.

Regulatory status by jurisdiction, with date and source
Jurisdiction	Body	Status	As of	Source
US	FDA	Pregnyl	13 Oct 2026	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov (opens in a new tab)
EU	EMA	The checked central approval covers recombinant Ovitrelle, a related product. National approvals for urinary hCG were not exhaustively checked.	13 Oct 2026	ema.europa.eu (opens in a new tab)
Sport	WADA	Banned in sport (WADA S2.2.1) Chorionic gonadotrophin (CG) is named under testosterone-stimulating peptides in males.	2026 List	wada-ama.org (opens in a new tab)
Russia	Note	National medicine registration not established in this profile.	13 Oct 2026	Not recorded

Safety outcomes

4 safety results for hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).

Human evidence· 4

In men with isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, 7 of 22 men attained supraphysiological serum estradiol during hCG treatment.
Non-randomized trialn = 22
Men with supraphysiological serum estradiol
7 men
of 22 men on hCG
In boys with cryptorchidism, HCG and gonadotropin releasing hormone influenced germ cells equally.
Observational studyn = 27
In men with surgically treated cryptorchidism, prior hCG treatment was linked to more extensive apoptotic spermatogonia labeling than no hCG.
Observational studyn = 25
In men with cryptorchidism, prior hCG treatment was linked to 4.3-fold higher low molecular weight DNA than in non-hCG-treated scrotal testes.
Observational studyn not reported
Low molecular weight DNA, hCG group versus non-hCG scrotal testis
4.3 fold higher
gel electrophoresis, P < 0.001
P value for low molecular weight DNA comparison
< 0.001 p value
hCG-treated group versus scrotal testis of non-hCG-treated patients, gel electrophoresis

Doses studied · 14

The doses that these studies used. They are not recommendations.

3300 IU per weekHuman
Species
human
Route
parenteral
Duration
four weeks
Design
Randomized controlled trial · n = 33
125, 250, or 500 IU every other dayHuman
Species
human
Route
Not reported
Duration
3 wk
Design
Randomized controlled trial · n = 29
125 IU every other dayHuman
Species
human
Route
Not reported
Duration
3 wk
Design
Randomized controlled trial
250 IU every other dayHuman
Species
human
Route
Not reported
Duration
3 wk
Design
Randomized controlled trial
500 IU every other dayHuman
Species
human
Route
Not reported
Duration
3 wk
Design
Randomized controlled trial
125 IU every other dayHuman
Species
human
Route
sc
Duration
10 d
Design
Randomized controlled trial

Doses studied in the study results, as given in the studies.
Dose as reported	Class	Species	Route	Duration	Design
3300 IU per week	Human	human	parenteral	four weeks	Randomized controlled trial · n = 33
125, 250, or 500 IU every other day	Human	human	Not reported	3 wk	Randomized controlled trial · n = 29
125 IU every other day	Human	human	Not reported	3 wk	Randomized controlled trial
250 IU every other day	Human	human	Not reported	3 wk	Randomized controlled trial
500 IU every other day	Human	human	Not reported	3 wk	Randomized controlled trial
125 IU every other day	Human	human	sc	10 d	Randomized controlled trial

6 of 14 shown

PepBank is a research reference. Talk to a doctor before you use any peptide.

Data

Data and API

Data version, change history and code for this peptide.

Data version 30856030 Oct 2026

Peptide

Peptide id: PEP-000069
Peptide version: 5
Peptide hash: 9f59dda51521b93d…
Data version: 308560

Latest changes

27 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 256699
22 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 254529
21 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 213625
14 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 212208
14 Oct 2026CreatedData version 198204

For developers

curl -s https://pepbank.io/v1/briefs/hcg

Evidence summary for hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin): counts by class, key results with sources, notices, data version.

Peptide as JSON Evidence summary as JSON

Compare

hCG vs enclomiphene

Outcome group	Human	Animal	Lab	Computer model	Total
Sex hormones and fertilityReproductive and sexual health	Human: 92 results from 27 studies: 49 increase, 18 decrease, 10 no significant change, 1 mixed, 14 not reported. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	No results	No results	No results	92
Adverse eventsReproductive and sexual health	Human: 3 results from 2 studies: 3 increase. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	No results	No results	No results	3

Outcome group	Human	Animal	Lab	Computer model	Total
Sex hormones and fertilityReproductive and sexual health	Human: 92 results from 27 studies: 49 increase, 18 decrease, 10 no significant change, 1 mixed, 14 not reported. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	No results	No results	No results	92
Adverse eventsReproductive and sexual health	Human: 3 results from 2 studies: 3 increase. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	No results	No results	No results	3

hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) studies and research data

hCG identity

Targets

Sequence and structure

Sequence

Properties

Net charge by pH

Composition

3D structure

hCG results by year and outcome

What the studies measured

hCG studies on sex hormones and fertility

hCG studies on side effects

hCG trials

Comparison of the Effect of Gonadotropin and Clomiphene Citrate Treatment on Sperm Parameters and the Outcome of Assisted Reproductive Procedures in Subfertile Men Based on the APHRODITE Groups

Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer in a Natural Cycle: hCG Triggering Versus LH Home Test

Use of Low Dose of HCG During Ovulation Induction With CC in Women With CC Resistant PCOS

Dual Trigger Versus GnRHa Trigger Combined With Luteal HCG Administration

Effect of GnRH Agonist vs GnRH Antagonist on IVF/ICSI Outcomes.

Effect of GnRH Agonist vs GnRH Antagonist on Oocyte Morphology During IVF/ICSI

Effect of GnRH Agonist vs GnRH Antagonist on IVF/ICSI Outcomes in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients.

Effect of GnRH Agonist vs GnRH Antagonist on Oocyte Morphology in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients During IVF/ICSI

Dual Trigger" in IVF Patients at High Risk of Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome

Administration of Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin Before Secretory Transformation of Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer Cycles

Co Administration of GnRH Agonist and hCG for Final Oocyte Maturation

Elonva in Combination With Hp-FSH Versus Elonva With Low Dose hCG

Biosimilarity Study of IM Injection of Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin After Parenteral Administration of Treatment A TEST Product Epifasi 5000 I.U. Ampoules (EIPICO PHARMA, EGYPT) and Treatment B REFERENCE Product Pregnyl 5000 I.U. Ampoules (Baxter Pharmaceutical Solutions for Organon, USA).

Efficacy and Safety of Long Term Use of hCG or hCG Plus hMG in Males With Isolated Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism (IHH)

Comparative Study Between Single Versus Dual Trigger for Poor Responders in GnRH-antagonist ICSI Cycles

Timing and Intrauterine Insemination in Unexplained Infertility

Timing of HCG Administration in IUI Cycles

Gene Expression Profile After Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Agonist Trigger of Oocyte Maturation

Co-administration of Low Dose hCG at the Time of GnRH Agonist Trigger or 35 Hours Later for the Prevention of OHSS

Safety and Efficacy of Pre-defined, Fixed Dose of Gonal-f Pen Based on Subject Baseline Characteristics in Subjects Undergoing in Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Three Small Doses of HCG Versus Booster Dose of HCG on Ovum Pickup Day

Pregnancy Outcome of Women Using Low Molecular Weight Heparin Before Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer

Effect of hCG on Receptivity of the Human Endometrium

Human Menopausal Gonadotropin Combining With Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Treat Congenital Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism

Comparison Between Recombinant Versus Urinary hCG for Ovulation Induction in High Responders

Papers

Studies with results

Insulin-like factor 3 serum levels in 135 normal men and 85 men with testicular disorders: relationship to the luteinizing hormone-testosterone axis.

Stimulation of spermatogenesis by gonadotropins in men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

Pulsatile GnRH or human chorionic gonadotropin/human menopausal gonadotropin as effective treatment for men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: a review of 42 cases.

Gonadotropin therapy in men with isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: the response to human chorionic gonadotropin is predicted by initial testicular size.

Chronic human chorionic gonadotropin administration in normal men: evidence that follicle-stimulating hormone is necessary for the maintenance of quantitatively normal spermatogenesis in man.

Testicular anti-mullerian hormone secretion is stimulated by recombinant human FSH in patients with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

Male hypogonadism caused by homozygous deletion of exon 10 of the luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor: differential action of human chorionic gonadotropin and LH.

Germ cell apoptosis after treatment of cryptorchidism with human chorionic gonadotropin is associated with impaired reproductive function in the adult.

Optimization of spermatogenesis-regulating hormones in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia and its impact on sperm retrieval: a multicentre study.

More studies

Increasing insulin resistance is associated with a decrease in Leydig cell testosterone secretion in men.

American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists Medical Guidelines for clinical practice for the evaluation and treatment of hypogonadism in adult male patients--2002 update.

Effect of obesity on oocyte and embryo quality in women undergoing in vitro fertilization.

An activating mutation of the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor autonomously sustains spermatogenesis in a hypophysectomized man.

m6A mRNA methylation regulates testosterone synthesis through modulating autophagy in Leydig cells.

Factors affecting spermatogenesis upon gonadotropin-replacement therapy: a meta-analytic study.

Anabolic steroid-induced hypogonadism: diagnosis and treatment.

In utero exposure to di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate exerts both short-term and long-lasting suppressive effects on testosterone production in the rat.

Zinc is an essential trace element for spermatogenesis.

Spermatogenesis-preventing substance in Japanese eel.

Estradiol and testosterone secretion by human, simian, and canine testes, in males with hypogonadism and in male pseudohermaphrodites with the feminizing testes syndrome.

Empirical medical therapy for idiopathic male infertility: a survey of the American Urological Association.

Trial of recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone pretreatment for GnRH-induced fertility in patients with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

Anti-müllerian hormone and sertoli cell function in paediatric male hypogonadism.

Effect of cadmium and other metal cations on in vitro Leydig cell testosterone production.

Serum testosterone concentrations in women throughout the menstrual cycle and following HCG administration.

Newer studies

hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) studies: 49 papers with results

Regulatory and safety

Human evidence· 4

Doses studied · 14

Data and API

Peptide

Latest changes

For developers

Compare

Related peptides

hCG results by year and outcome

hCG studies on sex hormones and fertility

m⁶A mRNA methylation regulates testosterone synthesis through modulating autophagy in Leydig cells.

m⁶A mRNA methylation regulates testosterone synthesis through modulating autophagy in Leydig cells.