PeptideCompareHCG — EU research guide.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a glycoprotein hormone produced during pregnancy that mimics LH, stimulating testosterone production in males and supporting ovulation in females. It is an EMA-approved medicine with multiple clinical applications.
What is HCG?
HCG is a heterodimeric glycoprotein consisting of an alpha subunit (shared with LH, FSH, TSH) and a unique beta subunit that confers LH-like specificity. It binds LH/hCG receptors in Leydig cells to stimulate testosterone biosynthesis in males. In females it triggers ovulation. Its long half-life (~24–36 h) versus LH (~60 min) makes it pharmacologically useful in fertility medicine.
What does the research show?
Well-established pharmaceutical profile across decades of clinical use in hypogonadism, cryptorchidism, male fertility, IVF protocols and weight management (controversially). Research interest includes Leydig cell function, HPG axis restoration post-anabolic steroid suppression, and comparative efficacy versus clomiphene in male hypogonadism.
EU legal status
HCG is an EMA-approved prescription medicine (Pregnyl, Ovitrelle, etc.). Research-grade HCG is available from research vendors for laboratory endocrinology research. WADA prohibits HCG in males in sport (S2). Research-grade HCG is not a substitute for pharmaceutical HCG in any clinical or fertility context.
Molecular information
Pharmacokinetics
Potency retained over time
Each line is one storage condition: it starts at 100% and falls as potency is lost. Above the dashed 80% line the material is considered reliable — hover for exact values.
⚠ Modelled per compound from molecular structure — chain length, cyclisation, oxidation- and deamidation-prone residues and light sensitivity. Indicative only, not lab-measured per batch.
HCG across EU suppliers
COA-verified EU vendors · Updated monthly
Frequently asked questions
What is HCG? ▾
HCG is a heterodimeric glycoprotein hormone with an alpha subunit shared with LH, FSH and TSH and a unique beta subunit. It binds LH/hCG receptors in Leydig cells to stimulate testosterone in males and triggers ovulation in females.
Is HCG a peptide? ▾
No. It is a large glycoprotein hormone (~36,700 Da), which distinguishes it from the peptides that make up most of this encyclopedia.
What does the research show? ▾
It has a well-established pharmaceutical profile across decades of clinical use in hypogonadism, cryptorchidism, male fertility and IVF. Research interest includes HPG-axis restoration after anabolic-steroid suppression and comparison with clomiphene in male hypogonadism.
Why does HCG last longer than LH? ▾
Its long half-life of roughly 24 to 36 hours, versus about 60 minutes for LH, makes it pharmacologically useful in fertility medicine because it sustains LH-like receptor stimulation.
Is HCG legal in the EU? ▾
The pharmaceutical form is EMA-approved on prescription (Pregnyl, Ovitrelle). Research-grade HCG is sold for laboratory endocrinology research only.
Is HCG banned in sport? ▾
Yes. WADA prohibits HCG in males (S2) because it can raise endogenous testosterone.