What is HCG?
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, more commonly known as HCG, is a natural hormone that share a similarity to Luteinizing hormone (LH) in men. It acts on Leydig cells in the testicles promoting the production of testosterone. In men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH), or men with decreased LH secondary to exogenous testosterone use, the lack of LH results in severely decreased intratesticular testosterone levels.
Although HCG is most commonly associated with pregnancy, it can also be used as a fertility treatment for both men and women. When used as a fertility treatment, HCG can help to increase sperm production, increase testicular size, and increase testosterone in men.
In men, hCG injections are FDA approved for a type of hypogonadism in which the body doesn’t adequately stimulate the gonads to produce the sex hormone testosterone.
What is hCG used for in men?
There are a variety of reasons why a doctor might prescribe hCG to a man.
To help address hypogonadism
In men, doctors prescribe hCG to help address the symptoms of hypogonadism which occurs when your sex glands produce little or no sex hormones, such as low testosterone and infertility. hCG can help the body increase its production of testosterone and sperm, which can help reduce infertility.
To improve testosterone deficiency
Injections of hCG are also sometimes used as an alternative to testosterone products in men with testosterone deficiency.
Testosterone deficiency is defined as testosterone blood levels less than 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) along with symptoms of low testosterone. These include:
- fatigue
- stress
- a low sex drive
- depressed mood
According to the American Urological Association, hCG is appropriate for those men with testosterone deficiency who also desire to maintain fertility.
Testosterone products boost levels of the hormone in the body but can have the side effects of shrinking the gonads, altering sexual function, and causing infertility.
hCG can help increase:
- gonad size
- testosterone levels
- fertility
Using testosterone along with hCG may help improve symptoms of testosterone deficiency while preventing some of testosterone’s side effects.
In men, it has an important role as an alternative to testosterone for boosting testosterone levels and maintaining fertility.
*Individual results may vary.
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