hCG: What It Is, How It's Used, and What You Need to Know

When you hear hCG, human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone produced during pregnancy that also has medical uses in fertility and hormone therapy. Also known as human chorionic gonadotropin, it's the same hormone pregnancy tests detect to confirm you're expecting. But hCG isn't just for pregnancy. Doctors use it to treat infertility in both women and men, and sometimes it's misused for weight loss—despite little proof it works for that.

For women struggling to ovulate, hCG injections can trigger the final step in egg release, making it a key tool in fertility clinics. For men with low testosterone or delayed puberty, hCG helps the body produce more testosterone naturally by mimicking LH, the hormone that tells the testes to work. It’s not a steroid, but it acts like one in some ways—stimulating hormone production without adding synthetic hormones to your system.

There’s a big difference between medical use and online hype. You’ll see ads for hCG drops, pills, or shakes promising rapid weight loss. These aren’t FDA-approved for weight loss, and studies show any results come from the extreme low-calorie diets they’re paired with—not the hormone itself. The FDA has cracked down on these products, warning consumers they’re scams. Real hCG is only available by prescription, injected under the skin or into muscle, and monitored by a doctor.

Side effects are real. In women, hCG can cause ovarian hyperstimulation, leading to bloating, pain, or worse. In men, it might lead to acne, mood swings, or breast growth. It’s not safe to self-administer. If you’re considering hCG for fertility, talk to a reproductive endocrinologist. If you’re looking at it for weight loss, know this: no hormone replaces a balanced diet and consistent exercise.

What you’ll find below are real, evidence-based articles about hCG and related medications—like how it compares to other fertility drugs, what happens when it’s mixed with other hormones, and why some people end up using it off-label. These aren’t ads or miracle claims. They’re clear, practical breakdowns from people who’ve seen the results—good and bad—firsthand.