In recent years, the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) has garnered substantial attention within the medical and scientific communities for its promising effects in managing conditions like infertility and hypogonadism. Unlike traditional treatments, HCG belongs to a class of gonadotropins that mimic luteinizing hormone (LH), a hormone naturally found in the body. Research into gonadotropins, including HCG, has shown significant effects not only on reproductive health but also on hormone regulation and potentially other areas like neuroprotection.
As part of the TruLab Peptides team’s ongoing exploration of evidence-based peptide therapies, we’ve delved into the existing research on HCG to provide a balanced look at its benefits and potential applications, strictly from a research-focused perspective.
What is HCG?
HCG is human chorionic gonadotropin, a glycoprotein hormone produced primarily by trophoblast tissue in early pregnancy and later by the placenta. It consists of alpha and beta subunits and acts through the luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR), activating signaling pathways that promote steroidogenesis and support reproductive functions. HCG mimics LH, stimulating the production of progesterone in women to maintain pregnancy and testosterone in men.
Originally approved by the FDA for the treatment of infertility and hypogonadism, HCG has also shown efficacy in various reproductive therapies, paving the way for its use in assisted reproduction and hormone restoration.
The Benefits of HCG from a Research PerspectiveFertility Enhancement in Women
One of the most significant findings from recent studies on HCG is its ability to improve outcomes in assisted reproductive technologies like IVF. A systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of intrauterine HCG injection before embryo transfer in women undergoing IVF. The study demonstrated that HCG significantly improved clinical pregnancy rates (risk ratio 1.38) and implantation rates (risk ratio 1.40) compared to controls, particularly in cleavage-stage embryo transfers and cases of prior implantation failure.
These results have propelled HCG to the forefront of fertility research and helped establish its role in optimizing embryo implantation.
Management of Hypogonadism in Men
For men with hypogonadism, restoring testosterone levels and alleviating symptoms is crucial for overall health and fertility preservation. HCG has been shown to improve testosterone production by stimulating Leydig cells in the testes while avoiding the suppressive effects of direct testosterone replacement. A study on HCG monotherapy in men with hypogonadal symptoms and baseline testosterone above 300 ng/dL found that it increased testosterone by an average of 49.9% (from 362 ng/dL to 519.8 ng/dL) and improved symptoms in 50% of patients, with no adverse events reported.
This improvement in hormone levels also correlated with better fertility outcomes, underscoring the dual benefit of HCG in managing hypogonadism and related infertility.
Potential Angiogenic and Cardiovascular Benefits
Research on HCG has revealed positive effects on blood vessel formation, which is particularly relevant for reproductive health and potentially broader vascular conditions. HCG stimulates angiogenesis and vasculogenesis by increasing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion and regulating it through pathways like NF-κB activation. A review highlighted that HCG protects vascular endothelial cells by inhibiting apoptosis, activating survival signaling, and maintaining mitochondrial function, contributing to adequate blood supply in placental development and possibly extending to cardiovascular protection.
This finding has made HCG a valuable subject in research for patients with vascular-related risks.
Potential Neuroprotective Effects
While the research is still in its early stages, some studies suggest that gonadotropins like HCG may have neuroprotective effects, which could make them valuable in conditions beyond reproductive health. Preclinical studies have indicated that HCG may play a role in protecting dopaminergic neurons in models of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s. Treatment with HCG alleviated dopaminergic neuronal death in MPTP-induced Parkinson’s models by inhibiting glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) activation via the LHCGR pathway.
Although more clinical research is needed, these preliminary findings open up intriguing possibilities for the future applications of HCG in neurological conditions.
Considerations and Potential Side Effects
While HCG presents numerous promising benefits, it’s essential to consider its potential side effects. Common adverse reactions include headache, irritability, restlessness, depression, fatigue, swelling at the injection site, and in men, gynecomastia. In women, there is a risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Additionally, the long-term impact of HCG on different health aspects is still under investigation.
From a research perspective, understanding both the efficacy and safety of HCG is crucial for making informed decisions regarding its use. Future studies will likely explore its extended applications, including its role in other hormonal or neurological conditions, to better understand its full potential and limitations.
Conclusion
The current body of research on HCG underscores its significant potential in treating infertility, managing hypogonadism, and even possibly supporting vascular and neurological health. While many studies support these benefits, ongoing research will help clarify its long-term efficacy, potential side effects, and broader applications.
At TruLab Peptides, we’re committed to staying informed about the latest scientific findings to guide our approach in supporting safe, research-backed peptide therapies. HCG remains an exciting area of study, and as more research emerges, it will continue to shape our understanding of gonadotropins’ potential in various medical contexts.
References
1. Conforti A, Longobardi S, Carbone L, Iorio GG, Cariati F, Campitiello MR, Strina I, Palese M, D’Hooghe T, Alviggi C. (2022). Does Intrauterine Injection of hCG Improve IVF Outcome? A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(20), 12193. Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9603006/
2. Madhusoodanan V, Patel P, Lima TFN, Gondokusumo J, Lo E, Thirumavalavan N, Lipshultz LI, Ramasamy R. (2019). Human Chorionic Gonadotropin monotherapy for the treatment of hypogonadal symptoms in men with total testosterone > 300 ng/dL. International Brazilian Journal of Urology, 45(5), 1008-1012. Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6844348/
3. Gridelet V, Perrier d’Hauterive S, Polese B, Foidart J-M, Nisolle M, Geenen V. (2020). Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin: New Pleiotropic Functions for an “Old” Hormone During Pregnancy. Frontiers in Immunology, 11, 343. Link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2020.00343/full
4. Chen Y, Liu F, Wu N, Mishra CB, Li G, Yin F, Jiang H, Zhao Y, Lin J. (2022). Effects of hCG on DA neuronal death of Parkinson’s disease. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 618, 107-112. Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006291X22008063
This blog provides an in-depth, research-based overview of HCG’s benefits, presenting the current understanding without promoting the hormone for commercial purposes. For further reading, please refer to the original scientific articles linked above.
