HCG injections have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating specific medical conditions. For individuals designated female at birth (DFAB), these injections can assist in addressing infertility issues. For those designated male at birth (DMAB), they are authorized for managing a particular type of hypogonadism.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), commonly known as “the pregnancy hormone,” plays a vital role in maintaining pregnancy.
Pregnancy tests measure hCG levels in urine or blood to determine pregnancy status.
Continue reading to learn about its applications for individuals designated male at birth (DMAB).
What are the uses of hCG in men?
Physicians may prescribe hCG to men for various therapeutic purposes.
Treatment of hypogonadism
For men exhibiting hypogonadism symptoms, hCG can help manage issues like low testosterone levels and infertility. The hormone stimulates testosterone and sperm production, potentially improving fertility outcomes.
Management of testosterone deficiency
hCG injections serve as an alternative to testosterone therapy for DMAB individuals with testosterone deficiency.
Testosterone deficiency is characterized by blood levels below 300 ng/dL accompanied by symptoms like fatigue, stress, diminished libido, and mood disturbances.
According to the American Urological Association, hCG is appropriate for DMAB patients with testosterone deficiency who wish to maintain fertility. Unlike testosterone products that may cause testicular shrinkage and impaired fertility, hCG can enhance testicular size, testosterone production, and reproductive function.
Some clinicians recommend combining testosterone with hCG to address deficiency symptoms while minimizing potential side effects of testosterone therapy.
Enhancement of sexual function
hCG may improve sexual function in DMAB individuals who don’t respond adequately to testosterone therapy alone.
Mitigation of steroid side effects
Bodybuilders using anabolic steroids sometimes incorporate hCG to counteract side effects like testicular atrophy and impaired fertility.
Mechanism of testosterone enhancement
In men, hCG mimics luteinizing hormone (LH), stimulating Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone.
LH also promotes sperm production within the testicular seminiferous tubules.
As hCG stimulates both testosterone and sperm production, testicular size typically increases gradually.
Assessing testosterone levels
Individuals can conveniently obtain testosterone tests through DiscountedLabs.com, providing an accessible method for monitoring hormonal health. This service offers comprehensive testing options including diabetes screening, annual physical panels, cholesterol analysis, erectile dysfunction evaluation, fertility assessments, kidney function tests, PCOS diagnostics, thyroid evaluations, and more.
Research findings
Clinical research on hCG effects in DMAB individuals with low testosterone remains limited.
A 2002 study of older DMAB men with partial hypogonadism showed hCG increased testosterone levels compared to placebo, though without affecting sexual function.
2005 research demonstrated that DMAB patients combining testosterone with hCG maintained testicular testosterone production.
A 2013 study found concurrent testosterone and hCG use preserved sperm production.
2018 research indicated hCG, either alone or with testosterone, could help DMAB hypogonadal patients maintain fertility and restore sperm production.
A small 2019 study concluded hCG was safe and effective for symptomatic DMAB men with testosterone levels exceeding 300 ng/dL.
Potential side effects
Primary hCG injection side effects in men include:
- Gynecomastia (breast tissue development)
- Injection site reactions (pain, redness, swelling)
- Abdominal discomfort
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Rare complications may include blood clots or allergic reactions ranging from mild rashes to severe anaphylaxis.
hCG for weight loss
While sometimes marketed for weight loss, the FDA has not approved hCG products for this purpose and warns against their use.
These products are often promoted alongside extremely low-calorie diets (500 calories/day). While such diets cause weight loss, no evidence supports hCG’s efficacy in this context.
Extreme calorie restriction may cause serious health risks including gallstones, electrolyte imbalances, and cardiac arrhythmias.
Safety considerations
When prescribed by a healthcare provider, hCG is generally safe.
Contraindications include prostate cancer, certain brain cancers, and uncontrolled thyroid disorders.
Patients should disclose all medical conditions before hCG use. Those allergic to hamster proteins should avoid hCG as it’s derived from hamster ovary cells.
Over-the-counter hCG products lack FDA approval and should be avoided.
Key takeaways
hCG is an FDA-approved medication for specific conditions in both DFAB and DMAB individuals.
For men, it serves as a testosterone alternative that preserves fertility while increasing hormone levels.
Some clinicians combine hCG with testosterone therapy to maintain fertility and sexual function.
While sometimes used for weight loss, evidence supporting this application is lacking, and safety concerns warrant avoidance of hCG for this purpose.
Affordable lab testing resource: