Hormone Optimization

hCG / Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

LH analog utilized off-label for preventing testicular atrophy during TRT, preserving fertility, and as a monotherapy for secondary hypogonadism.

LH ANALOG

FERTILITY

NEUROPROTECTIVE

QUICK REFERENCE

Half-Life (Inj): 24-36 Hours
Half-Life (Oral): ~4-6 Hours
Typical Freq: 2-3x Weekly (Inj)
Monitor: E2 (Estradiol)

Protocol Configurator

Select parameters to generate guidance

Clinical Goal

Administration Route

Recommended Dose

250-500 IU

Administer SQ. Monitor E2.

Frequency

2-3x Weekly

Typical: Mon/Thu or Mon/Wed/Fri

Cycle Duration

Continuous

Or 8-10wk cycle

Pharmacokinetics: Serum Levels

Injectable Oral

Note: Injection provides stable serum levels with typical dosing. Oral administration results in rapid spikes and elimination, requiring daily or BID dosing to maintain therapeutic threshold.

Route Comparison Matrix

INJECTION Standard of care. High reliability. Risk of high E2 conversion.

ORAL Convenient. Lower max serum E2. Higher cost per effective unit.

Cycling & Washout

Continuous hCG use may lead to Leydig cell desensitization to LH in some patients.

Cycling protocols mitigate this risk by introducing a "washout" period where the receptor sensitivity can reset.

Washout Logic

Short Cycle: 8 wks ON, 2 wks OFF
Long Cycle: 12 wks ON, 4 wks OFF
Monotherapy: Often continuous

Visualizing the Dosing Cycle (8 Week Protocol)

ACTIVE TREATMENT (8 WKS)

WASHOUT (2 WKS)

Week 1 Week 4 Week 8 (Stop) Week 10 (Resume)

Start Date

Today

Washout Begins

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Next Cycle

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