Written by [author]. Reviewed by [reviewer].
Updated . How we research and review.
Short answer
What is HCG?
hCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin) is a glycoprotein hormone made of two subunits: an alpha subunit shared with LH, FSH and TSH, and a beta subunit specific to hCG.
It also appears in the literature as chorionic gonadotrophin, hCG, choriogonadotropin.
What is in each HCG vial?
| STRENGTH | FORM | PRICE | CERTIFICATE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5000IU | Lyophilised powder | A$83 | Pending |
What has research on HCG examined?
hCG is a placental hormone and an approved medicine, studied in human trials such as those in men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. A 1995 meta-analysis of controlled trials of hCG in the Simeons weight-reduction regimen found no evidence of an effect.
The table lists primary sources by year and model. Findings describe the study subjects, not this research vial.
What adverse events have studies of HCG reported?
Used as an IVF oocyte-maturation trigger, hCG was associated with more ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) than a GnRH-agonist trigger (Cochrane review of 17 RCTs; PMID 25358904). In small studies in men with hypogonadism, the authors reported no adverse events (20 men, retrospective; PMID 31408289) and no serious drug-related adverse events (28 men given hCG plus FSH; PMID 9696217).
These findings describe the people or animals in each study. The sources list gives every PubMed record.
How do you reconstitute and store HCG?
Store the sealed vial frozen (about -20 degrees Celsius), dry and away from light until it is reconstituted.
After reconstitution with a sterile solvent, keep the solution at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius and avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Record the solvent, volume and date on the vial label.
BAC Water is the usual laboratory solvent. Dilute acetic acid is an alternative for peptides that dissolve poorly in water. The reconstitution guide and storage guide cover laboratory handling.
| STATE | TEMPERATURE | NOTES |
|---|---|---|
| Sealed vial | -20 °C | Dry and dark. Keeps to the label date. |
| Reconstituted | 2 to 8 °C | Sterile technique. Avoid repeat freeze and thaw. |
| In transit | Cold pack | Refrigerate or freeze on arrival. |
Is HCG legal to buy in Australia?
Human chorionic gonadotrophin is listed in Schedule 4 of the Poisons Standard (prescription only), except in pregnancy test kits. Source: the June 2026 Poisons Standard instrument (F2026L00633).
WADA's 2026 Prohibited List prohibits HCG at all times in male athletes, under S2.2.1 (testosterone-stimulating peptides).
- POISONS STANDARD
- Schedule 4
- WADA 2026
- Prohibited (S2 Peptide hormones, growth factors, related substances, and mimetics)
- SALE TERMS
- Research use only
How fast does HCG ship?
Orders placed before [cut-off] leave Western Australia the same business day with tracking, by [carrier]. Delivery estimates for each state are on the shipping page.
HCG questions
What has research on HCG examined?
hCG is a placental hormone and an approved medicine, studied in human trials such as those in men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. A 1995 meta-analysis of controlled trials of hCG in the Simeons weight-reduction regimen found no evidence of an effect.
Is HCG a peptide?
hCG is a glycoprotein hormone. It is built from two protein subunits carrying sugar chains, which makes it much larger than the short peptides in this range.
Is HCG a prescription medicine in Australia?
Human chorionic gonadotrophin is listed in Schedule 4 of the Poisons Standard (prescription only), except in pregnancy test kits. Peptides Collective sells it for laboratory research use only.
Is HCG banned in sport?
WADA's 2026 Prohibited List prohibits HCG at all times in male athletes, under S2.2.1 (testosterone-stimulating peptides).
Does hCG have a single chemical identifier?
No. hCG is a two-subunit glycoprotein, so no single formula or PubChem compound record describes it. UniProt catalogues its subunits as P01215 (alpha) and P0DN86 (beta).
How long does an unopened HCG vial keep?
A sealed vial of lyophilised powder keeps to the date on its label when stored frozen, dry and dark. Once reconstituted, keep the solution at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius and record the date on the label.
Does every HCG batch have a certificate?
Yes. Every HCG batch is tested by [lab] before it goes on sale, and the certificate is published under the batch number printed on the vial. The current batch certificate is [pending].
Where is HCG shipped from?
Orders ship tracked from Western Australia. Orders placed before [cut-off] leave the same business day. Delivery estimates by state are on the shipping page.
What purity is the current HCG batch?
The current HCG batch certificate is [pending]. When it is published, it reports purity by HPLC to three decimal places and confirms identity by mass spectrometry.
Which solvent reconstitutes HCG?
BAC Water (sterile water with 0.9% benzyl alcohol) is the usual laboratory solvent. Dilute acetic acid is an alternative for peptides that dissolve poorly in water. Record the solvent, volume and resulting concentration on the vial label.
How much does HCG cost in Australia?
HCG costs A$83 for 5000IU at Peptides Collective, in Australian dollars. Each price is per vial of lyophilised powder.
Does HCG ship with a cold pack?
[Cold-pack policy from Nico.] Lyophilised powder tolerates short transit at room temperature. Refrigerate or freeze the vial on arrival.
Sources
- 1. Biological functions of hCG and hCG-related molecules. Reproductive biology and endocrinology : RB&E, 2010. PMID 20735820.
- 2. The effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in the treatment of obesity by means of the Simeons therapy: a criteria-based meta-analysis. British journal of clinical pharmacology, 1995. PMID 8527285.
- 3. Sequential Versus Continual Purified Urinary FSH/hCG in Men With Idiopathic Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism. The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 2015. PMID 25825944.
- 4. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist versus HCG for oocyte triggering in antagonist-assisted reproductive technology. 2014. PMID 25358904.
- 5. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin monotherapy for the treatment of hypogonadal symptoms in men with total testosterone > 300 ng/dL. 2019. PMID 31408289.
- 6. Efficacy and safety of highly purified urinary follicle-stimulating hormone with human chorionic gonadotropin for treating men with isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. European Metrodin HP Study Group. 1998. PMID 9696217.
- 7. Poisons Standard, June 2026 instrument (F2026L00633). Federal Register of Legislation.
- 8. World Anti-Doping Code, 2026 Prohibited List. WADA.
