What is HCG?
HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a glycoprotein hormone that mimics luteinizing hormone. It has a well-established research profile and is studied for its downstream effects on gonadal hormone production.
How HCG works (research mechanism)
HCG research focuses on LH-receptor activation, stimulating gonadal tissue in research models - the downstream counterpart to upstream GnRH and Kisspeptin signaling.
Primary research applications
Reproductive-hormone research
Studied for gonadal-hormone and fertility endpoints.
LH-analog research
A model compound for LH-receptor studies.
Hormone-axis research
Examined in models of endogenous hormone support.
Research dosing reference
Research references commonly cite 250-500 IU two to three times weekly. Reference values only.
Reconstitution & handling
HCG ships as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder and must be reconstituted before use in any liquid research model. Allow the vial to reach room temperature, swab the stopper, then add bacteriostatic water slowly down the inside wall of the vial - never spray it directly onto the powder. Swirl gently until dissolved; do not shake, as shaking foams the solution and stresses the peptide. The volume of water you add sets the concentration: a 5 mg vial reconstituted with 2 mL yields 2,500 mcg/mL, so 0.1 mL measures 250 mcg. A correctly reconstituted HCG solution is clear; discard if it is cloudy or shows particulate.
Storage & stability
Store un-reconstituted HCG vials refrigerated and protected from light for long-term stability; the lyophilized form is robust and tolerates shipping. After reconstitution, refrigerate at 2-8C, keep away from light, and use within the typical research window of roughly two to four weeks. The benzyl alcohol in bacteriostatic water helps inhibit microbial growth across that period. Always label reconstituted vials with the concentration and date.
Common research pairings
Studied alongside GnRH peptides in hormone-axis research designs. Banned by WADA - relevant for sports-science researchers.
How HCG compares
HCG mimics LH downstream, while Gonadorelin and Kisspeptin act upstream in the same axis.
Safety & research considerations
Supplied for research use only and not for human consumption.
Sourcing, purity & Certificate of Analysis
Every lot of HCG sold by Peptides Factory Direct is third-party tested to a 99%+ purity target, with identity confirmed by mass spectrometry and purity quantified by HPLC. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) documenting these results is available on request and ties each vial to a tracked lot. Material ships nationwide to all 50 US states with cold-chain handling where appropriate and fast domestic dispatch. This documentation is what separates research-grade HCG from unverified material - quality is established before the vial ever reaches your lab.
How to order HCG for research
HCG can be ordered through the Peptides Factory Direct research portal as a one-time purchase or on a recurring research schedule (every 2 weeks, monthly, every 2 months, or every 3 months). Checkout requires confirming you are 21 or older, purchasing for laboratory research only, and that the product is not for human or animal consumption. Bulk and standing-order pricing is available - note it in your order. Open the order portal to view current research sizes and pricing.
Frequently asked questions
What is HCG researched for?
LH-receptor activation and gonadal-hormone endpoints in reproductive research. Research use only.
What sizes are stocked?
5,000 IU and 10,000 IU vials, with COA on request.
Related Specialty peptides
All Specialty peptides · Research guides & articles
External references: Peptides (Wikipedia) · U.S. Food and Drug Administration