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Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a natural hormone that, as a medicine, mimics the action of Luteinizing Hormone (LH). The 5000 IU (International Units) dose is a common standard vial size provided as a powder that must be mixed with a diluent (like bacteriostatic water) before use.

In women, HCG is used as a "trigger shot" in fertility treatments to induce the final step of egg maturation and release (ovulation).

In men, HCG is used to stimulate the testicles (the Leydig cells) to produce testosterone and sperm. This is commonly used in men with low testosterone (hypogonadism) or those on Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) to maintain testicular function and fertility.

HCG 5000 IU requires two critical steps: Reconstitution (Mixing) and Injection.

1. Gather Supplies: HCG powder vial, diluent vial (e.g., bacteriostatic water), mixing syringe/needle, and injection syringe/needle.

2. Prepare Diluent: Wipe the tops of both vials with alcohol wipes. Draw the prescribed amount of diluent (e.g., 1 mL, 2 mL, or 5 mL) into the mixing syringe. Follow your doctor's instructions for the volume of diluent precisely.

3. Mix: Slowly inject the diluent into the HCG powder vial. Do NOT shake the vial; gently roll or swirl it until the powder is fully dissolved and the solution is clear.

4. Calculate DoseThe concentration depends on your mixing volume. For example, if you mix 5000 IU with 5 mL of diluent, the concentration is 1000 IU/mL.Export to Sheets

Instruction - Route: Administered via Subcutaneous (SC) injection (into the fatty tissue of the abdomen) or Intramuscular (IM) injection (into the muscle), as prescribed.

Dosing (Women): A single, specific high dose (often 5000 IU to 10000 IU) given on a specific day and time to trigger ovulation.

Dosing (Men): A smaller, frequent dose (e.g., 250 IU to 1000 IU) given 2 to 3 times per week. The exact mL volume depends on how you mixed the powder.

Storage (Mixed): Must be stored in the refrigerator (36∘F to 46∘F) once mixed.

Shelf Life (Mixed): Typically 30 to 60 days from the date of mixing, depending on the pharmacy/manufacturer. Discard any unused portion after this period.

1. Is HCG 5000 IU used for weight loss? No. The U.S. FDA has not approved HCG for weight loss. HCG diets typically involve using HCG while restricting calories severely, but scientific evidence suggests that any weight loss comes from the severe calorie restriction, not the hormone itself. Using it for weight loss is an off-label use and is not medically recommended.

2. How long does the 5000 IU vial last?

• In Women (Trigger Shot): If you take a full 5000 IU dose, the vial will last for only one injection.
• In Men (Frequent Dosing): If your dose is, for example, 500 IU (1/10 of the vial) three times per week, the vial contains 10 total doses and will last approximately 3 to 4 weeks before the 30-day stability window expires and it must be discarded.

3. What is the difference between IM and SC injection?

• IM (Intramuscular): The injection goes deeper into the muscle (e.g., glute/buttock, thigh). It is often used for the single "trigger shot" in women.
• SC (Subcutaneous): The injection goes into the fat layer (e.g., abdomen, thigh). It is the preferred, easier method for frequent, smaller-volume injections, such as in TRT protocols.

4. What are the common side effects in men? Since HCG boosts testosterone and estrogen levels, common side effects include increased acne, mild fluid retention, mood changes, and potentially breast tenderness or enlargement (gynecomastia). Your physician may prescribe an aromatase inhibitor (AI) to manage elevated estrogen levels.