Dosage & Reconstitution Guide
HCG Dosage & Reconstitution Guide
A clear educational guide covering HCG reconstitution, IU conversions, common protocol examples, supplies, storage, injection technique, hormone research notes and safety considerations.
Quickstart Highlights
- Compound: HCG, also known as Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
- Common vial size: 5,000 IU
- Example reconstitution: 2.0mL bacteriostatic water
- Resulting concentration: 2,500 IU/mL
- U-100 syringe maths: 1 unit = 0.01mL = 25 IU
- Common maintenance example discussed: 500 IU, 3 times per week
- Storage after mixing: refrigerate at 2-8°C and do not freeze
- Use window: commonly discussed as up to 60 days after reconstitution when refrigerated
What is HCG?
HCG, or Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, is a glycoprotein hormone that acts similarly to luteinising hormone, often shortened to LH. In research and clinical discussions, it is most commonly associated with LH receptor activity, testicular function, testosterone production, fertility support and ovulation-related medical use.
HCG is not a typical peptide in the same way as short amino-acid chains. It is a hormone measured in international units, or IU, rather than milligrams or micrograms. That makes the syringe maths slightly different from most peptide calculator examples.
HCG Reconstitution Example
The example below is based on a common 5,000 IU HCG vial mixed with 2.0mL bacteriostatic water.
Reconstitution Maths
5,000 IU ÷ 2.0mL = 2,500 IU/mL
1 unit on a U-100 syringe = 0.01mL
2,500 IU/mL × 0.01mL = 25 IU per unit
500 IU ÷ 25 IU per unit = 20 units
HCG Unit Conversion Table
This table uses the example concentration of 5,000 IU HCG mixed with 2.0mL bacteriostatic water.
Standard Research Protocol Example
This example uses a 5,000 IU vial reconstituted with 2.0mL bacteriostatic water, giving a concentration of 2,500 IU/mL.
Higher-Dose Research Example
Some research and clinical discussions mention higher HCG amounts in post-cycle recovery or severe suppression contexts. These examples involve materially higher hormone exposure and should be treated carefully.
Frequency and Timing Notes
HCG is commonly discussed in intermittent research-style schedules, often 3 times per week. This is commonly shown as Monday, Wednesday and Friday because it spreads administrations across the week.
HCG has a longer activity window than natural LH, which is why daily administration is not usually discussed as necessary in standard maintenance-style examples.
Reconstitution Steps
- Confirm the vial size before calculating concentration.
- Draw 2.0mL bacteriostatic water using sterile technique.
- Inject the bacteriostatic water slowly down the inside wall of the vial.
- Avoid blasting the powder directly and avoid creating foam.
- Gently swirl or roll the vial until the powder fully dissolves into a clear solution.
- Do not shake aggressively.
- Label the vial with the reconstitution date and concentration.
- Store the reconstituted vial in the refrigerator at 2-8°C immediately.
Supplies Needed
The following example is based on an 8-16 week research-style schedule using 5,000 IU HCG vials and a 500 IU, 3-times-weekly example.
HCG Vials
- 8-week example: 1,500 IU per week × 8 weeks = 12,000 IU total, approximately 3 vials.
- 12-week example: 1,500 IU per week × 12 weeks = 18,000 IU total, approximately 4 vials.
- 16-week example: 1,500 IU per week × 16 weeks = 24,000 IU total, approximately 5 vials.
- Vial size used in this guide: 5,000 IU.
Insulin Syringes
- 3 times per week example: 3 syringes per week.
- 8 weeks: approximately 24 syringes.
- 12 weeks: approximately 36 syringes.
- 16 weeks: approximately 48 syringes.
Bacteriostatic Water
- Per 5,000 IU vial: 2.0mL bacteriostatic water.
- 8-week example: 3 vials × 2.0mL = 6mL total, so 1 × 10mL bottle is usually enough.
- 12-week example: 4 vials × 2.0mL = 8mL total, so 1 × 10mL bottle is usually enough.
- 16-week example: 5 vials × 2.0mL = 10mL total, so 1 × 10mL bottle is usually enough.
Alcohol Swabs
- Per administration: one swab for the vial stopper and one for the injection site.
- Per week: approximately 6 swabs based on 3 administrations.
- 8 weeks: around 48 swabs, so 1 × 100-count box is usually enough.
- 12 weeks: around 72 swabs, so 1 × 100-count box is usually enough.
- 16 weeks: around 96 swabs, so 1 × 100-count box is usually enough.
Protocol Overview
- Goal discussed in research: testicular function, fertility preservation and endogenous testosterone signalling.
- Schedule example: subcutaneous administration 3 times per week.
- Standard amount discussed: 500 IU per administration, or 1,500 IU per week.
- Higher-dose examples: 1,500-2,500 IU per administration in some recovery-focused discussions.
- Example reconstitution: 2.0mL bacteriostatic water per 5,000 IU vial.
- Concentration: 2,500 IU/mL.
- Cycle length: 8-12 weeks is commonly discussed, with longer durations in more severe suppression contexts.
- Route discussed: subcutaneous injection in research-style protocols.
Example Dosing Protocol
- Standard maintenance-style example: 500 IU subcutaneously on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
- Weekly total: approximately 1,500 IU per week.
- Measured amount: 500 IU equals 20 units when mixed at 2,500 IU/mL.
- High-dose research example: 1,500-2,500 IU, 3 times per week in some post-cycle or severe suppression discussions.
- Practical note: HCG is measured in IU, not mg or mcg, so always use the IU concentration when calculating syringe units.
How HCG Works
HCG binds to LH receptors and can stimulate Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone. This is why it is commonly discussed in relation to testicular function, fertility preservation and testosterone-related research.
Unlike natural LH, which has a short half-life, HCG is discussed as having a longer activity window. This longer activity is one reason intermittent schedules are commonly used in research-style examples.
HCG is also discussed in fertility medicine, where it has legitimate clinical applications. However, unsupervised hormone use can create real risk, especially where testosterone, estradiol, fertility or endocrine function are involved.
Potential Benefits Discussed in Research
- Testicular function research
- Fertility preservation discussions
- Intratesticular testosterone support
- Spermatogenesis research
- Endogenous testosterone production discussions
- Post-cycle recovery research contexts
- Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism discussions
- Hormonal signalling research
Reported Side Effects and Limitations
HCG can affect downstream hormone levels. That makes it different from many simpler reconstitution guides because hormone monitoring is often central to responsible discussion.
- Estradiol elevation
- Acne or oily skin
- Injection-site redness, swelling or discomfort
- Testicular aching or sensitivity
- Possible gynecomastia risk if estradiol becomes elevated
- Hormonal imbalance if used incorrectly
- Unknown outcomes outside medically supervised settings
Storage Instructions
- Lyophilised powder: refrigerate at 2-8°C where possible, especially for longer-term storage.
- After reconstitution: refrigerate at 2-8°C immediately.
- Use window: commonly discussed as up to 60 days after reconstitution when mixed with bacteriostatic water and refrigerated.
- Do not freeze: reconstituted HCG should not be frozen.
- Avoid: heat, sunlight, contamination and unnecessary time at room temperature.
- Discard: if the solution becomes cloudy, contains particles or has passed the recommended use window.
Injection Technique Notes
This section is general educational information only. It is not personal injection instruction.
- Use a new sterile insulin syringe for each administration.
- Clean the vial stopper and skin with alcohol and allow both to dry.
- Common subcutaneous sites discussed include abdomen, outer thigh and upper arm.
- Rotate injection sites to reduce irritation and local tissue issues.
- Pinch a skinfold and insert into subcutaneous tissue at an appropriate angle.
- Do not aspirate for subcutaneous injections.
- Inject slowly and steadily.
- Wait 5-10 seconds before withdrawing the needle.
- Do not rub the site afterwards.
- Dispose of used sharps safely in a sharps container.
- Return the vial to the refrigerator promptly after use.
Lifestyle Factors That May Matter
- Sleep: poor sleep can affect testosterone production and fertility markers.
- Stress: chronic stress may interfere with normal hormonal signalling.
- Nutrition: adequate dietary fats, protein, zinc, vitamin D and magnesium are commonly discussed in hormone health.
- Exercise: resistance training is commonly associated with healthy testosterone signalling.
- Heat exposure: excessive heat around the testes may negatively affect spermatogenesis.
- Alcohol moderation: heavy alcohol use can impair testosterone production and testicular function.
- Tracking: documenting date, amount and injection site can make observations easier to review.
Use the Peptide Calculator
If your vial size, water volume or target IU amount is different, use the Peptide Hub Australia calculator to work out concentration, mL and syringe units.
Calculate HCG Units
Enter your vial amount, BAC water amount and target amount to calculate concentration and syringe units.
Open Peptide CalculatorWhere to Compare HCG Suppliers
Peptide Hub Australia does not sell HCG or any other peptides. We compare Australian peptide vendors, package audits, pricing and supplier information to help users review the market more clearly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much BAC water do you add to a 5,000 IU HCG vial?
A common educational example is 2.0mL bacteriostatic water added to a 5,000 IU vial, creating a concentration of 2,500 IU/mL.
How many units is 250 IU of HCG?
If a 5,000 IU vial is mixed with 2.0mL, 250 IU is 10 units on a U-100 insulin syringe, equal to 0.10mL.
How many units is 500 IU of HCG?
If a 5,000 IU vial is mixed with 2.0mL, 500 IU is 20 units on a U-100 insulin syringe, equal to 0.20mL.
How many units is 1,000 IU of HCG?
If a 5,000 IU vial is mixed with 2.0mL, 1,000 IU is 40 units on a U-100 insulin syringe, equal to 0.40mL.
How long does one 5,000 IU HCG vial last?
This depends on the research schedule. At 500 IU three times per week, one 5,000 IU vial provides around 10 administrations, or a little over 3 weeks.
How long is HCG commonly discussed for?
Common research-style examples discuss 8-12 weeks, with some longer examples extending to 16 weeks or more in severe suppression contexts.
Is HCG measured in mg?
No. HCG is usually measured in international units, or IU. This is why HCG unit calculations are different from peptides measured in mg or mcg.
Can HCG be frozen after reconstitution?
Reconstituted HCG is commonly discussed as needing refrigeration at 2-8°C and should not be frozen.
Is HCG used for weight loss?
HCG should not be marketed as a weight-loss product. Evidence reviews have not supported HCG as a legitimate weight-loss treatment, and this page does not promote that use.
Is this a personal dosing recommendation?
No. This page is an educational reconstitution and measurement guide only. It is not medical advice or a personal protocol.
