In men, doctors prescribe hCG to combat the symptoms of hypogonadism, such as low testosterone and infertility. It can help the body increase production of testosterone and increase sperm production, which can reduce infertility.
Full Answer
Is gonadotropin therapy effective in the treatment of hypogonadism?
Gonadotropin therapy in men with isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: the response to human chorionic gonadotropin is predicted by initial testicular size. J Clin Endocrinol Metab.
What are the treatment options for hypogonadism?
For patients with primary hypogonadism testosterone treatment is the method of choice. For patients with secondary hypogonadism who desire fertility, replacement with subcutaneous injection of gonadotropins, hCG or human recombinant FSH can be used to induce testosterone production by the testis and spermatogenesis.
When should hCG be adjusted for hypogonadism?
The dose of hCG should be adjusted until trough serum testosterone levels are restored to about the lower limit of the adult male range. Many patients with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism require hCG and FSH to complete spermatogenesis while acquired hypogonadotropic hypogonadism may be managed with hCG alone [143,144].
What is the role of hCG in the treatment of infertility?
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) therapy (recombinant hCG) is traditionally used in hypogonadal men desiring fertility, since it shares a receptor with LH and produces similar effects. The dose is usually titrated to a serum testosterone concentration in the mid-normal range.
Why is hCG used in hypogonadism?
hCG stimulates the Leydig cells in the testis to produce testosterone in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism patients without associated primary testicular disease. The dose of hCG should be adjusted until trough serum testosterone levels are restored to about the lower limit of the adult male range.
Does hCG treat hypogonadism?
hCG is a safe and efficacious alternative or adjunct to TRT in men desiring to preserve fertility while treating their hypogonadism. hCG can also be used help restore spermatogenesis in men hypogonadal hypogonadism or steroid induced impairment of spermatogenesis.
Why do you take hCG with testosterone?
As already explained, LH is the primary pituitary hormone that stimulates the Leydig cells of the testes to produce testosterone. Therefore, the use of HCG helps to preserve some testicular function and subsequent production of intra-testicular testosterone.
Why is hCG used in the treatment?
HCG is used in combination with other fertility drugs to increase a woman's chance of pregnancy. In men or adolescent boys, HCG helps the production of testosterone and sperm. HCG is also used in male children with cryptorchidism, a specific birth problem of the testes.
Which is better hCG or testosterone?
The best treatment option for you depends on your age and interest in fertility. For men who already have as many children as they want, Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy with testosterone is best. For men who want to preserve their fertility, hCG is the better option.
Does hCG help with testosterone?
The hCG treatment increased the serum testosterone level, penile length, and testicular volume in IHH patients. Our results suggest that hCG treatment has a beneficial effect on gonadal function and penile growth in patients with IHH presenting with micropenis.
What does hCG do to males?
In men, hCG acts as an analog of LH, therefore stimulating the testicles to produce more testosterone. LH also stimulates production of sperm within the seminiferous tubules, which are structures inside the testicles, and therefore maintains fertility in men.
Does hCG increase DHT?
The increased supply of T to the peripheral organ(s) under the stimulation of hCG might contribute to an increase in circulating 5alpha-DHT.
Is hCG injection necessary?
Purpose of hCG injections The most common FDA-approved use of hCG is as an injection to treat infertility in women. If you have trouble conceiving, your doctor may prescribe hCG in combination with other drugs — such as menotropins (Menopur, Repronex) and urofollitropin (Bravelle) — to boost your fertility.
Is chorionic gonadotropin the same as hCG?
Description. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a dimer consisting of a 145 amino acid beta-subunit that is unique to hCG and a 92 amino acid alpha-subunit. The alpha-subunit is identical to that for luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
How quickly does hCG increase testosterone?
Our data suggests that hCG can be a safe and efficacious treatment option for patients with symptoms of hypogonadism who do not desire fertility. We observed significant increases in testosterone over an average therapy duration of 6 months.
How does hCG treat infertility?
HCG is very similar in structure to Luteinizing Hormone (LH), which is one of the pituitary hormones responsible for stimulation of the ovary in normal ovulation. HCG is given by injection to stimulate final development and release of mature eggs at the time of ovulation during fertility treatment.
What is hypogonadism caused by?
Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) is caused by a dysfunction in the hypothalamus and/or the pituitary gland and it can be congenital or acquired. This condition is biochemically characterized by low or inappropriately normal gonadotropins levels along with low total testosterone levels. If fertility is not an issue, ...
What is HH in biology?
If fertilit …. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) is caused by a dysfunction in the hypothalamus and/ or the pituitary gland and it can be congenital or acquired. This condition is biochemically characterized by low or inappropriately normal gonadotropins levels along with low total testosterone levels. If fertilit ….
Can gonadotropins reverse hypogonadism?
Reversal of hypogonadism can occur in up to 10% of patients but its physiophatologic mechanism has yet to be elucidated. In conclusion, gonadotropins therapy is effective in promoting puberty and in supporting spermatogenesis onset and preservation in HH patients with either hypothalamic or pituitary conditions.
Can HH be congenital?
Gonadotropin Treatment For The Male Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) is caused by a dysfunction in the hypothalamus and/or the pituitary gland and it can be congenital or acquired. This condition is biochemically characterized by low or inappropriately normal gonadotropins levels along with low total testosterone ...
