Blog
HCG Injections: Uses, Risks and the Truth About the HCG Diet
Quick answer. HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a hormone. In the U.S. the FDA has approved it as a prescription drug for female infertility and other medical conditions. The FDA has not approved it for weight loss, and says that any weight lost on the HCG diet comes from severe calorie restriction, not from HCG.
By USAHCG · Updated November 15, 2026. Educational information; discuss individual treatment decisions with your prescriber or pharmacist.
What are HCG injections?
HCG is a hormone the body makes during pregnancy. As a medicine it is given by injection to act on the ovaries or testes. Cleveland Clinic says it is injected into a muscle or under the skin, depending on the prescription (Cleveland Clinic).
What is HCG approved for?
| Use | Who | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Ovulation problems and infertility | Women trying to get pregnant | Helps trigger ovulation |
| Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (selected cases) | Men whose low testosterone comes from a pituitary problem | Signals the testes to work |
| Undescended testicles | Boys before puberty | Thought to help the testicles descend |
Source: the FDA-approved prescribing information for PREGNYL (DailyMed) and the FDA.
Do HCG injections cause weight loss?
No. The prescribing information says there is "no substantial evidence" that HCG increases weight loss beyond what comes from eating fewer calories, or that it changes where fat is stored or reduces hunger. The FDA says the weight loss people see on the HCG diet comes from severe calorie restriction, typically about 500 calories a day.
Very low-calorie diets carry real risks, including gallstones, mineral imbalances that affect muscles and nerves, and an irregular heartbeat (FDA). Mayo Clinic also says the HCG diet isn't safe and doesn't lead to long-term weight loss (Mayo Clinic). If you want to lose weight, a gradual approach guided by a clinician is safer. Our HCG diet guide covers the evidence and risks in more detail.
How are HCG injections given?
The route, amount and schedule depend on why it is prescribed, so there is no single HCG dose. The prescribing information lists very different regimens for different uses, from 500 to 1,000 units three times a week in some cases to 4,000 units three times a week in others. Use only the directions your prescriber gives you.
Most HCG comes as a powder that must be mixed before use. See our mixing and injection guide for the general steps and Does HCG need to be refrigerated? for storage before and after mixing.
Side effects and who should not use HCG
Reported reactions in the prescribing information include:
- At the injection site: bruising, pain, redness, swelling, itching.
- General: headache, irritability, restlessness, depression, fatigue, fluid retention.
- Allergic reactions: including, rarely, anaphylaxis. Get emergency care for trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips or tongue.
- In men: breast enlargement (gynecomastia) can occur.
- In women: ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which can become serious.
HCG should not be used by people with a past allergic reaction to it, uncontrolled thyroid, adrenal or pituitary disorders, or certain tumors, including pituitary or hypothalamic tumors, ovarian, breast or uterine tumors in women, and breast or prostate tumors in men. Tell your prescriber about your full medical history and everything you take.
Do HCG injections need a prescription, and what do they cost?
In the U.S. the FDA has approved HCG only as a prescription drug, so use should be directed by a prescriber. Prices vary by product and supplier. USAHCG sells a 5,000 IU HCG vial; see the product page for the current price, shipping and what is included.
Questions to ask your prescriber
- What condition is this treating, and how will we know it is working?
- What dose and schedule, and for how long?
- How do I mix, store and inject it, and what do I do with leftover solution?
- Which side effects should make me call you, and which mean emergency care?
- Do my other medicines or conditions change the plan?
HCG injections vs HCG drops
Over-the-counter HCG "drops" and sprays sold for weight loss are different from prescription injections. The FDA and FTC have sent warning letters to companies marketing them, and the FDA advises consumers to avoid HCG weight-loss products (FDA).
Frequently asked questions
What are HCG injections used for?
Female infertility, selected cases of low testosterone from a pituitary problem in men, and undescended testicles in boys.
Do HCG injections help you lose weight?
No. The FDA says there is no substantial evidence that they do.
How are HCG injections given?
Into a muscle or under the skin, as your prescription directs.
Is HCG available without a prescription?
The FDA has approved HCG only as a prescription drug.
Are HCG injections painful?
The prescribing information lists pain, bruising, redness, swelling and itching at the injection site. A prescriber or pharmacist can show you the technique.
How long does HCG work after an injection?
It depends on why it is prescribed and the schedule. Ask your prescriber what to expect for your treatment, and follow the timing they give you.
What's better, Clomid or HCG?
They are different medicines. A fertility specialist chooses based on the cause of the problem, so this is a question for them.
How much do HCG injections cost?
See the USAHCG product page for the current price of a 5,000 IU vial. Other suppliers and clinics price differently.
Does HCG need to be refrigerated?
It depends on the product and whether it has been mixed. See our refrigeration guide.
Can men take HCG?
Doctors prescribe it in some cases. See our HCG for men guide and HCG dosage on TRT.