does hcg increase testosterone

Yes, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) can increase testosterone levels in men. HCG mimics the action of luteinizing hormone (LH), which stimulates the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone. This is why HCG is used in certain medical interventions to boost testosterone and sperm production, especially when aiming to maintain fertility during testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) 1 2 3.

Using HCG can help men maintain natural intratesticular testosterone production, crucial for fertility and overall testicular function. This approach helps in situations where maintaining or restoring fertility is a concern while on testosterone therapy 2. Moreover, HCG therapy has been shown to significantly increase testosterone levels, as it did in one case where testosterone levels increased from 300 to 900 nanograms per deciliter 4. Additionally, HCG's impact can vary among individuals and it might cause estrogenic side effects in some cases 5.