From the FDA Drug Label
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY The action of HCG is virtually identical to that of pituitary LH, although HCG appears to have a small degree of FSH activity as well. It stimulates production of gonadal steroid hormones by stimulating the interstitial cells (Leydig cells) of the testis to produce androgens and the corpus luteum of the ovary to produce progesterone HCG HAS NO KNOWN EFFECT ON FAT MOBILIZATION, APPETITE OR SENSE OF HUNGER, OR BODY FAT DISTRIBUTION.
The use of HCG for women's muscle growth is not supported by the drug label. The label does not mention any effect of HCG on muscle growth in women. The primary effects of HCG are related to the stimulation of gonadal steroid hormones, which may have indirect effects on body composition, but no direct effect on muscle growth is mentioned 1.
From the Research
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is not recommended for women seeking muscle growth. The most recent and highest quality study, 2, published in 2022, reviews the current literature on hCG and its uses, but does not support its use for muscle growth in women. HCG is primarily used for fertility treatments in women and testosterone production in men, not as a muscle-building supplement for females. Women looking to increase muscle mass should instead focus on established methods like:
- Progressive resistance training (lifting weights 3-4 times weekly with gradually increasing loads)
- Adequate protein intake (approximately 1.6-2.0g per kg of bodyweight daily)
- Sufficient caloric intake to support muscle growth For those seeking pharmaceutical assistance, options that have more evidence for female muscle development include selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) or low-dose anabolic steroids, though these carry significant health risks including virilization effects (deepened voice, facial hair growth, clitoral enlargement) and potential liver damage, as noted in earlier studies 3, 4. The reason HCG is ineffective for female muscle growth is that it primarily stimulates testosterone production in the testes, which women don't have, and its effects on female hormones don't significantly impact muscle protein synthesis. Any muscle gains reported by women using HCG are likely due to other factors or placebo effect rather than direct physiological action of the hormone. Additionally, studies have shown that HCG can have potential harmful effects, as highlighted in 5, and its use should be approached with caution.