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      Pregnyl (HCG)

      What is Pregnyl (HCG)?

      Pregnyl or HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is a prescription medication to treat low testosterone levels.  Pregnyl works in the body like the natural hormone LH (Luteinizing Hormone), which tells the testes to produce testosterone. Pregnyl is not FDA approved for increasing testosterone but is prescribed “off-label”.  Off-label prescribing is the term used when a physician prescribes a medication for a specific condition different than the condition the medication was originally approved for. Off-label prescribing is common and approximately 20% of all prescriptions are done off-label. We only use medications off-label when there is high-quality safety and efficacy evidence available.


      Why is Pregnyl part of my treatment regimen?

      Pregnyl was identified as a viable treatment option based on your age and Nimbus hormone testing.  Pregnyl can help restore normal testosterone levels in men who produce enough LH, but the testes are not responding to that signal.  Pregnyl is also used in men on testosterone who desire to maintain fertility.1


      Is Pregnyl effective for restoring normal testosterone levels?

      Pregnyl effectively restored normal testosterone levels in testosterone deficient men while also persevering fertility.  Studies show similar improvement in metabolic markers, blood sugars, and lean muscle mass compared to testosterone therapy.2  Pregnyl is also associated with a lower rate of adverse effects when compared to testosterone therapy.3


      Are there potential adverse effects from using Pregnyl?

      Pregnyl is well-tolerated, but adverse effects have been reported in clinical trials. Headache, restlessness, fatigue, ankle/feet swelling, mood changes, and breast tenderness have been reported.4


      References

      1. Lee JA, Ramasamy R. Indications for the use of human chorionic gonadotropic hormone for the management of infertility in hypogonadal men. Transl Androl Urol. 2018;7(Suppl 3):S348-S352. doi:10.21037/tau.2018.04.11
      2. Bayram F, Elbuken G, Korkmaz C, Aydogdu A, Karaca Z, Cakır I. The Effects of Gonadotropin Replacement Therapy on Metabolic Parameters and Body Composition in Men with Idiopathic Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism. Horm Metab Res. 2016;48(2):112-117. doi:10.1055/s-0035-1564252
      3. Fink J, Schoenfeld BJ, Hackney AC, Maekawa T, Horie S. Human chorionic gonadotropin treatment: a viable option for management of secondary hypogonadism and male infertility. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab. 2021;16(1):1-8. doi:10.1080/17446651.2021.1863783
      4. Crosnoe-Shipley LE, Elkelany OO, Rahnema CD, Kim ED. Treatment of hypogonadotropic male hypogonadism: Case-based scenarios. World J Nephrol. 2015;4(2):245-253. doi:10.5527/wjn.v4.i2.245