What Is Enclomiphene or hCG, and Can They Raise Testosterone Without Shutting Down My Own Production?

An Alternative to Traditional TRT

Traditional testosterone replacement therapy works by supplying testosterone from outside the body. The downside is that it signals your brain to slow your own production, which can reduce fertility and shrink the testicles.

Medications like enclomiphene and hCG take a different approach: they help your body make more of its own testosterone.

How Enclomiphene Works

Enclomiphene is a medication that blocks estrogen's feedback signal in the brain. When the brain senses less estrogen, it releases more LH and FSH—the hormones that tell the testicles to make testosterone and sperm.

• Taken as an oral pill
• Can raise testosterone in men whose testicles still work normally
• Helps preserve sperm production and fertility

Enclomiphene is closely related to clomiphene, a fertility medication that's been used off-label for men for years. Enclomiphene itself is not FDA-approved and is typically available through compounding pharmacies.

How hCG Works

hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) mimics LH, directly stimulating the testicles to produce testosterone and support sperm production.

• Given by injection
• FDA-approved for certain men with hypogonadism caused by pituitary problems
• Sometimes used alongside TRT to help maintain testicular size and fertility

Availability of hCG has been more limited in recent years due to regulatory changes affecting compounded versions.

Who Might Benefit?

These options may be considered for men who:

• Have low testosterone with normal testicular function (often called secondary hypogonadism)
• Want to preserve fertility
• Prefer to avoid shutting down their own production
• Are coming off TRT and want to restart natural production

They're generally less effective for men whose testicles can't produce enough testosterone (primary hypogonadism).

Monitoring Matters

Like any hormone treatment, these medications require lab monitoring, including testosterone, estradiol, and other markers.

Learn more about provider-guided options here: Heva Hormone Optimization

The Bottom Line

Enclomiphene and hCG can raise testosterone by stimulating your body's own production, often while protecting fertility. They're worth discussing with a provider, especially if you want children or prefer not to start TRT.