Human chorionic gonadotropin stimulates steroidogenesis in the gonads through a biological action similar to that of luteinizing hormone. It also possesses the characteristics of luteinizing hormone (LH) of the anterior pituitary gland, but with a more pronounced effect due to a longer half-life.

In bodybuilding, perhaps only one property of this gonadotropin is valued: increasing the secretion of sex hormones - specifically testosterone - by the testes.

Consequently, HCG is used not as an anabolic steroid for muscle gain, but as an adjunct to maintaining muscle mass gained during a steroid cycle, and as a key component during post-cycle therapy.