Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin -HCG: Hormone, Purpose & Levels

Human chorionic gonadotropin, commonly known as HCG, is a hormone that is produced by the placenta during pregnancy. It plays a vital role in supporting the growth and development of the fetus. However, HCG is not limited to pregnancy alone; it can also be found in men and women who are not pregnant. The beta HCG hormone test is a blood or urine test that measures the levels of beta human chorionic gonadotropin hormone in a person’s body.

Purpose of HCG

HCG is produced by the placenta shortly after fertilization, and its primary function is to stimulate the production of progesterone in the ovary. Progesterone is essential for maintaining the pregnancy and supporting the growth and development of the fetus. HCG also helps in the development of the placenta and stimulates the production of estrogen, another hormone that plays a vital role in pregnancy.

HCG is also used in the medical field to treat infertility in men and women. In men, HCG is used to stimulate the production of testosterone and increase sperm count. In women, HCG is used in fertility treatments to stimulate ovulation and improve the chances of pregnancy.

Function of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Hormone

Its primary function is to support the development of the fetus and to maintain the hormonal balance necessary for pregnancy. The following are the functions of hCG hormone:

  • Stimulates the Production of Progesterone: hCG stimulates the production of progesterone by the corpus luteum, a temporary gland that forms after ovulation. Progesterone is essential for maintaining the endometrial lining of the uterus, which provides a suitable environment for the implantation and growth of the fertilized egg.
  • Promotes Fetal Development: hCG stimulates the production of estrogen and testosterone in the fetal gonads, which are essential for fetal development. hCG also helps to maintain the corpus luteum, which continues to produce progesterone until the placenta can take over its production.
  • Pregnancy Detection: hCG is the hormone that is commonly detected in pregnancy tests. The levels of hCG increase rapidly after implantation, and they can be measured in urine or blood to confirm pregnancy.
  • Suppresses the Mother’s Immune System: hCG plays a role in suppressing the mother’s immune system, preventing it from attacking the developing fetus, which is genetically distinct from the mother.
  • Induces Maternal Fat Breakdown: In some cases of extreme malnutrition, hCG can induce the breakdown of maternal fat stores to provide energy for the developing fetus.
  • Potential Use in Cancer Treatment: hCG has been used in the treatment of certain types of cancer, such as testicular cancer, because the cancer cells produce hCG. By targeting the hCG-producing cells with chemotherapy, the cancer can be effectively treated.

Why Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) Blood Test Performed?

Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone produced by the placenta after implantation. The HCG blood test is a diagnostic tool that measures the amount of HCG present in the blood. This test is often used in several clinical scenarios to determine pregnancy and monitor certain medical conditions.

Here are some of the common reasons why HCG blood test is performed:

Pregnancy Confirmation

  • The test can detect HCG as early as 10 days after conception.
  • HCG blood test is the most reliable way to confirm pregnancy, particularly in the early stages.
  • HCG levels typically double every 48 to 72 hours during early pregnancy, and the test can be used to monitor the progress of a pregnancy.

Ectopic Pregnancy

  • HCG blood test can help detect ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus.
  • In an ectopic pregnancy, HCG levels may be lower than expected, or they may rise more slowly than in a normal pregnancy.

Monitoring for Miscarriage or Fetal Demise

  • HCG blood test may be performed to diagnose a miscarriage.
  • If HCG levels are lower than expected or they stop rising, it may indicate that the pregnancy is no longer viable.

Gestational Trophoblastic Disease

  • In GTD, HCG levels may be abnormally high.
  • HCG blood test can be used to diagnose gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), a group of rare tumors that develop in the cells that would normally form the placenta during pregnancy.

Testicular cancer

  • In rare cases, HCG blood test may be used to diagnose testicular cancer.
  • Certain types of testicular cancer produce HCG, and the test can detect elevated levels of the hormone in the blood.

Pituitary Gland Disorders

  • HCG levels may be elevated in some cases of pituitary gland disorders.
  • HCG blood test may also be used to diagnose pituitary gland disorders, such as pituitary tumors.

HCG blood test is a versatile diagnostic tool that is used in many clinical scenarios, particularly to confirm pregnancy and diagnose various medical conditions.

Why is Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) Essential?

Here are some of the reasons why HCG is essential during pregnancy:–

Implantation and Early Pregnancy Support

  • HCG helps the fertilized egg implant in the uterine lining by stimulating the production of other hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.
  • It also supports the development of the placenta, which is responsible for providing nutrients and oxygen to the growing fetus.

Detection of Pregnancy

  • HCG is the hormone that is detected by pregnancy tests. The hormone is released into the bloodstream and urine shortly after the fertilized egg implants in the uterus.
  • The level of HCG in the bloodstream increases rapidly during early pregnancy and can be used to determine the duration of pregnancy.

Regulating Fetal Development

  • HCG plays a role in regulating fetal growth and development by stimulating the production of hormones that are essential for fetal development.
  • It also helps maintain the health of the fetus by supporting the production of progesterone, which helps prevent miscarriage and premature labor.

Supporting Maternal Health

  • HCG helps support maternal health during pregnancy by increasing the production of estrogen and progesterone, which help maintain the uterine lining and prevent miscarriage.
  • It also stimulates the production of testosterone, which can help alleviate some of the symptoms of pregnancy such as nausea and vomiting.

Medical Uses

  • HCG is used medically to treat infertility in both men and women. In men, it can help stimulate the production of testosterone, while in women, it can stimulate ovulation.
  • It is also used in certain medical conditions such as cryptorchidism, a condition in which the testes do not descend properly, and delayed puberty.

Types of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) Tests

Here are the different types of HCG tests:

Urine HCG Test

  • A urine sample is collected, and a dipstick or test strip is used to detect the presence of HCG.
  • The test is typically done in the morning when the concentration of HCG in the urine is highest.

Blood HCG Test

  • A blood sample is collected, and the HCG level is measured in the laboratory.
  • Blood HCG tests can be done in two types, qualitative and quantitative.

Qualitative Blood HCG Test

  • This test simply confirms the presence or absence of HCG in the blood.
  • It is often used to confirm pregnancy, but it cannot measure the exact amount of HCG present.

Quantitative Blood HCG Test

  • This test measures the exact amount of HCG present in the blood.
  • It can be used to monitor the progression of a pregnancy, as the HCG level typically increases during the first trimester.
  • It can also be used to detect ectopic pregnancies or molar pregnancies, which are abnormal pregnancies.

Saliva HCG Test

  • This is a less common type of HCG test that uses saliva instead of urine or blood.
  • The test is done by collecting a saliva sample and testing it for the presence of HCG.
  • Saliva HCG tests are not as reliable as urine or blood tests and are not commonly used.

Risk Associated with Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) Blood Test

The risk associated with the HCG blood test is very minimal. A person going for an HCG test may feel a small number of bruises where the needle was inserted. One can minimize this by applying pressure to the area for several minutes once the needle is removed. The following may also occur in some rare cases

  • Pain and Discomfort:– Like with any blood test, the HCG blood test can cause pain and discomfort, especially if the needle is inserted incorrectly or if the patient has sensitive veins.
  • Bleeding and Bruising:– There is a small risk of bleeding and bruising at the site where the needle was inserted.
  • Infection:- Although rare, there is a risk of infection at the site where the needle was inserted, especially if proper sterilization procedures were not followed.
  • False Positive Results:– In some cases, the HCG blood test can give a false positive result, which means that the test indicates a pregnancy when there is none. This can be caused by certain medications or medical conditions.
  • False Negative Results:– Similarly, the HCG blood test can also give a false negative result, which means that the test indicates no pregnancy when there is one. This can occur if the test is performed too early or if the HCG levels are too low to be detected.
  • Ectopic Pregnancy:- In rare cases, the HCG blood test can indicate a pregnancy when the fertilized egg has implanted outside of the uterus, which is known as an ectopic pregnancy. This is a serious medical condition that requires immediate treatment.
  • Multiple Gestations:– The HCG blood test can also detect multiple gestations, such as twins or triplets. While this is not necessarily a risk, it can come as a surprise to some patients and may require additional medical monitoring and care.

Side Effects of HCG

While HCG is generally considered safe when used under medical supervision, there are some potential side effects that can occur. Here are some of the possible side effects of HCG:

  • Injection Site Reactions: Some people may experience redness, pain, or swelling at the site where HCG is injected.
  • Headaches: Headaches are a common side effect of HCG, and may be caused by changes in hormone levels.
  • Mood Changes: HCG can affect mood and cause irritability, depression, or anxiety.
  • Fatigue: Some people may experience fatigue or tiredness while using HCG.
  • Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): OHSS is a rare but serious side effect of fertility treatments that use HCG. It occurs when the ovaries become swollen and painful, and can cause nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.
  • Blood Clots: There is a small risk of blood clots when using HCG, particularly when it is used in combination with other medications.
  • Breast Tenderness: HCG can cause breast tenderness or enlargement in some people.
  • Fluid Retention: HCG can cause fluid retention, which may lead to swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet.
  • Allergic Reactions: In rare cases, HCG can cause an allergic reaction. Symptoms may include hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

It is important to note that the risks and side effects of HCG may vary depending on the individual and the dose of HCG used. Anyone considering HCG for fertility or weight loss should discuss the potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider

Related Post:- IVF and Weight Gain- Does IVF Cause Weight Gain?

Uses of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. It has several medical uses, which are discussed below:

  • Fertility Treatments: HCG is commonly used in fertility treatments to induce ovulation in women who have trouble getting pregnant. HCG mimics the action of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the body, which stimulates the release of mature eggs from the ovaries. It is usually given in combination with other fertility drugs such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
  • Testosterone Production: In men, HCG can be used to stimulate testosterone production. HCG acts on the Leydig cells in the testes, which are responsible for producing testosterone. It can be used to treat low testosterone levels, which can cause a range of symptoms such as decreased sex drive, fatigue, and muscle weakness.
  • Weight Loss: HCG is sometimes used as a weight loss aid, although this use is controversial and not supported by scientific evidence. Some proponents of HCG weight loss claim that it can boost metabolism and reduce appetite. However, there is no evidence that HCG is effective for weight loss, and it may have dangerous side effects.
  • Cryptorchidism: HCG can be used to treat cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both testes fail to descend into the scrotum. HCG can help stimulate the production of testosterone, which can encourage the testes to move into the correct position.
  • Cancer: In some cases, HCG can be used as a tumor marker to monitor certain types of cancer. HCG is produced by some cancer cells, such as testicular cancer and ovarian cancer, and monitoring HCG levels can help doctors track the progress of the disease.
  • Bodybuilding: HCG is sometimes used by bodybuilders and athletes to enhance muscle growth and performance. However, this use is illegal and dangerous, as HCG can cause serious side effects such as blood clots, stroke, and heart attack. It is also a banned substance in many sports organizations.

Overall, HCG has several important medical uses, particularly in fertility treatments and testosterone production. However, its use for weight loss and bodybuilding is controversial and potentially dangerous. It is important to use HCG only under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) Hormone Levels

Gestational AgeNormal HCG Range
(mIU/mL)
3 weeks5-50
4 weeks5-426
5 weeks18-7,340
6 weeks1,080-56,500
7-8 weeks7,650-229,000
9-12 weeks25,700-288,000
13-16 weeks13,300-254,000
17-24 weeks4,060-165,400
25-30 weeks3,640-117,000

Normal HCG Levels in Pregnancy

  • HCG levels typically double every 48-72 hours in early pregnancy.
  • By the 11th week of pregnancy, HCG levels typically reach their peak and then begin to decline.
  • The normal range of HCG levels varies depending on the gestational age of the pregnancy and the laboratory that performs the test.
  • Generally, a single HCG measurement below 5 mIU/mL is considered not pregnant, while a level above 25 mIU/mL is considered pregnant.

Abnormal HCG Levels in Pregnancy

  • Low or slow-rising HCG levels can indicate a possible miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
  • High HCG levels can indicate a molar pregnancy or multiple gestation.
  • In rare cases, high HCG levels can be a sign of a tumor.

HCG Levels in Non-Pregnant Individuals

  • HCG levels can be elevated in non-pregnant individuals due to certain medical conditions, such as testicular cancer or ovarian tumors.
  • In some cases, HCG levels may be elevated due to medications that contain HCG, such as some fertility treatments.

HCG levels in IVF

In IVF, hCG levels are monitored closely to assess the success of the embryo transfer and determine whether the pregnancy is progressing normally. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

  • After the embryo transfer, hCG levels typically start to rise within a few days.
  • A blood test is usually done around 10-14 days after the transfer to check the hCG levels.
  • Normal hCG levels can vary widely, but generally, a level of 25 mIU/mL or higher is considered positive for pregnancy.
  • If the hCG levels are lower than expected, it may indicate a possible miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
  • If the hCG levels are higher than expected, it could be a sign of multiple pregnancies (e.g. twins or triplets).

Conclusion

HCG level is essential when you are taking your pregnancy test. Otherwise, pregnancy grows naturally. You don’t have to do anything to the HCG level. But in the case of fertility issues, the HCG level helps determine whether or not pregnancy is progressing naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The side effects of HCG include the following: –

  • headache
  • feeling restless or irritable
  • mild swelling or water weight gain
  • depression
  • feeling tired
  • breast tenderness or swelling
  • pain, irritation, or swelling where the injection is given.

HCG injections are the most effective and old method for taking Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG). It is taken by injecting the correct amount of HCG into the body’s fatty tissue and allowing it to be absorbed instantly into the bloodstream.

It is a new method to intake Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG). It is straightforward to use. These pills dissolve rapidly like any other, and no extra effort is needed.

Seek emergency medical attention if you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is not anticipated to create life-threatening symptoms.

If the woman has a history of multiple miscarriages in the past. Then in that situation doctor may suggest Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) shots to stimulate the release of eggs in the ovary. HCG hormone, along with another hormone, may help women in getting pregnant.

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