by 
Human chorionic gonadotropin, commonly known as HCG, is a hormone that plays an important role during pregnancy. In this article, we will explore what HCG is, its functions, medical uses, and more.
What is HCG?
HCG, formally known as human chorionic gonadotropin, is a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. It is first produced right after the embryo implants into the uterine lining. HCG levels continue to rise throughout the first trimester of pregnancy and peak around weeks 9-11 before declining. The primary function of HCG is to support the corpus luteum in producing progesterone and maintaining the thickening of the uterine lining.
Functions of HCG
There are several key functions that HCG serves during early pregnancy:
– Signaling Pregnancy: One of the earliest signs of pregnancy occurs when HCG levels rise high enough to produce a positive result on pregnancy tests, usually around the time of the missed period.
– Maintaining the Corpus Luteum: The corpus luteum is formed after ovulation from the follicle that released the egg. HCG signals to the corpus luteum to continue producing progesterone, which thickens the uterine lining and sustains the early stages of pregnancy.
– Implantation Support: Progesterone helps create an optimal environment in the uterus for implantation by regulating the uterine lining. HCG supports this process by maintaining progesterone production.
– Nutrient Transport: As the placenta develops, HCG helps with the transport of nutrients from the mother’s bloodstream into the developing embryo. This is critical in the early weeks before the placenta is fully formed.
Medical Uses of HCG
Given its critical role in early pregnancy, HCG has several important diagnostic and therapeutic medical uses as well:
Pregnancy Testing
Pregnancy tests work by detecting minute amounts of HCG in a woman’s urine sample. Most home pregnancy tests can detect HCG levels as low as 25-50 mIU/mL, sometimes even lower.
Ovulation Induction
Injectable HCG is sometimes used in fertility treatments to trigger ovulation after Clomid or Letrozole is used to stimulate follicle development. The HCG “shot” causes the follicles to rupture and release mature eggs.
Weight Loss and Fad Diets
While not recommended or proven effective, some controversial weight loss plans use HCG injections along with a very low calorie diet, claiming it mobilizes fat stores. However, there is little evidence it has any impact beyond normal calorie reduction.
Cancer Screening
HCG blood tests are sometimes used during cancer screening and monitoring, as abnormal levels have been associated with certain cancers like ovarian germ cell tumors, trophoblastic diseases, and even some non-gestational tumors.
Precautions with HCG Use
While HCG plays an essential role in healthy early pregnancy, there are some important points to be aware of regarding HCG levels and use:
– Ectopic Pregnancy Risk: An abnormally high or rising HCG level could point to an ectopic or extrauterine pregnancy, a potentially life-threatening condition.
– Multiple Pregnancy: Higher than normal HCG levels may suggest the possibility of twins, triplets or more.
– Molar Pregnancy: Very elevated levels that double every 1-2 days could indicate a molar or abnormal pregnancy like a hydatidiform mole.
– Infertility Impact: Supraphysiologic HCG injections used improperly in weight loss regimens have been linked to negative fertility effects in some studies.
– Hormone Imbalance: HCG therapy may disrupt normal estrogen and progesterone balance if taken without medical guidance.
The Takeaway
In summary, HCG is a critical pregnancy hormone produced in the early stages that has both diagnostic and therapeutic uses. Close monitoring by medical professionals is important when using HCG to avoid potential health risks. More research continues to better understand its roles and applications. HCG testing remains an important part of women’s health and pregnancy.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
