Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone produced during pregnancy and used in fertility treatments. It helps maintain pregnancy by keeping progesterone levels high and can cause ovulation when injected. HCG should not be used for weight loss, and misuse can cause side effects such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone produced during pregnancy and, in some rare cases, when certain cancers develop. In most cases, pregnancy tests look for the presence of this hormone. Initially, when a woman becomes pregnant, the fetus produces human chorionic gonadotropin, and later the placenta produces it.
For the pregnant woman, the production of HCG is vital for maintaining the pregnancy. Human chorionic gonadotropin keeps progesterone levels high, which keeps the lining of the uterus at a thickness that will help sustain life in the uterus. This lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, typically thins and deteriorates as progesterone levels drop when pregnancy is not present. In the presence of a growing fetus and HCG, the endometrium often remains to protect the developing fetus.
In addition to human chorionic gonadotropin’s benefits in helping maintain pregnancy, many use an injectable form of the drug to combat infertility. When HCG is injected, it can cause a woman to ovulate within a period of about two days. This can help increase the chances of pregnancy. It is common to use this hormone in injected form before trying in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, the drug must be dosed and controlled carefully because when used on women who are already pregnant, it can cause birth defects. Birth defects are not the result of HCG being created naturally by a fetus or placenta.
One unorthodox use of human chorionic gonadotropin is when people use steroids for bodybuilding. Because HCG can help produce testosterone, men can use it as a medication to prevent some side effects of long-term steroid use, such as testicular shrinkage. Using steroids to gain muscle mass has many risks and is not recommended.
Another persistent rumor about human chorionic gonadotropin is that it will help promote weight loss. It can be sold as a fabulous weight loss drug that will help the obese lose weight easily. There are a number of studies conducted by organizations such as the US National Institutes of Health that suggest that any claims related to weight loss are categorically false. HCG should not be used as a weight loss aid. It doesn’t work and there are health risks associated with its use.
Some side effects of injected HCG that are not life-threatening include headaches, weight gain, breast tenderness, fluid retention, and temporary mood swings or depression. More serious side effects include the development of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This can be life-threatening and causes symptoms such as very severe pelvic pain, diarrhea or nausea, swelling of the hands, legs, feet and stomach, shortness of breath, and low urine output. If you’re just starting HCG treatments and you develop these symptoms, contact your doctor right away.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
