HCG stands for human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone that plays key roles in early pregnancy and certain medical treatments. In brief:
- In early pregnancy: hCG is produced by the developing placenta after implantation. It helps maintain the corpus luteum, which continues to produce progesterone to sustain the uterine lining and pregnancy until the placenta can take over progesterone production. It also supports implantation and may be involved in immune tolerance at the maternal-fetal interface.
- Clinical uses: Because hCG is similar to luteinizing hormone (LH), it can trigger ovulation in fertility treatments and support testosterone production in certain male infertility scenarios. It is used medically to induce ovulation and treat certain conditions in the testes (e.g., cryptorchidism) or low testosterone in men, under careful medical supervision.
- What hCG does in the body beyond pregnancy: hCG can influence cellular differentiation and proliferation in some contexts and is a useful marker in pregnancy testing and in monitoring early pregnancy viability. Abnormal hCG patterns can indicate certain pregnancy complications or, in non-pregnant contexts, potential hormone-secreting tumors.
- Other common mentions:
- Pregnancy tests detect the presence of hCG in urine or blood.
* Diets or weight-loss claims involving hCG are not supported by medical evidence and may pose risks; reputable sources advise caution and clarify that hCG-containing protocols are not proven effective for weight loss.
If you’d like, I can tailor this to a specific context (e.g., pregnancy, fertility treatment, or male infertility) and summarize the typical hCG levels or dosing considerations for that scenario.
