HCG is an abbreviation used for human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone that appears naturally during pregnancy. The presence of hCG in a woman's bloodstream helps doctors confirm a pregnancy or determine the age of a developing fetus. HCG is also used as a medication for female infertility, low sperm count and undescended testicles in young boys.
HCG and Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, your doctor can detect hCG in your bloodstream beginning approximately 11 days after conception, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Traces of hCG begin to show in your urine approximately 12 to 14 days after conception. As your pregnancy progresses, you will typically experience a doubling of your hCG levels every two to three days until hCG reaches its peak after two or three months. From this peak, your levels usually decline over time until your child is born.
Medical Use
You should not use hCG in medication form if you have prostate cancer or other hormone-related cancers, or if you have known hCG allergies, according to Drugs.com. Do not give hCG to a child experiencing precocious puberty, or early puberty. Before you consider using hCG, tell your doctor if you have other medication allergies or conditions such as kidney or heart disease, ovarian cysts, asthma, epilepsy, disorder of your thyroid or adrenal glands or migraine headaches. The presence of these conditions may affect the amount of hCG your doctor prescribes or may disqualify you from treatment altogether.
Side Effects
Drugs.com lists potential side effects of hCG use that include irritability, depression, headaches, water retention, pain or swelling at the injection site and swelling or tenderness of your breasts. Use of hCG can also trigger an allergic reaction, with potential symptoms that include breathing difficulties, hives and swelling in your throat, face, lips or tongue. If an allergic reaction occurs, discontinue hCG use and get medical attention immediately. In some cases, use of hCG can also promote the formation of a blood clot, with potential symptoms that include tingling or numbness in your leg or arm, severe headache, pain, severe dizziness and confusion. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of these symptoms.
Specific Risks
In some cases, women who take hCG can develop a potentially life-threatening condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, or OHSS, Drugs.com reports. Potential symptoms of OHSS include shortness of breath, abdominal pain or swelling, severe pain in your pelvis, weight gain, swelling in your legs or hands, decreased urine output, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these symptoms occur. When given to young boys, HCG can produce symptoms of early puberty, including growth of pubic hair, voice deepening and increases in acne or sweat output.
Considerations
Some people also attempt to use hCG as a weight loss aid, Discovery Health reports. The reason behind this usage is hCG's ability to reduce your hunger pangs. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved hCG as a diet aid, and when it is used in this manner it can contribute unwanted pregnancy.
