Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, or HCG, is commonly referred to as the "pregnancy hormone" because elevated levels of HCG are present when a women conceives. Produced by the placenta, these higher levels of HCG are detectable 11 days after conception, and are what urine-based pregnancy tests use to calculate a positive result. In addition to pregnancy, there are other health-related factors that may cause HCG levels to be elevated.
HCG Supplementation
HCG is a hormone that plays an important role in the reproductive health of men and women. Supplementation of HCG has been approved by the FDA for the use of infertility and other medical purposes. While supplementation is used for infertility, continued use after conception takes place will increase the chance of birth defect. HCG has more recently been used for weight-loss in men and women, although it has not been approved by the FDA for this purpose. HCG supplementation will increase the hormone's level when tested.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy will increase levels of HCG in women. When levels of HCG exceed the norm, further testing must determine the specific cause. Multiple pregnancies will cause higher HCG levels, as will miscalculation of pregnancy dates as the standard baselines for HCG levels increase with gestational age. Other factors related to pregnancy that could cause HCG levels to rise include molar pregnancy caused by gestational trophoblastic disease, Down syndrome in the unborn embryo or fetus, and other birth defects.
Tumors
In men and non-pregnant women, high levels of HCG are sometimes associated with cancerous and non-cancerous tumor growth. Tumor growth that causes increased HCG usually occurs in the reproductive glands, like the testicles or ovaries, but can also be caused by other tumors in the abdomen.
