HCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin, is typically used to increase fertility in men and women or to induce maturation of young boys whose testicles have failed to drop to the scrotum appropriately. HCG has also been used in combination with a very low calorie diet to induce weight loss; however, there is no scientific evidence that HCG aids in weight loss since anyone on a 1,000 calorie diet would probably lose weight. Drugs.com indicates that HCG is typically prescribed as a subcutaneous injection. You should also be aware that injecting HCG during pregnancy might result in birth defects. The FDA has placed HCG treatment into category X indicating that taking HCG while pregnant may have severe complications for the fetus.
Swelling
Severe water retention is a possible side effect of HCG use, according to Drugs.com. If you notice any swelling in your limbs or face, you should discuss this with your doctor who can determine whether you need a diuretic. Most people experiencing this symptom are generally not affected enough to stop treatment. All swelling and water retention stops as soon as treatment stops.
Weight Gain
Even though many people use HCG to aid weight loss, Drugs.com and Drugwatch.com have reported that females tend to gain weight while taking HCG treatments. Generally, weight gain is a mild side effect for those seeking fertility treatments; however, if you are attempting to use HCG as a weight loss aid, you may want to discuss this side effect with your doctor.
Early Puberty
Giving HCG treatments to young boys may prompt early puberty, notes Drugs.com. If you notice any signs of early puberty occurring, such as a deepened voice, pubic hair growth and increased acne or sweating, you should stop treatment and contact your doctor.
Breast tenderness
Men and women may experience breast tenderness and swelling, notes DrugWatch.com. Although HCG will increase sperm production, many men may stop treatment if this side effect occurs. Women, however, tend to experience tenderness and swelling at similar levels as when they are menstruating.
Agitation
Both men and women are likely to feel increased irritability while taking HCG treatments, according to DrugWatch.com. Headaches and subsequent depression are also possible. Depression is a serious side effect of any treatment. You should always discuss any depression symptoms with your doctor to determine if you need additional treatment.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome
Some women report developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) after the first round of HCG treatment, notes Drugs.com. Typically, women produce one egg per menstrual cycle; however, women receiving HCG treatments are induced to release more than one egg at a time to increase fertility. This has the potential to overstimulate the ovaries, causing them to swell painfully and leak fluid into the chest or belly area. MedlinePlus indicates that certain conditions make the development of OHSS more likely; these conditions include being under age 35 and having high estrogen levels or polycystic ovarian syndrome. In addition to swelling, abdominal pain and weight gain, you may also experience decreased urine output and difficulty breathing. If you believe that you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should talk to your doctor. OHSS can be a life-threatening condition, and MedlinePlus indicates that approximately 10 percent of women experience OHSS after undergoing HCG treatment.
