HCG, better known as human chorionic gonadotropin, is a hormone that is essential for normal reproductive function. It is essentially produced by human placenta and is measured in blood or urine for diagnosis of pregnancy. HCG is also very structurally similar to another important regulatory hormone, the Luteinizing hormone, secreted by the pituitary gland. Pharmaceutical preparations of HCG are available for injection, and they are used in the treatment of a variety of conditions.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome
According to MayoClinic.com, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is a known potential complication of the use of HCG. It occurs because of the hyper-reactivity of the blood vessels on the ovary to the HCG injection. The blood vessels begin to dilate and leak fluid, causing the ovaries to swell and their capsules to be stretched causing abdominal discomfort or pain, depending on the extent of swelling. The patient may also suffer from nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. In case of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, blood collects in the abdomen, causing difficulty in breathing and sodium and potassium disturbances due to the internal accumulation of fluids. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome can cause kidney failure, increased risk of blood clotting and rupture of the enlarged ovarian follicles. All are potentially fatal conditions.
Precocious Puberty
Drugs.com states that young boys undergo HCG treatment for cryptorchidism, or undescended testes, anywhere between 4 and 9 years of age. Sometimes, these HCG injections can cause precocious puberty. The signs of this early puberty include deepening of voice, pubic and axillary hair growth and development of acne.
Pregnancy-Related Complications
HCG is a drug used for treatment of infertility that commonly causes multiple pregnancies, as asserted by Drugs.com. Multiple pregnancies are high-risk pregnancies associated with increased chances of abortion and other pregnancy complications. HCG can cause serious birth defects if consumed during pregnancy. HCG's use should be discontinued as soon as the patient becomes pregnant, since it is listed by the Food and Drug administration as category X or highly unsafe.
