Human chorionic gonadotropin, or HCG, is a hormone produced during pregnancy. It used to stimulate ovulation prior to egg implantation in women undergoing in vitro fertilization. In men, it stimulates sperm production, and in boys, it has been used to treat a birth defect in which the testes have failed to descend. The HCG diet, which consists of eating a no-fat diet of 500 kcal per day with daily intramuscular injections of HCG, has been publicized as a method to achieve significant weight loss since 1954.
Weight Loss
A review of 8 uncontrolled and 16 controlled human trials published in the September 1995 issue of the "British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology" concludes that there is no evidence that HCG promotes weight loss or acts as an appetite suppressant. No human studies have been conducted to determine the safety of HCG for obesity treatment, and it is not a weight loss drug that is recommended by the Food and Drug Administration.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome
A review in the "Journal of Experimental and Clinical Assisted Reproduction" reports that ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, or OHSS, is a rare complication in women undergoing infertility treatment. High concentrations of HCG and repeated HCG dosing are risk factors for OHSS. The symptoms of OHSS include severe pelvic pain, swelling of the extremities, difficulty breathing, diarrhea and nausea.
Male Side Effects
Injections of HCG increase testosterone levels in males and can cause gynecomastia, or breast enlargement, and early puberty in boys. High levels of testosterone have also been linked to changes in sex drive, aggressive behavior, acne and urination problems in males. HCG is used to induce the dropping of the testicles into the scrotum in boys. A study in the "Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism" reports that HCG short-term treatment caused heart abnormalities in boys treated for undescended testicles.
References
- "British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology"; The Effect of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) in the Treatment of Obesity by means of the Simeons Therapy: A Criteria-Based Meta-Analysis; G. K. Lijesen et al.; September 1995
- "Journal of Experimental and Clinical Assisted Reproduction"; Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome: Current Views on Pathophysiology, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Management; Michael M. Alper et al.; June 2009
- Pubmed.gov: "Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism"; Treatment with Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Induces Left Ventricular Mass in Cryptorchid Boys; O. Pirgon et al.; May 2009
