Human chorionic gonadotropin, HCG for short, is a hormone used to sustain the placenta during pregnancy and regulate the menstrual cycle in females. The HCG diet involves daily injections of this hormone, which is meant to increase fat metabolism. The U.S. Federal Drug Administration warns that HCG has not been proven to have any link to weight loss or fat metabolism and may actually harbor serious side effects.
Headaches and Mood Swings
Hormones play a large role in mood regulation and modulation of the nervous system. HCG injections can stimulate mood fluctuations and depression in the user. The FDA warns that fatigue, which can complicate depression, is also associated with HCG use. The HCG diet can cause water retention and fluid imbalances, which can lead to headache and irritability.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation
In natural concentrations, HCG mimics the luteinizing hormone that regulates the female menstrual cycle and stimulates egg release from the ovaries. When extra doses of HCG are administered, the ovaries are hyperstimulated and can cause swelling, cysts and a potentially life-threatening situation called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Signs of this syndrome include pelvic pain, decreased urination and swelling.
Embolism
An embolism is a blood clot that can occlude or travel through the veins or arteries. Use of HCG is linked with the potential development of arterial thromboembolism, or blood clots moving through the arteries. Complications associated with this include clots in the lungs, stroke and arterial occlusion necessitation amputation of an extremity. Changing temperature of extremities, pain behind the knees or sudden development of a cough with bloody sputum require emergent medical attention as they could all reflect a blood clot.
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