HCG Growth Hormone

Human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, is a type of growth hormone that is only present in the human body during pregnancy. HCG, from its name, indicates that it is a molecule that stimulates the gonads or sex organs. HCG is made by the placenta and plays a crucial role in supporting the fetus throughout the pregnancy.

Menstrual Cycle versus Pregnancy

The menstrual cycle is an indication for fertility and occurs roughly every 28 days. It involves the release of an egg into the womb; in most cases, especially when a female is not sexually active, the egg courses down to the womb unfertilized and incapable of implanting in the womb. In a sexually active female, the fertilization of the egg by the sperm usually results in the implantation of the zygote in the womb. Without implantation of the zygote, the thick inner layer of the womb collapses and results in menses. Upon implantation of the zygote, the placenta begins to produce hCG, which supports the thick inner layer of the womb with a rich blood supply that is beneficial to the fetus.

Pregnancy Test

The urine pregnancy test is designed to detect the presence of hCG in the urine. Some are more sensitive than others and therefore detect hCG earlier in the urine. HCG may also be tested in the blood but is usually done when the urine pregnancy test has failed to confirm pregnancy and there is reason to suspect a possible pregnancy. The concentration of hCG in the blood can be correlated with the expected size of the fetus and also the rate of growth. The size of the fetus can be monitored by ultrasound imaging.

High Blood hCG

HCG in a mother's blood can sometimes be higher than expected in relation to the size of the fetus. The most common reason for abnormally high blood hCG is dating error; sometimes the age of the fetus is measured incorrectly. Other causes of high blood hCG include multiple pregnancy and chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. In males, hCG supplementation results in elevation of testosterone that increases physical agility, strength and sex drive. The presence of hCG in the blood of a male may indicate the presence of testicular cancer. In a non-pregnant female, the reason for elevated hCG may be an underlying cancer of the ovaries, breast or lungs.

Low Blood hCG

Low blood hCG, only relevant in pregnancy, most commonly occurs as a result of inaccurate measurement of the fetal age. Other causes of low hCG include a possible misscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is the implantation of the zygote anywhere outside the womb; it is likely when the woman has history of chlamydia or gonorrheal infection.