HCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin, is produced naturally in the placenta. As a natural product or in its synthetic form, HCG increases production of male and female sex hormones and is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating fertility issues, delayed puberty in boys and undescended testes. HCG has also been sold as a weight-loss product without a prescription, a use that is not approved by the FDA. Like all drugs, HCG has side effects.
Cautions Before You Use HCG
Do not use HCG if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have an allergy to HCG or precocious or early puberty, says drugs.com. Tell your doctor if you have drug allergies, cancer, thyroid or adrenal gland disorder, ovarian cyst, uterine bleeding, liver or kidney disease, epilepsy, migraine headaches or asthma. If you have any of these conditions, you'll need tests to see if you can take HCG, or you may need a dose adjustment.
Basic Rules When Using HCG
Legal use of HCG requires a doctor's prescription. HCG is taken by injection. Your doctor or other health professional may inject you or teach you how to inject yourself. Follow your doctor's directions; do not take HCG more often, longer or in larger doses than directed. Mix and store your HCG as instructed. Have regular checkups while you're using HCG. If you miss a dose or become pregnant, call your doctor right away.
Effects of HCG in Women
HCG acts as a fertility agent by stimulating egg production. Overstimulation of the ovaries by HCG can increase the chance of a multiple pregnancy. Extreme or hyperstimulation of the ovaries can be life-threatening and is characterized by severe pelvic pain, swelling hands or legs, stomach pain and swelling, shortness of breath, weight gain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and urinating less than normal, according to Drugs.com. Injectable forms of HCG go by the brand names Novarel, Ovidrel and Pregnyl.
Effects of HCG in Males
HCG stimulates the production of testosterone and is used to treat delayed sexual development in young boys by bringing on puberty, to improve sperm production in men with low sperm count (oligospermia) and treat men or boys with undescended testes. According to the University of New South Wales Medicine, too much HCG can cause overproduction of testosterone and lead to breast enlargement (gynacomastia), severe acne, changes in mood, fluid retention (edema), hair loss and enlargement of the prostate.
Use of HCG for Weight Loss
There is no good evidence that HCG promotes weight loss. HCG diets typically pair HCG drops, pills or sprays with a 500- to 800-calorie-per-day diet. It is this drastically low caloric intake, rather than HCG, which leads to weight loss, says The Mayo Clinic. Rapid weight loss can lead to gallstone formation, headache, tiredness, irritability and breast enlargement in men. According to "USA Today," the FDA has determined that HCG weight loss promotions are "fraudulent and illegal."
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