An hCG diet is a very low calorie plan that incorporates injections of human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG. This hormone was identified as a weight-loss aid in the 1950s by British endocrinologist, A.T.W. Simeons while he was working in India with obese young men. According to his observations, which are detailed in the book, "Pounds and Inches," Simeons says that hCG allows for the redistribution of fat in a more normal way. Because hCG impacts a woman's menstrual cycle, it is best avoided while you're menstruating.
About the Diet
The hCG protocol is a very-low-calorie diet consisting of only 500 calories a day. It's coupled with hormone injections that suppresses hunger and redistributes fat that the body reuses as fuel. HCG was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of infertility in women and hormonal irregularities in men. It has been associated with some very serious side effects, according to FDA spokesperson, Shelly Burgess, including blood clots, cardiovascular disorders and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, or OHSS.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation
HCG is a pregnancy hormone that is produced in the placenta. When injected into non-pregnant women, it stimulates the ovaries to increase egg production. If the ovaries become over-stimulated, it can result in swelling and fluid leakage into the belly and chest. PubMed Health reports that 10 percent of women who undergo fertility treatments develop OHSS. In 2003, an article in the journal, "Human Reproduction" reported that OHSS "almost always presents" after hCG administration. The chances of developing this serious and potentially life-threatening syndrome is less of a risk while on an hCG diet because of the difference in dose. Dieters are given 125 IU of hCG. For infertility, patients receive 5,000 to 10,000 IU.
Menstruation
HCG is not given to women during menstruation is because it can interfere with your cycle. Robert True, M.D. a cosmetic surgeon and gynecologist in Fort Worth, Texas, explains that the pregnancy hormone is capable of altering your cycle. It won't, however, interfere or interact with any birth control methods you're using. It will not impact your ability to become pregnant or increase your chances of pregnancy. While you're on the diet, Simeons warns that during menstruation when you're not receiving hCG injections, you may find yourself feeling extremely famished.
Amenorrhea
Amenorrhea is a condition characterized by the absence of your period or missing three periods in a row. It occurs naturally during pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause. It can also occur if you're underweight, if you exercise excessively, have a hormonal imbalance and when under mental stress. Extreme calorie restriction and malnutrition can also cause amenorrhea, according to Columbia University's health information website, Go Ask Alice. An hCG diet stresses your body by limiting calorie intake, it can lead to becoming underweight and hormone shots alter your hormone levels.
References
- Robert L. True M.D.; The Why's of the HCG Diet; Robert True; April 2009
- Human Reproduction"; Raoul Orvieto; 2003
- MayoClinic.com; Amenorrhea; May 2011
- PubMed Health: Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome; July 2009
- Go Ask Alice; Reduced Fat and Calorie Diets: How Low is Too Low?; April 2009
- HCG Diet Info: "Pounds & Inches" by A.T.W. Simeons
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