What is hCG?
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced mainly during pregnancy by the placenta.
- It can also be made in small amounts by the pituitary gland, testes, and certain tumors.
Functions in Humans
1. In Women (especially in pregnancy):
1. Supports early pregnancy:
- Maintains the corpus luteum in the ovary → keeps producing progesterone & estrogen until the placenta takes over.
- Progesterone stabilizes the uterine lining so the embryo can implant and grow.
2. Stimulates fetal gonadal development: Helps the fetus (especially male) produce sex hormones.
3. Pregnancy detection: hCG is the hormone measured in urine and blood pregnancy tests.
2. In Men:
1. Acts similar to luteinizing hormone (LH).
2. Stimulates testosterone production by the testes (Leydig cells).
3. Clinically, hCG injections can be used to treat:
- Hypogonadism (low testosterone)
- Cryptorchidism (undescended testes in boys)
- Certain fertility issues
3. In Medicine:
- Used in fertility treatments (to trigger ovulation in women, stimulate sperm production in men).
- Sometimes misused in weight-loss scams (but no scientific evidence supports hCG for fat burning).
- Can be a tumor marker (elevated in testicular cancer, choriocarcinoma, some ovarian cancers).
Side Effects of hCG (when given as a drug)
- Headache, irritability, restlessness
- Breast tenderness, water retention
- Risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in fertility treatments
- In men: acne, mood changes, gynecomastia (breast growth) due to increased estrogen from testosterone conversion
Summary:
hCG is essential in pregnancy to support the embryo and maintain hormone production. Outside of pregnancy, it can be used therapeutically in fertility and hormonal treatments, but must be used carefully due to potential side effects.
