Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone naturally produced by the placenta during pregnancy. It shares structural similarities with luteinizing hormone (LH), involved in reproductive processes. Outside of pregnancy, doctors prescribe HCG for specific medical conditions. This article explores its recognized uses, regulatory status, common unapproved applications, and safety considerations.
HCG and Its Medical Applications
Doctors prescribe HCG for specific fertility treatments in women. It stimulates the final maturation and release of eggs from the ovary, a process known as ovulation induction, especially in women undergoing fertility therapies. HCG mimics the natural surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) that triggers ovulation, and is often administered alongside other fertility medications. HCG also supports the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone essential for maintaining the uterine lining and supporting early pregnancy.
In men, HCG addresses certain types of hypogonadism, a condition characterized by low testosterone production and potentially reduced sperm count. By stimulating the Leydig cells in the testes, HCG promotes the body’s own testosterone production and supports spermatogenesis. For men with testosterone deficiency who wish to maintain fertility, HCG can be an alternative or adjunct to direct testosterone therapy, as exogenous testosterone can sometimes suppress natural sperm production. HCG is also used in young boys when their testicles have not descended normally, a condition often linked to pituitary gland disorders.
Regulatory Oversight of HCG
HCG is a prescription-only drug in the United States, requiring a licensed medical professional. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved HCG for specific medical uses, primarily fertility treatment in women and hormone therapy in men. Approved HCG products are available only in injectable forms.
The regulatory landscape for HCG has changed, particularly concerning compounded versions. Since March 23, 2020, HCG was reclassified as a biologic product, impacting traditional compounding pharmacies’ ability to produce it. This reclassification has restricted compounded HCG availability, potentially increasing reliance on more expensive brand-name versions. The FDA maintains oversight to ensure HCG products are marketed and prescribed only for their approved indications.
HCG Uses Not Approved by Medical Authorities
Despite its legitimate medical applications, HCG is widely promoted for uses not approved by medical authorities, most notably for weight loss. Products marketed for weight loss often claim to contain HCG and are associated with extremely low-calorie diets, sometimes as low as 500 calories per day. These products frequently make unsubstantiated claims about resetting metabolism, altering eating patterns, or enabling rapid weight reduction.
The FDA and other medical authorities do not endorse HCG for weight loss, citing a lack of scientific evidence. Any weight loss observed with these regimens is attributed solely to severe caloric restriction, not HCG. The FDA has issued warnings against over-the-counter HCG products marketed for weight loss, noting they are unapproved and illegally marketed. Using HCG for weight loss is an off-label use that lacks scientific backing and carries health risks.
Safety Information and Side Effects
Using HCG, even for approved medical purposes, carries side effects and risks that necessitate medical supervision. Common side effects include headaches, irritability, fatigue, mild swelling or water retention, depression, and breast tenderness or swelling. Pain, swelling, or irritation at the injection site can also occur.
More serious complications exist, particularly for women undergoing fertility treatments. Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is a significant risk, characterized by severe pelvic pain, swelling of the hands or legs, stomach pain and swelling, shortness of breath, rapid weight gain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased urination. OHSS can be life-threatening and is more likely when high estrogen levels combine with an HCG trigger shot.
The increased risk of blood clots is another serious concern, manifesting as pain, warmth, redness, numbness, or tingling in a limb, or confusion, dizziness, or severe headache. Other risks include early puberty in young boys, an increased chance of multiple pregnancies, and severe allergic reactions.