Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. It helps thicken a person's uterine lining to support a growing embryo and tells the body to stop menstruation.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is produced during pregnancy. It can support pregnancy by allowing for the production of progesterone, which can help to prepare the lining of the uterus for implantation.
In men, hCG injections are FDA approved for a type of hypogonadism in which the body doesn’t adequately stimulate the gonads to produce the sex hormone testosterone.
In men, doctors prescribe hCG to help address the symptoms of hypogonadism, such as low testosterone and infertility. hCG can help the body increase its production of testosterone and sperm, which can help reduce infertility.
Testosterone deficiency is defined as testosterone blood levels less than 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) along with symptoms of low testosterone. These include:
fatigue
stress
a low sex drive
depressed mood
In men, hCG acts like luteinizing hormone (LH). LH stimulates Leydig cells in the testicles, which results in the production of testosterone.
hCG is sometimes used for weight loss. Several products are available that are marketed as over-the-counter (OTC) homeopathic hCG products for weight loss.
When used appropriately with the guidance of your doctor, hCG is safe.
It shouldn’t be used by men with prostate cancer, certain brain cancers, or uncontrolled thyroid disease.
