What is hCG?
Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone that is normally produced first by the cells that make up the placenta, then later by the placenta during pregnancy. Its primary function is to support the pregnancy by encouraging the production of progesterone. This supports and promotes the further development of the placenta early in pregnancy. HCG sees a rapid increase early in pregnancy, but tapers off slowly as the placenta can produce enough progesterone to support the pregnancy on its own. The hormone also serves in aiding in the development of gonads in the fetus and the production of androgens by the testes of a male fetus. Levels of HCG can first be detected approximately 11 days following conception, in a blood test. One to three days later, HCG can be detected with a urine test. Some highly sensitive tests can detect HCG as early as a week following ovulation. Normal home pregnancy tests are not able to detect HCG in the blood until at least 12 to 14 days after ovulation.
HCG, or Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, is a hormone that is naturally produced by the placenta during pregnancy. This hormone goes a long way toward controlling the metabolic functioning of the pregnant woman. In addition, it helps to prevent the deterioration of the corpus luteum in the ovary. As a result, the corpus luteum is able to continue producing the progesterone that is necessary during pregnancy. Since HCG is produced during pregnancy, medical professionals routinely check for elevated levels of HCG when testing for pregnancy. As a hormone that is associated with pregnancy, HCG is used to help treat women with fertility issues as well as other hormonal problems. In addition to the effects that HCG has on hormones, it has also gained a great deal of popularity as a dietary aid. In order to assist men and women with weight loss, HCG is injected into the dieter´s muscle on a regular basis.
HCG stands for human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone secreted by the cells that will become the placenta. Shortly after the embryo attaches to the wall of your uterus, your hCG levels will increase rapidly and continue to double every 2 to 3 days until they reach their peak around weeks 8-11 of your pregnancy. Home pregnancy tests are designed to detect hCG in your urine.
