Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

Brand names: HCG, Simeons Diet, Simeons Therapy

Usage of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

The action of hCG is virtually identical to that of pituitary luteinizing hormone, although hCG appears to have a small degree of follicle-stimulating hormone activity as well. It stimulates production of gonadal steroid hormones by stimulating the testis to produce androgens and the corpus luteum of the ovary to produce progesterone.(hCG 2005) Approved indications for the use of hCG are prepubertal cryptorchidism, hypogonadism, and ovulation induction. However, hCG is commonly used as an ancillary substance by AAS users for its anabolic effects and for managing AAS withdrawal symptoms.(Sagoe 2015)

Anabolic steroid use

hCG has been identified in a systematic review as one of the 10 most common ancillary substances used by AAS users. Across a total of 17 studies (ie, interviews, questionnaires, cases) that included 1,258 AAS users, hCG was often used to supplement "stacking" during AAS "on cycles" in order to improve Testosterone production and enhance muscle/strength as well as prevent weight loss and testicular atrophy. Upon AAS cessation, hCG was used to minimize withdrawal symptoms such as depressive symptoms. Users included legal offenders, male and female weightlifters/bodybuilders, IV drug users, and footballers across a variety of settings (ie, police stations, gymnasiums, syringe exchange centers, online forums, prison, supplement shops, sports shops and associations).(Sagoe 2015)

Anti-inflammatory effects

Strong anti-inflammatory effects and reduced mortality have been demonstrated by an hCG beta-chain derived peptide (EA-230) in preclinical and clinical models of systemic inflammatory disease.(van Groenendael 2019)

In vitro fertilization

Adjunctive use of low-dose hCG (200 units/day) to a gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonist protocol in women undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection, failed to produce any significant difference in rates of pregnancy, fertilization, implantation, or ongoing pregnancy in a randomized controlled trial (n=137).(Aghahosseini 2014)

Obesity/weight loss

hCG has not been demonstrated to be effective adjunctive therapy in the treatment of obesity, and it is the position of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians that hCG cannot be recommended for weight loss.(4)

Clinical data

A meta-analysis of clinical trials conducted up to 1995 found no evidence of effect for hCG in weight loss, redistribution of fat, or sense of hunger or well-being, beyond that resulting from caloric restriction.(Lijesen 1995) There have been no published quality clinical trials since the meta-analysis, and no clinical trials have been published using either homeopathic drops or lozenges.(Hamilton 2004)

Recurrent spontaneous abortion

Clinical data

In a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating treatment for recurrent spontaneous abortion, subgroup analysis revealed hCG was not as effective as dydrogesterone. Dydrogesterone led to a higher pregnancy success rate than hCG alone (odds ratio [OR]=6.25; 95% cOnfidence interval [CI], 2.41 to 16.2; P=0.000; 2 studies, N=172) or when hCG was combined with progesterone (OR=5.87; 95% CI, 2.45 to 14.03; P=0.000; 3 studies, N=267). The dydrogesterone group also had significantly fewer adverse effects than those who received hCG alone or in combination with progesterone (P=0.000 for each). Heterogeneity was not significant among studies for any of these outcomes.(Guo 2021)

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin side effects

Known adverse reactions include arterial thromboembolism, CNS symptoms (eg, headache, irritability, restlessness, depression, fatigue, aggressive behavior), and genitourinary and hypersensitivity effects, as well as local effects from the injection (eg, pain, edema).(hCG 2005) A case of Mycobacterium cutaneous infection following suBCutaneous self-injection of hCG with syringes obtained from a private weight loss clinic was reported in a 51-year-old female with a history of hypogammaglobulinemia.(Neill 2017)

The transmission of hepatitis that was historically associated with the use of jet injectors in clinics was resolved by use of single-use disposable syringes.(Canter 1990, MMWR 1986)

Before taking Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

Category X. hCG is contraindicated in pregnant women.hCG 2005

It is not known whether chorionic gonadotropin is excreted in human milk.hCG 2005

How to use Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

Recommendations for dosing for indications other than those approved for hCG cannot be made as evidence to support efficacy is lacking. Trials used 125 units of hCG daily for 6 days out of 7 over a 6-week period for weight reduction.Lijesen 1995, Young 1976

Homeopathic forms of hCG do not contain sufficient quantities of the active ingredient, and the efficacy of the "energetic imprint" has not been substantiated.ASBP 2009

Bioavailability of the injection is greater with intravenous delivery than with subcutaneous delivery.Chan 2003

Warnings

Defects of forelimbs and the CNS, as well as alterations in sex ratio, have been reported in mice on combined gonadotropin and hCG regimens. The dose of gonadotropins used was intended to induce superovulation. No mutagenic effect has been clearly established in humans.hCG 2005

What other drugs will affect Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

None well documented.

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