Health Guide

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced naturally by the body during early pregnancy. It signals the body to metabolize fat for energy and maintains progesterone production. While it is a potent prescription medication used for fertility treatments, it has also gained attention in the alternative health community for weight loss protocols. However, it is **critical to understand** that hCG is **not found in fruits, vegetables, or any food source**. It is a complex biological compound that cannot be eaten; it must be administered via injection, drops, or sprays under medical supervision.

Evidence BasedDietary Supplement

VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

hCG Bioavailability by Route

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis

Effectiveness

Administration Type →

Health Benefits & Sources

Why It Is Used

Fertility Support: It is the gold standard for triggering ovulation in women and stimulating sperm production in men.
Hormonal Regulation: It helps maintain healthy testosterone levels in men (often used alongside TRT).
Weight Loss (Controversial): Historically claimed to help reset metabolism, though modern science suggests weight loss is strictly due to severe calorie restriction, not the hormone itself.

Deep Dive

hCG is a glycoprotein hormone. Think of it as a 'messenger' between the placenta and the mother's body. In fertility treatments, it mimics the body's natural signal to release an egg. For weight loss, the theory was that it mobilizes abnormal fat stores. However, major medical organizations, including the FDA, have stated there is no substantial evidence that hCG increases weight loss beyond that achieved by a very low-calorie diet. The risks usually outweigh the unproven benefits for this specific purpose.

Natural Food Sources

CRITICAL NOTE: There are no natural food sources of hCG. It is a protein hormone. If you ingest it (like in oral drops or pills), it is typically destroyed by stomach acids, making it ineffective unless injected. You cannot 'eat' this hormone.

Supplementation

Usage: Strictly prescription-only. Used via injection, intramuscular, or subcutaneous administration.
Dosage: Varies wildly based on the condition (e.g., 5,000 to 10,000 IU for ovulation trigger).
Who Should Take It: Only those under the care of a reproductive endocrinologist or a physician treating hypogonadism.

Top Food Sources

None

This hormone is not found in food.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Real hCG is a prescription drug. Over-the-counter 'hCG' for weight loss is usually just water or sugar pills.

The FDA and medical experts advise against it. The weight loss comes from a starvation diet (500 calories), which is dangerous without medical oversight.

No. hCG is a hormone made by the placenta. Diet cannot increase hCG levels in the body.

Most commonly via intramuscular or subcutaneous injection. Oral forms are generally considered ineffective because the stomach digests the protein.

Safety & Side Effects

Who should avoid it?

Pregnant women (unless prescribed).
Individuals with hormone-sensitive cancers (prostate, breast, ovarian).
Those with a history of blood clots or stroke.

Potential Side Effects:

For Women: Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), pelvic pain, bloating.
For Men: Gynecomastia (breast tissue growth), acne, irritability.
General: Headaches, depression, fatigue, and risk of blood clots.

Warning: Products sold as 'hCG drops' or 'hCG pills' for weight loss are often homeopathic and contain little to no actual hormone. Avoid them.

Scientific References

[1]FDA: HCG Diet Weight Loss Shots are Unproven and Dangerous
[2]Reproductive Medicine: 'The role of hCG in ovulation induction'
[3]Journal of Clinical Endocrinology: 'Efficacy of hCG in male hypogonadism'