Is Human chorionic gonadotropin safe?
Label data and decades of use
In women, the main risk is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. The ovaries swell and fluid shifts into the abdomen. It is uncommon but can be severe. Multiple pregnancy is more likely after ovulation induction. In men, hCG can raise oestradiol along with testosterone. This can cause breast tenderness or gynecomastia. It may also cause acne, mood changes and fluid retention. Weight-loss protocols combine hCG with very-low-calorie diets. The FDA's concern there is the diet's risks: gallstones, electrolyte imbalance and heart rhythm problems. 321
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Citations
- Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2016: hCG for final oocyte maturation triggering in assisted reproduction doi.org
- FDA: questions and answers on hCG products for weight loss fda.gov
- Organon: Pregnyl (chorionic gonadotropin for injection) prescribing information organon.com
- Sexual Medicine Reviews 2021: efficacy of non-testosterone-based treatment in hypogonadal men, systematic review pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Habous 2018, BJU International: clomiphene citrate and hCG in hypogonadism, randomised study pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Reference information only, not medical advice. Drawn from the Human chorionic gonadotropin article, fact-checked against the cited sources. No dosing anywhere on this site.