Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone found in human embryos. It is an oligosaccharide glycoprotein composed of 244 amino acids. hCG is classified as a peptide hormone.
Secretion and Production
hCG is produced during pregnancy. Its role is to promote the maintenance of the corpus luteum by causing it to secrete progesterone. Progesterone enriches the uterus with a thick lining of blood vessels and capillaries so that it can sustain a growing fetus. It is also believed that hCG repels the immune system of the mother, protecting the fetus during the first trimester.
Pharmacological Uses
Pregnancy tests work by testing the urine for hCG. Because hCG is only present in pregnant women, the urine of pregnant women is collected in order to isolate and purify the hormone for synthetic use. hCG has many common uses as a drug:
Fertility Therapy
Ovulation can be triggered by the administration of hCG. Ovulation generally occurs approximately two days after the administration of hCG. Couples can choose to either attempt to fertilize the egg in that time period, or to have the egg extracted at about 36 hours after administration.
To Enhance Progesterone Production
If an obstetrician believes that progesterone levels in a fetus are low, hCG can be administered to enhance the fetus’ production of progesterone.
Spermatogenesis
In men, hCG is injected in order to stimulate the leydig cells to synthesize the testosterone that is necessary in spermatogenesis. hCG treatment is used in male patients for hypogonadism and fertility treatment.
Recreational
hCG is often commonly used in conjunction with steroids by bodybuilders and athletes. Steroids shut down a male’s production of testosterone, therefore causing testicular atrophy. hCG supplements help to restore and maintain testosterone production. Therefore, hCG is commonly use during and after steroid cycles to maintain and restore testosterone production as well as testicle size. is a hormone found in human embryos. It is an oligosaccharide glycoprotein composed of 244 amino acids. hCG is classified as a peptide hormone.
Secretion and Production
hCG is produced during pregnancy. Its role is to promote the maintenance of the corpus luteum by causing it to secrete progesterone. Progesterone enriches the uterus with a thick lining of blood vessels and capillaries so that it can sustain a growing fetus. It is also believed that hCG repels the immune system of the mother, protecting the fetus during the first trimester.
Pharmacological Uses
Pregnancy tests work by testing the urine for hCG. Because hCG is only present in pregnant women, the urine of pregnant women is collected in order to isolate and purify the hormone for synthetic use. hCG has many common uses as a drug:
Fertility Therapy
Ovulation can be triggered by the administration of hCG. Ovulation generally occurs approximately two days after the administration of hCG. Couples can choose to either attempt to fertilize the egg in that time period, or to have the egg extracted at about 36 hours after administration.
To Enhance Progesterone Production
If an obstetrician believes that progesterone levels in a fetus are low, hCG can be administered to enhance the fetus’ production of progesterone.
Spermatogenesis
In men, hCG is injected in order to stimulate the leydig cells to synthesize the testosterone that is necessary in spermatogenesis. hCG treatment is used in male patients for hypogonadism and fertility treatment.
Post Steroid Cycle Drug
hCG is often commonly used in conjunction with steroids by bodybuilders and athletes. Steroids shut down a male’s production of testosterone, therefore causing testicular atrophy. hCG supplements help to restore and maintain testosterone production. Therefore, hCG is commonly use during and after steroid cycles to maintain and restore testosterone production as well as testicle size.