What makes hcg work

As hCG stimulates the testicles to produce testosterone and sperm, the testicles grow in size over time. In a small study of older men with partial hypogonadism, hCG increased testosterone levels compared to a placebo control.

However, hCG had no effect on sexual function. In one study , men taking testosterone along with hCG were able to maintain testosterone production in the testicles. In a study , men taking testosterone along with hCG were able to maintain adequate sperm production. It can help restore sperm production as well. In rare cases, people taking hCG have developed blood clots. Although also rare, allergic reactions can occur, including mild skin rashes and severe anaphylactic reactions.

Several products are available that are marketed as over-the-counter OTC homeopathic hCG products for weight loss. Additionally, this extremely low calorie diet can be unsafe for many people.

Possible side effects of extremely restrictive diets include:. In men, it seems to have an important role as an alternative to testosterone for boosting testosterone levels and maintaining fertility. Some doctors are prescribing it in conjunction with testosterone products for testosterone deficiency to help maintain fertility and sexual function. It was first proposed as a possible weight loss treatment in the s, and since that time it has been used in small doses to enhance low-calorie diets and speed the weight loss process by breaking down nonessential fat deposits in the body.

Once injected, hCG communicates with the hypothalamus. As your body burns this stored fat, you begin to lose weight. A low-calorie diet enhances the fat-burning power of hCG shots and accelerates your weight loss journey.

Losing weight can be a long, challenging process. For most patients, the best way to achieve successful, long-lasting weight loss is with a combination of strategic weight-loss treatment and committed lifestyle change.

Once you are at a healthy weight, one of our doctors can recommend a long-term lifestyle plan that will maintain your results. While this treatment requires discipline, most patients report that the treatment process is simple and straightforward. Other than the change in your diet, this treatment requires no lifestyle changes. The hCG shots, which are administered daily for most patients, are virtually painless.

A typical treatment plan lasts just 8 weeks and can deliver dramatic results, including pounds lost per day for some patients. All in all, this treatment is one of the fastest ways to shed pounds. One of our experienced doctors will monitor your progress and ensure that you stay healthy and on track to reach your weight loss goals.

A diet of calories per day is designed to give your body the basic nutrition it needs while accelerating the weight loss process. One of our doctors will meet with you to personalize your entire treatment plan.

In general, our patients avoid sugar and eat two meals every day. The meals contain one of each of the following: protein, vegetable, bread, and fruit.

The portion size will be restricted to maintain the calorie limit. However, you can drink unlimited water, coffee, and tea while you are dieting. Since each patient is unique, treatment times may vary. One of our doctors will recommend a personalized treatment plan for you during your initial consultation. However, our average recommended treatment plan is 8 weeks. Once your treatment is complete, you do not need to maintain a calorie diet, which is not healthy for long-term dieting.

By Beth W. Reviewed: December 13, Medically Reviewed. According to the HCG diet website , here are a list of the approved foods: Some Fruits Limited oranges, strawberries , apples, and red grapefruit Nonstarchy Vegetables Lettuce, celery, cabbage, cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes Lean Meat Chicken breast, lean ground beef, shrimp, lobster, and white fish So what are some foods that are definitely off-limits in this plan? Most people buy the hormone pills on the internet or go to clinics that advertise HCG injections.

And, Weinandy says, you also have to worry about whether the injection is indeed what it claims to be, and that it is not harmful in the long term. Likely Weight Regain People are likely to put the weight back on as soon as they go off the diet , Gans says. Your choices usually include different ways of seasoning basic foods, like fish, chicken, turkey, or lean beef. Seasonings can add flavor and variety but no calories. Many of the HCG diet recipes are for single servings.

Long-Term Health Risks By following the diet for the recommended six to eight weeks, you put yourself at risk for a number of nutritional deficiencies , Weinandy says. You could also face electrolyte imbalances, an irregular heartbeat , gallstones , and more, not to mention the additional health risks mentioned earlier about the effects of manipulating your hormones.

Additional reporting by Stephanie Bucklin. It may feel tight. You may feel nothing at all from the needle, or you may feel a quick sting or pinch. You may feel anxious while you wait for results of an hCG test done to check the health of your baby. The human chorionic gonadotropin hCG test is done to measure the amount of the hormone hCG in blood or urine to see if a woman is pregnant.

HCG may also be measured to see if cancer of the ovaries or testicles is present. These numbers are just a guide. The range for "normal" varies from lab to lab. Your lab may have a different range. Your lab report should show what range your lab uses for "normal.

So a number that is outside the normal range here may still be normal for you. Author: Healthwise Staff. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

Updated visitor guidelines. Top of the page. HCG to detect pregnancy An egg is normally fertilized by a sperm cell in a fallopian tube. HCG blood tests The level of hCG in the blood is often used as part of a screening for birth defects in a maternal serum triple or quadruple screening test. Health Tools Health Tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health. Decision Points focus on key medical care decisions that are important to many health problems.

Find an ectopic pregnancy. Find and check the treatment of a molar pregnancy. See if there is a greater chance of birth defects such as Down syndrome. The test is done with other screening tests. Find and check on the treatment of a cancer that develops from an egg or sperm germ cell cancer , such as cancer of the ovaries or testicles.

In such cases, a test for alpha-fetoprotein may be done along with a test for hCG. How To Prepare If a blood sample is collected, you do not need to do anything before you have this test. Blood sample collection The health professional drawing blood will: Wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to stop the flow of blood. This makes the veins below the band larger so it is easier to put a needle into the vein. Clean the needle site with alcohol. Put the needle into the vein.

If the needle is not placed correctly or if the vein collapses, more than one needle stick may be needed. Attach a tube to the needle to fill it with blood. Remove the band from your arm when enough blood is collected. Put a gauze pad or cotton ball over the needle site as the needle is removed.