HCG Side Effects Explained: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Tips
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hcg) is a natural hormone in the body during pregnancy.
It is similar to luteinizing hormone (LH), a hormone that is involved in the reproductive process in both males and females.
As a medicine, HCG injections are used for fertility treatments in women.
On the other hand, HCG also raises testosterone levels in males to aid the testes descend in males who have not yet reached puberty.
However, it is important to know that HCG also comes with a few side effects.
What are the Common Side Effects of HCG?
The common side effects of HCG get better with time as your body gets used to the medicine.
If you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen with time, see the doctor immediately.
Some common side effects of HCG injection include:
- Restlessness
- Headache
- Early puberty
- Irritability
- Depression
- Tiredness
- Fatigue
- Growth of breasts in males
- Edema
- Pain at the injection site
Explore the benefits of HCG injections for males.
What are the Serious side effects of HCG?
Along with its needed effects, HCG injection can also cause some unwanted side effects.
Not all side effects might occur, but you need immediate medical attention if they occur.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while using HCG injection:
For Females
- More common side effects
- Stomach or pelvic pain
- Bloating
Less common or rare side effects
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Feeling of indigestion
- Reduced amount of urine
- Trouble breathing
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Pelvic pain
- Rapid weight gain
- Swelling of feet or lower legs
- Severe stomach pain
Here’s how to pack and store HCG properly while you're on the move.
For Males
Less common side effects
- Acne
- Increase in height
- Enlargement of the male sexual organ and testes
- Growth of pubic hair
How to test for hcg levels: Check out our complete guide.
What are the least common side effects of HCG?
Some side effects of hcg that occur usually do not require medical attention.
These side effects often disappear during treatment as the body adjusts to the medicine.
Also, the doctor might suggest ways to prevent or reduce some side effects.
Seek medical help if any of the following side effects continue or become worse:
Less common side effects
- Headache
- Irritability
- Bleeding, burning, tingling, discolouration of skin, feeling of pressure, inflammation, or warmth at the injection site
- Lack of appetite
- Feeling sad or empty
- Discouragement
- Tiredness
- Problem sleeping
- Trouble in concentrating
- Loss of interest or pleasure
Discover the role of hcg in pregnancy and miscarriage.
How to manage the side effects of HCG injection?
You should immediately consult the doctor if you experience any unusual effects during the treatment with HCG medicine.
However, the doctor will monitor your treatment by conducting certain urine samples, ultrasound exams, and blood tests.
You should also take HCG injections under the supervision of a doctor to avoid the risk of experiencing unwanted side effects.
Following your doctor’s recommended dosage is important to prevent severe side effects.
Struggling to lose weight despite your best efforts? Discover how HCG could help with weight loss journey needs.
Summary
Therefore, the side effects of HCG can differ depending on the individual.
You should consult the doctor immediately if you experience any side effects during the treatment with HCG.
Are you worried how to inject HCG ar home - Read Step by Step guide for Injecting HCG
Common side effects of hcg include fatigue, depression, headaches, sleep issues, and water retention (oedema). In men, gynecomastia (enlarged breasts), a side effect, may appear due to the use of hcg.
Injected hcg can stay in the body for up to 10 days, especially during fertility treatments.
Avoid hcg if you're allergic to it, are pregnant, have prostate cancer, or if a child has entered puberty too early.
In rare cases like choriocarcinoma, high hCG levels can lead to kidney failure and false pregnancy test results in men. However, consider using it only under professinal advice.
hCG levels typically return to normal within 6 weeks after pregnancy loss or injection, depending on individual circumstances.
No, hCG is a hormone, not a steroid. It can stimulate testosterone but lacks the chemical structure of anabolic steroids.