HCG Full Form, HCG Level, Functions, Role of HCG Level in Fertility

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HCG Full Form in English

The HCG full form in English is Human Chorionic Gonadotropin. HCG levels are found in the blood and is an important pregnancy hormone. There are two types of HCG namely, Alpha and Beta. Both of these are stored in the pituitary glands and work hand in hand during the ovulation period. HCG hormone also plays a good role in males as well during puberty.

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HCG Full Form in Hindi

The HCG Full Form in Hindi is ह्यूमन कोरियोनिक गोनाडोट्रोपिन है। इसे अक्सर गर्भावस्था हार्मोन के रूप में जाना जाता है और इसमें दो उपइकाइयाँ शामिल होती हैं: अल्फा और बीटा। अल्फा सबयूनिट कूप-उत्तेजक हार्मोन (एफएसएच) और ल्यूटिनाइजिंग हार्मोन (एलएच) नामक हार्मोन का एक अलग रूप है, जो पिट्यूटरी (मस्तिष्क में एक अंग) द्वारा निर्मित होता है। ओव्यूलेशन के समय डिम्बग्रंथि अंडे को विकसित करने और जारी करने के लिए एफएसएच और एलएच की आवश्यकता होती है। पुरुष और महिला दोनों प्रजनन क्षमता के लिए एफएसएच और एलएच पर निर्भर हैं; पुरुष शुक्राणु और टेस्टोस्टेरोन उत्पादन के लिए इन पोषक तत्वों पर निर्भर होते हैं, जबकि महिलाएं ओव्यूलेशन और अंडे के उत्पादन के लिए इन पोषक तत्वों पर निर्भर होती हैं।

HCG Full Form in Medical

The HCG full form in medical is Human Chorionic Gonadotropin. It is an important hormone that is produced in the body during pregnancy. The hormone first appears after the body conceives pregnancy. It is found in the body after 11 days of pregnancy. This triggers the placenta after which it starts producing HCG into blood and urine. Doctors assess the level of HCG in the blood to assess the development of pregnancy.

What is HCG Level?

HCG level refers to the amount of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) hormone present in the body. The levels are measured with the help of blood tests and urine tests. This level marks the beginning of the pregnancy and helps to trace the overall progress. The doctors assess the value of HCG levels from time to time to determine the viability of a pregnancy. During pregnancy, HCG levels increase rapidly, particularly in the early stages. In a healthy pregnancy, HCG levels generally double every 48 to 72 hours during the first few weeks. The HCG levels peak around 8 to 11 weeks before gradually declining.

How is HCG Produced in the Body?

HCG level is produced in the body during pregnancy. The process begins immediately after fertilisation. The placenta starts producing HCGs and the cells release it into the bloodstream from where it is circulated in the body. HCG levels increase rapidly during early pregnancy. It typically peaks around 8 to 11 weeks before gradually declining. HCG plays a vital role in sustaining the corpus luteum, ensuring the production of progesterone. This does not allow the body to terminate the pregnancy and supports the developing embryo.

Functions of HCG in the Human Body

The following are the major functions of HCG in the human body during the pregnancy period:

• HCG is produced by the placenta during pregnancy. It helps maintain the corpus luteum that produces progesterone. This is very important as it helps to sustain the uterine lining which prevents menstruation
• HCG is widely used as a marker to detect pregnancy. The patient can take a urine or blood test to determine its level. It can be detected by using both at-home kits and laboratory-based tests
• HCG plays a role in the development of fetal organs, including the lungs, kidneys, and gonads. It also stimulates the production of other hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone that are vital for proper fetal growth and development
• HCG stimulates the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone for males. It also supports the development of features like the growth of facial and body hair, the deepening of the voice, and the development of the reproductive system.
• HCG helps maintain the function of the adrenal glands. These glands produce hormones like cortisol and aldosterone which are essential for regulating metabolism and stress response.

Normal HCG Level in Body

The normal levels of HCG in men and premenopausal women range from 0.02 to 0.8 IU/L. However, these levels increase or decrease drastically if the female is pregnant. The doctor prescribes multiple testing of the HCG levels during pregnancy to ensure both mother and child are in great health. You can consider the following table to get a crux of the HCG level in the body.

How to Test HCG in the Body?

Health workers have prescribed a range of blood tests to measure the levels of the HCG hormone in the body. Presently, there are two types of blood tests that detect the level of HCG in the body.

Qualitative Blood Test

This test determines the presence and absence of HCG in the blood. The doctor prescribes the test to determine the presence of pregnancy and also confirm the presence or absence of HCG in the blood. A positive result indicates that HCG is present in the blood. Whereas, a negative result indicates no pregnancy.

Quantitative Blood Test

This test measures the exact amount of HCG in the blood. It is more sensitive and can provide precise information about the concentration of HCG. The test results are great for monitoring pregnancy and evaluating certain medical conditions.

Low HCG Levels' Effect on Body

Low HCG levels have a severe negative impact on the body especially if someone is trying for pregnancy or is already pregnant. The main function of HCG is to thicken the uterus walls to survive the pregnancy. Here are some major effects one gets to see with low HCG levels.

• Blighted ovum
• Miscarriage
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Miscalculation of last menstrual period

Indications of High HCG Levels on Body

High HCFG always means that there is a change in the size of the uterus due to pregnancy or any other medical complications. However, there are other reasons due to why this hormone is elevated inside the body.

• If the patient is pregnant with multiple babies like twins or triplets
• If the patient is carrying a molar pregnancy
• Abnormal growth in the uterus of the female
• Miscalculation of the last menstrual period

Role of HCG Level in Fertility

• HCG level affects the fertility level in both men and women. However, it has a better role to play in females. Those females who are looking for fertility options are prescribed HCG injections. These injections when administered in correct doses increase the chances of becoming pregnant.
• It works wonders when it is clubbed with IVF (in-vitro fertilization) or IUI (intrauterine insemination). The hormone incites the ovulation process and the body tends to produce more healthy eggs. This makes HCG a perfect cure for patients who have been suffering from infertility or face problems in conceiving.
• HCG works in a similar manner for male patients as well. The patients are administered it and HCG boosts the production of testosterone and sperm.

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