hCG is produced naturally within a females body during pregnancy and aids in correct nourishment of the growing fetus.
Exogenous prescription hCG (hCG that is administered via an external source) also has several important roles in medicine and diagnostics.
We examine the medical uses of hCG and its delivery methods in this article.
Uses of Prescription hCG
Fertility (male and female)
In terms of fertility, hCG is not only important in pregnant women, it is also used as a treatment for boys with pituitary gland dysfunction and who, as a result, suffer from delayed genital development (hypogonadism).
Treatment of Chronic Pain
Prescription hCG is also used as an aid in the relief of chronic pain. It does not, in itself, relieve pain, but the presence of hCG receptors in the central nervous system allows it to be of benefit in regeneration of the central nervous system. It was found that many sufferers from chronic pain had accompanying low hormone levels and thus, using hCG is of benefit in its treatment.
Diagnosis of Certain Cancers
Some types of tumors also secrete hCG into the blood stream, making it a useful tumor marker in the early detection of cancer. Apart from playing a diagnostic role, the measurement of hCG levels can be of help in determining a patient’s response to treatment.
Weight Loss
In addition, there are numerous claims that the fat burning properties experienced by women during early pregnancy are also imparted to patients who are eager to lose weight. The FDA has, however, not approved hCG in this context as yet.
Controversial research conducted in the 1950’s resulted in the claim that hCG can help with weight loss and that it ensures the loss of fat rather than muscle when combined with a low calorie diet. There are also claims that it will reduce feelings of hunger in subjects following a low calorie diet. The debate still rages, with proponents of hCG as a weight loss aid finding themselves up against the might of the FDA.
Prescription hCG Delivery Methods
Injections
Most doctors prefer to prescribe hCG injections and although there is still controversy surrounding hCG as an aid to weight loss, there are several prominent doctors who have endorsed it. They emphasize that although hCG doesn’t make you lose weight, it will regulate how you lose weight if you combine it with a low calorie diet. Since the hCG diet is very low calorie indeed, it would be advisable to check with your doctor before embarking on the diet in combination with the injections.
Pills and Drops
Prescription hCG is also available as sublingual pills and oral drops. The use of these is subject to some debate since many experts purport that hCG is not well absorbed via the oral mucosa. Many companies have overcome this issue by increasing the quantity of hCG present in each pill or drop. The theory is that a higher dose taken orally will result in a similar amount of hCG being absorbed into the bloodstream as is experienced with hCG injections (which typically contain half the dose but ensure 100% absorption).
Subcutaneous Pellets
Another method applied by doctors is the insertion of pellets subcutaneously (under the skin). These pellets slowly release hCG into the bloodstream thereby avoiding the massive boost to hCG levels followed by a dramatic drop as seen in cases where injections are used.
Topical Cream
If all of this sounds rather invasive, you could try a cream that contains hCG. Although it sounds remarkable, certain medical doctors have theorized that absorption of hCG is improved when it is applied in a cream formulation and may even be as effective as hCG injections.
Nasal Spray
The nostrils contain many capillaries that are able to absorb substances through contact because they are so close to the surface. It therefore comes as no surprise that nasal sprays are an additional formulation that works in the administering of hCG.
Homeopathic pills and drops are less likely to be prescribed by a doctor. In fact, many practitioners contend that the concentrations of hCG in such products are too low to be effective despite numerous testimonials from satisfied users.
Resources:
- Article: FDA Removes Homeopathic HCG; Helps Legitimate Use In Pain Treatment
- Image Source: BabyCentre.co.uk