human chorionic gonadotropin

human chorionic gonadotropin

n. Abbr. HCG

See chorionic gonadotropin.

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Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

A hormone excreted during the development of an embryo or fetus.

Mentioned in: Ectopic Pregnancy, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Pregnancy Test, Pregnancy

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human chorionic gonadotropin.

See chorionic gonadotropin.

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gonadotropin [go´nah-do-tro″pin]

any hormone having a stimulating effect on the gonads. Two such hormones are secreted by the anterior pituitary gland: follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, both of which are active, but with differing effects, in the two sexes. Called also gonadotropic hormone.

chorionic gonadotropin (human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) (hCG))

1. a glycopeptide hormone that is produced by cells of the fetal placenta and maintains the function of the corpus luteum during the first few weeks of pregnancy. It is thought to promote steroidogenesis in the fetoplacental unit and to stimulate fetal testicular secretion of testosterone. It can be detected by immunoassay in the maternal urine within days after fertilization; this provides the basis for the most commonly used pregnancy test.

2. the same principle obtained from the urine of pregnant women, used in treatment of certain cases of cryptorchidism and male hypogonadism, to induce ovulation and pregnancy in certain infertile, anovulatory women, and to increase the numbers of oocytes for patients attempting conception using assisted reproductive technologies such as gamete intrafallopian transfer or in vitro fertilization; administered intramuscularly. See also choriogonadotropin alfa.

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human chorionic gonadotropin

See hCG.

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Patient discussion about human chorionic gonadotropin.

Q. Does a slow rise in HCG hormone during pregnancy a condition to worry? My wife is in second trimester of pregnancy and had a HCG test, which shows fewer levels as compared to previous results. Does a slow rise in HCG hormone during pregnancy a condition to worry?

A. When you have a hCG test in the start of pregnancy, the level of hCG in your blood must increase to double in 2-3 days. While the hCG doubling time will slow down from the mid of the first trimester and hCG level also begin to slowly reduce from 4th month onwards. Thus at this stage there is nothing to worry about, it is normal.