What is human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) testing for?
Disease description:
I've been feeling nauseous and unwell lately. I suspect I might be pregnant, so I went for a check-up. The doctor asked me to have a human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) test. I would like to know, what does the human chorionic gonadotropin test check for?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhao Xiaodong
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced by placental cells and is primarily used in early pregnancy to detect pregnancy. Its levels begin to rise after implantation of the fertilized egg and increase rapidly during early pregnancy, making it a commonly used indicator in pregnancy testing. hCG levels in blood and urine can be used to confirm pregnancy and monitor the health of early pregnancy.
In addition, hCG levels may also be elevated in certain non-pregnant conditions, such as certain types of trophoblastic tumors, including hydatidiform mole, choriocarcinoma, or testicular cancer. Therefore, doctors may also use hCG testing to assist in diagnosing these diseases. In males, abnormally elevated hCG levels may indicate endocrine disorders or tumors. Regular monitoring of hCG levels is valuable for assessing treatment response and prognosis. If you have any concerns, please consult a healthcare provider.
