What is the normal level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)?

The normal range of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) varies under different conditions.

For non-pregnant women and men, serum hCG levels are typically below 5 mIU/mL. During pregnancy, hCG levels rise significantly and increase with gestational age. Specifically, at 3 weeks of gestation, hCG levels are generally below 50 IU/L; at 4 weeks, below 400 IU/L; and at 7 weeks, they may reach 5,000 to 90,000 IU/L. As pregnancy progresses, hCG levels peak at around 10 weeks of gestation, typically ranging from 40,000 to 230,000 IU/L, and then gradually decline toward the end of pregnancy. It is important to note that there is considerable individual variation in hCG levels, which can be influenced by multiple factors. Conditions such as multiple pregnancies, ectopic pregnancies, and miscarriages can all lead to abnormal hCG levels. Therefore, when interpreting hCG results, clinicians should consider the patient's specific circumstances and integrate other diagnostic findings.

It should be noted that abnormally high or low hCG levels may be associated with various medical conditions. If concerned, timely medical consultation is advised.