What Causes HCG Levels To rise If Not Pregnant?

HCG, or Human chorionic gonadotropin hormone, plays a crucial role in pregnancy. But high levels of this hormone can indicate certain health complications in anyone. 

There is a broad range of possible diagnoses for an elevated HCG or Human chorionic gonadotropin hormone in the absence of intrauterine or ectopic pregnancy. This article provides details on HCG, including what happens when levels rise and how doctors use the measurements to diagnose underlying health conditions. 

What is HCG?

HCG is a naturally occurring hormone present in both males and females, but is particularly associated with pregnancy in women because it plays an important role in pregnancy. HCG helps establish and maintain pregnancy; it triggers the body to secrete the progesterone hormone. Progesterone helps to promote the development of new blood vessels in the uterus. Also, the hormone helps smooth the muscles in the middle layer of the uterine wall, which is crucial for maintaining pregnancy. You may be familiar with HCG, as it is the hormone that pregnancy tests check for in the urine. A home pregnancy test can first detect levels of the HCG hormone that indicate pregnancy about 12 to 14 days after fertilisation. If you are not sure, you may also see your doctor. A doctor can check for pregnancy by ordering blood tests to measure HCG levels. Testing HCG levels in the bloodstream can help a doctor identify underlying health conditions, including certain cancers.

HCG Levels in Pregnant Women

HCG levels may vary from one pregnant woman to another. During the first eight weeks, HCG in the blood and urine usually double every 24 hours. Typically, levels peak around the tenth week and decline until sixteen weeks; they remain stable thereafter. 

High Levels of HCG in Pregnancy

As with low HCG levels, elevated HCG does not necessarily indicate a problem with the pregnancy. Some females have higher levels. A woman with elevated HCG levels could indicate twins or triplets; an ultrasound report can confirm this result. In some cases, higher than average levels of HCG may increase the risk of Down syndrome. Research studies indicate that higher HCG levels are associated with gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). GTD occurs during or after pregnancy; it causes abnormal cell growth in the uterus. A doctor may recommend removing the uterus. 

High Levels of HCG are unrelated to pregnancy.

Higher HCG levels can sometimes indicate an underlying health complication, such as

• Certain cancers, including stomach, liver, lung, breast, pancreas, skin, or liver
• Tumours of the ovary and testicles, which may be benign or malignant
• Stomach ulcers
• Cirrhosis
• Inflammatory bowel disease

According to a research study, men with reduced sperm count and problems associated with semen tend to have lower levels of HCG. Sometimes, doctors prescribe HCG to resolve hypogonadism symptoms, a condition in which the testes do not produce enough sperm, testosterone, or both. 

When to Take Medical Help?

Pregnant women experiencing vaginal bleeding or abdominal cramps should immediately seek medical help. 

Everyone needs medical attention if they:

• are having problems conceiving
• have blood in their vomit, urine, stool, or phlegm
• notice a lump in their breasts 
• have explained weight loss
• have a persistent cough that doesn’t resolve, chest
  pain, or breathlessness
• Notice changes in bowel movements
• observe skin changes, such as moles that change
  shapes or bleed

Conclusion

HCG is a hormone found in both men and women. The hormone plays an important role in pregnancy, during which the levels rise. High or low levels can indicate a problem during pregnancy, but this is not always the case. Sometimes, HCG levels increase even if you are pregnant. Elevated HCG levels sometimes indicate an underlying health condition that affects your overall health.

Human Chorionic gonadotropin is the hormone produced during pregnancy. It supports fetal growth. It helps confirm pregnancy by detecting hCG levels in the blood and urine. hCG helps form the placenta, which delivers nutrients and oxygen to the baby. hCG production starts just after implantation, and the level starts very low. But they increase rapidly in the early weeks of pregnancy. hCG is called the pregnancy hormone; its levels rise considerably during pregnancy, but one cannot rely on its count.

The low hCG level may represent a warning sign for the blighted ovum, possible miscarriage, or ectopic pregnancy. At the same time, elevated HCG levels could indicate multiple pregnancies. The reduced level can be worked upon.

What Causes Low hCG Levels?

hCG levels may vary if a woman does not have normal menstrual cycles and is not ovulating on day 14 of her cycle. A poorly estimated gestation age could also be the reason, meaning the pregnancy isn’t as far along as previously thought. Low hCG levels even after a few days of pregnancy could also mean that a miscarriage occurs. Low levels of hCG also mean the occurrence of ectopic pregnancy.

What if hCG Levels are High?

High hCG levels could mean twins or triplets, but this can also be a symptom of the gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). High hCG levels early in the pregnancy need an immediate follow-up appointment to determine the cause. High hCG levels can also be the reason behind hyperemesis gravidarum, a thyroid storm and vaginal bleeding, all of which are possible symptoms of GTD.

What is a Healthy hCG Level?

hCG levels vary among women, but doctors still use the measurement to indicate approximate gestation age. In a healthy pregnancy, hCG Injection levels will increase by 50 per cent every 48 hours, although they double every 48 hours. hCG levels generally peak at around ten weeks.

How to Increase hCG Levels?

It’s a myth that home remedies or foods can purportedly help raise your hCG levels. During a healthy pregnancy, hCG levels continue to rise on their own.

• This hormone continues to increase in the first trimester of pregnancy. All you need to do is take prenatal vitamins on time under your physician’s guidance.
• If your hCG levels are not up to the mark, then your doctor can prescribe you medication. Remember that the level of hCG is delicately balanced, so never try to increase it on your own. Don’t try any product without consulting your doctor.
• According to the doctors, when the hCG level reaches 1800 to 2000 mIU/ml, a gestation sac becomes visible in the uterus. The absence of the uterine sac could indicate tubal pregnancy. While diagnosing the HCG level is important, an ultrasound at the 5th or 6th week of pregnancy is a better predictor of a normal pregnancy. Sometimes hCG levels rise slowly, but it’s not alarming. Keep in touch with your doctor for proper guidance.
• Some fruits may help maintain a healthy lifestyle and may affect the release of hCG. Oranges, strawberries, apples, and red grapefruits help stimulate organs to maintain a healthy level. The hCG diet is a weight-loss plan that combines calorie-deficient diets with hCG injections.
• hCG injections are given in case levels are too low. The doctor will choose the right day and time to give you the injection based on the hormone levels.
• Sometimes, before pregnancy, doctors prescribe Clomiphene to increase the hCG levels in women to increase their fertility.
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for overall body development, so it is also essential during pregnancy.