The Hormone Behind Pregnancy Tests May Also Signal Cancer

Health Points

• Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone produced during pregnancy that’s detected by home pregnancy tests
• Elevated HCG levels in non-pregnant individuals can indicate certain types of cancer, including testicular and ovarian cancers
• HCG-based diet protocols are not FDA-approved and can pose serious health risks

Human chorionic gonadotropin, commonly known as HCG, plays a crucial role in pregnancy—but this hormone’s story extends far beyond positive pregnancy tests. Understanding what HCG does in the body, and what abnormal levels might mean, can help you make informed decisions about your health.

HCG is a hormone produced by cells that form the placenta after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. In early pregnancy, HCG levels double approximately every two to three days, supporting the developing pregnancy by signaling the ovaries to continue producing progesterone.

“HCG is what we call the ‘pregnancy hormone’ because its primary function is to maintain the corpus luteum during early pregnancy,” explains Dr. Jennifer Lang, an OB-GYN based in Los Angeles.

“This ensures adequate progesterone production until the placenta can take over that role.”

Home pregnancy tests work by detecting HCG in urine, while blood tests can measure precise hormone levels. These measurements help healthcare providers confirm pregnancy, estimate gestational age, and identify potential complications.

HCG levels typically peak between 8 and 11 weeks of pregnancy, then gradually decline for the remainder of the term.

While HCG is associated with pregnancy, the hormone can also appear in other medical contexts. Certain cancers produce HCG, making it a valuable tumor marker in diagnosis and monitoring.

Testicular cancer, ovarian germ cell tumors, and gestational trophoblastic disease can all elevate HCG levels in non-pregnant individuals. Healthcare providers may order HCG testing when investigating unexplained symptoms or monitoring cancer treatment effectiveness.

“We see elevated HCG in some cancers because these tumors contain cells similar to those that would normally produce the hormone during pregnancy,” notes Dr. Michael Chen, an oncologist at Memorial Regional Hospital.

“This makes HCG a useful biomarker for both diagnosis and tracking treatment response.”

The presence of HCG in men or non-pregnant women warrants immediate medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause.

Despite marketing claims, HCG injections or supplements for weight loss lack FDA approval and scientific support. The so-called HCG diet typically combines hormone supplementation with severe calorie restriction—often just 500 calories daily.

“Any weight loss on these protocols comes from extreme calorie restriction, not the hormone itself,” Dr. Lang emphasizes.

“Such severe restriction can lead to nutrient deficiencies, muscle loss, irregular heartbeat, and gallstone formation.”

The FDA has explicitly warned against HCG products marketed for weight loss, stating these products are illegal and potentially dangerous. Multiple studies have found no evidence that HCG increases weight loss beyond what calorie restriction alone achieves.

Health risks associated with very low-calorie diets include electrolyte imbalances, fatigue, hair loss, and in some cases, serious cardiac complications. These dangers are particularly concerning for adults over 40, who may have underlying health conditions that increase vulnerability to such stressors.

For individuals struggling with weight management, evidence-based approaches include balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, behavioral modifications, and when appropriate, medications or procedures approved specifically for weight loss under medical supervision.

If you’re experiencing unexplained symptoms or considering any hormone-based treatment, consultation with a qualified healthcare provider remains essential. Proper testing and professional guidance ensure that HCG levels—whether elevated, decreased, or normal—are interpreted correctly within your individual health context.

Understanding the legitimate medical uses of HCG, while recognizing unfounded claims, empowers you to make informed decisions about your healthcare as you navigate your 40s, 50s, and beyond.