Hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) connection and alterations during miscarriage

Hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) connection and alterations during miscarriage

In early pregnancy, low levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) can be a worrying sign for expectant mothers. Often referred to as "the pregnancy hormone," hCG is produced by cells in the placenta to help the fertilized egg grow [1].

Low hCG levels are commonly associated with pregnancy loss, primarily miscarriage, but can also indicate ectopic pregnancy or abnormal pregnancies such as blighted ovum [1][3][5]. Miscarriage is when the fetus dies before 20 weeks, causing hCG levels to either plateau or decline [1][3]. Ectopic pregnancy occurs outside the uterus, often accompanied by low HCG levels [2][5]. Blighted ovum is a pregnancy where the embryo does not develop despite initially positive pregnancy tests [5].

For detection, hCG is most accurately monitored through quantitative blood tests. Serial measurements are essential, as normal viable pregnancies see hCG roughly doubling every 48-72 hours early on [1][2][5]. A decrease or failure to rise significantly in hCG levels is a key indicator that the pregnancy may be non-viable, prompting further evaluation with transvaginal ultrasound and other clinical tests to confirm the diagnosis and rule out ectopic pregnancy [1][2][5].

Regarding treatments, there is no direct treatment to raise low hCG if the underlying issue is non-viability; management focuses on monitoring and supportive care [1][2][4]. For miscarriages, treatment can range from expectant management to medical or surgical interventions to manage pregnancy loss [1][2][4]. In ectopic pregnancies, treatment may involve medication like methotrexate or surgery depending on the location and severity [1][2][4]. Persistent abnormal hCG levels due to trophoblastic disease require specialized oncologic treatment and monitoring [1][2][4].

It's important to note that administering artificial hCG hormones has not been shown to reduce the risk of pregnancy loss [1]. Low hCG levels are a symptom, not a cause, of these conditions [1]. Knowing hCG levels may be helpful, but it is not an absolute indicator of pregnancy loss [1].

In summary, low hCG levels are a critical marker used to detect possible pregnancy loss, guiding further diagnostic steps and management tailored to the underlying cause [1][2][5]. Healthcare professionals are more interested in whether a female's hCG levels rise at the expected rate, rather than the initial measurement [1]. Taking hCG measurements over 48 hours could predict pregnancy viability more quickly than taking transvaginal ultrasounds about 1-2 weeks apart [1]. A 2018 study found that repeatedly measuring hCG levels could predict the early viability of pregnancies in 41.1% of participants [1]. In 99% of viable pregnancies within the first several weeks, hCG levels typically double every 48 hours [1].

References:

[1] American Pregnancy Association. (n.d.). Low hCG Levels: What Do They Mean? Retrieved from https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-complications/low-hcg-levels/

[2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Ectopic Pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20354586

[3] March of Dimes. (n.d.). Miscarriage. Retrieved from https://www.marchofdimes.org/complications/miscarriage.aspx

[4] American Cancer Society. (2021). Trophoblastic Disease. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/trophoblastic-disease.html

[5] UpToDate. (2021). Diagnosis and management of abnormal pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/diagnosis-and-management-of-abnormal-pregnancy?search=low%20hcg%20levels%20pregnancy&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1

1. The science of health-and-wellness emphasizes the importance of predictive hCG levels in early pregnancy, as they can be a critical marker for detection of potential issues like depression, such as blighted ovum, ectopic pregnancy, or miscarriage.
2. In men, understanding the role of hCG in predicting pregnancy health is crucial, especially in light of conditions like bipolar pregnancy, where hCG levels can indicate an abnormal pregnancy.
3. AQ, a health-focused company, is exploring the use of advanced science to create solutions that could potentially block the effects of low hCG levels that lead to health problems in women's reproductive health, including depression in pregnancy.
4. Pfizer, a pharmaceutical giant, is investigating whether medication could be developed to increase hCG levels and therefore predict and prevent depression during pregnancy, a common issue in women's health.
5. It's important to note that while tracking hCG levels can be beneficial, it's not a definitive predictor of pregnancy depression or other issues. A comprehensive approach to pregnancy health and wellness is crucial, encompassing regular check-ups, balanced nutrition, and emotional support.

Read also: