There’s a reason the FDA has told consumers to steer clear of using HCG supplies for weight loss. There have been no studies done to prove the pregnancy hormone will help an individual drop weight. Companies that are promoting HCG to lose weight are breaking the law and can face serious fines. However, that’s not to say HCG does not have indications approved by the FDA. One of the approved uses of HCG is the administration during fertility treatments.
HCG is short for human chorionic gonadotropin and is a hormone produced during pregnancy. A single dose of HCG is typically given to infertile women in the final stages of their IVF cycles. At first, women will need help producing and growing mature egg follicles for reproductive procedures. During the first days of their cycles, they’ll be given gonadotropins such as Follistim and Menopur.

Mid-cycle, fertility medication protocols typically change to add in a drug such as Ganirelix Acetate. The purpose of this drug is to stop premature ovulation. If ovulation occurs too early, the IVF procedure is undermined and the eggs will not be ready for conception.

The HCG trigger shot will be given when you have stopped all other IVF medications. You’ll be given a very specific time to give the shot and it will be determined by ultrasound and blood-work. The doctor will measure your egg follicles and look at your hormone levels and let you know what time to give the medication. HCG shots are either administered subcutaneously or intra-muscularly.

Brand name medications of the HCG shot include Novarel and Pregnyl. It is a one-time injection and the dosage comes pre-measured to reduce the chance of patient error. After the HCG shot is given, a doctor will schedule a retrieval procedure for the egg follicles.
HCG is safe and effective when used properly as part of fertility treatments. Patients should only purchase HCG on the advisement of their physician and with a valid prescription.