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hcg 14000 at 18 weeks. What does a blood test for hCG show and how to prepare for the study
HCG is a hormone whose presence in the body of a woman of childbearing age indicates that she is pregnant. During the development of the fetus, its concentration changes. Based on these fluctuations, conclusions can be drawn whether the development of the fetus is normal or whether certain pathologies are present.
The hCG hormone is produced by the chorion (the outer shell of the embryo) after the embryo has successfully passed the stage of attachment to the uterine wall. The hormone contains alpha particles, which are more important in the process of diagnosing beta particles. Beta hCG has a special structure and helps track the status of pregnancy.
Women who want to know about the presence or absence of pregnancy are interested in the logical question of which day to take hCG, because this is the most reliable way to determine successful conception at the earliest stages. The hormone begins to be produced 5-6 days after fertilization, so an hCG test will help establish that a woman is expecting a baby 7-10 days after conception. Such efficiency is provided by a blood test.
This hormone is also found in urine. Here it begins to appear 14-16 days after fertilization. The concentration of hCG in the urine is 2 times lower than in the blood. Accordingly, even the highest quality laboratory urinalysis is not so effective.
Even less reliable are home test strips designed for self-confirmation of conception at home. They should be used 14-16 days after the intended fertilization. At earlier stages they are ineffective. But there is a category of supersensitive tests. They can be used 1-2 days after the delay of the expected menstruation.
Why is analysis necessary?
Having found out what it is, it is important to consider why a blood test for hCG is performed. First, it allows you to determine pregnancy. This issue has been described above. Secondly, it is important to regularly undergo this procedure for women who are carrying a child. The growth of hCG during pregnancy has a clear pattern, which allows you to diagnose whether the development of the fetus is normal.
Indicators of hCG, which do not correspond to the norm, make it possible to identify violations that occur during the pathological course of pregnancy. Unfavorable dynamics of hCG may indicate a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy (on the level and interpretation of hCG during ectopic pregnancy, read), chromosomal pathologies and other disorders. If they are detected at an early stage, the doctor may recommend termination of pregnancy to eliminate the risk of having an unhealthy baby.
For this reason, the level of concentration of human chorionic gonadotropin must be determined 1-1.5 months after conception. When diagnosing a high risk of developing pathology at later stages, the situation becomes more complicated.
Normal performance
The most rapid level of hCG during pregnancy increases in the 1st trimester, especially in the first weeks after conception. With normal development, a peak of its concentration is diagnosed at 10-12 weeks. Then comes the phase when the rate of production is reduced. If at 11-12 weeks after fertilization, hCG grows slowly, and then after 2-3 weeks its concentration decreases, this is normal. The entire period of the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, the hormone levels remain approximately the same.
So that you can understand how hCG grows in the absence of pathologies, below is a table of hCG by week of pregnancy.
The table shows the general indicators corresponding to the norm. They are not the only recognized standard. In different laboratories, these parameters may differ, therefore, it is necessary to evaluate your result according to the scale of the laboratory where the analysis was carried out.
In different laboratories, the result of hCG can be presented in different units of measurement - mU / ml, U / ml or mIU / ml. They all have the same meaning. Regardless of which designation is indicated, the concentration of the hormone does not change.
It must be borne in mind that the norms indicated in the table correspond to the gestational age, counted from ovulation (the moment of conception). When calculating them, the date of the last menstruation is not taken into account.
The norm of hCG in non-pregnant women is in the range of 0-5 mU / ml. If the results of the analysis show a level of 5-25 mU / ml, a second procedure is required. At this level, it is impossible to completely exclude the possibility that fertilization has occurred, as well as to refute this fact.
Hormone levels after IVF
It is extremely important that the level of hCG remains within the normal range after IVF. As a result of artificial insemination, the embryo often does not take root, so a low level of the hormone often indicates that conception did not occur or the pregnancy failed.
Table of hCG during IVF, showing the level of the hormone in the 1st month of embryo development.
With the further development of the fetus, the hCG rate after embryo transfer does not differ from the indicators presented in the table "hCG level by weeks of pregnancy" during natural conception. You can safely take into account its indicators.
Deviation from the norm
Sometimes hCG levels during pregnancy do not correspond to the norm. This may be a signal of the presence in the development of the fetus or of problems with the health of the woman. Consider the possible causes of deviation from the norm.
When hCG has dropped, this is a possible sign:
- , especially if the indicators are below the norm by more than 50%;
- fetal growth retardation;
- chromosomal pathologies, in particular the high probability that the child will suffer from;
- placental insufficiency;
- the death of a child, especially when it is diagnosed in the 2nd and 3rd trimester;
- gestation of the fetus;
- diabetes in an expectant mother.
A low concentration of hCG is always diagnosed during a missed pregnancy.
At first, it corresponds to the norm, and then it sharply decreases or remains unchanged, despite the fact that it should increase. The cause of such a complication can be chromosomal pathologies, infectious diseases of the mother and other disorders.
However, low hCG does not always indicate problems during pregnancy. Reduced concentration may be due to the fact that the doctor incorrectly determined the term of conception. Often this happens when a woman provides inaccurate information about the menstrual cycle, so it is not possible to correctly calculate the exact time of fertilization.
If elevated hCG is diagnosed, this may indicate the following:
- error in determining the timing of pregnancy;
- prolonged gestation;
- early toxicosis;
- presence (if an increase in hCG is diagnosed in the 2nd trimester, this may be a sign of Down syndrome in the fetus).
The concentration of hCG increases with twins, triplets, since the production of the hormone is carried out simultaneously by several placentas. At the initial stage of pregnancy, the concentration may be 3 times higher than the parameters indicated in the table.
In the future, the norms of hCG during multiple pregnancy are calculated as follows - the standard indicator for a singleton pregnancy is multiplied by the number of children a woman bears.
The presence of the hormone in the body in the absence of pregnancy
The presence of human chorionic gonadotropin is sometimes found in the body of men and non-pregnant women. The following reasons lead to this:
- diseases of the testicles in men, in particular, a malignant tumor of the testicles;
- neoplasms in the uterus, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract and other organs;
- cystic skid, chorioncarcinoma;
- an abortion was performed, from the moment of which less than a week has passed;
- the use of drugs containing human chorionic gonadotropin, such medications are prescribed to women at the stage of preparation for IVF.
The increased level of the hormone persists for 5-7 days after the miscarriage, as well as the normal birth of the child. But in a normal situation, it gradually decreases until it is below 5 mU / ml.
It is considered normal when the hormone is present in the body of women who have experienced menopause. After the final cessation of menstruation, its level may be 14 mU / ml. This should not cause anxiety. But for women of childbearing age, this concentration of the hormone is not normal. If the possibility of pregnancy is excluded, it is important to undergo a health diagnosis.
How to take an analysis?
The most reliable way to determine the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin and the level of its concentration in the body is to donate blood for hCG. An alternative option is a laboratory urinalysis, but its accuracy is 2 times lower. Another method that is only suitable for detecting pregnancy is to use a pregnancy test. To guarantee the most accurate result, it is advisable to carry it out 2-3 times.
Before going to the hospital, the laboratory for analysis, it is important to understand exactly how to donate blood for hCG.
This should be done on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning (before breakfast). When the material for research (blood, urine) can be donated only during the day, it is important not to eat for 4-6 hours before the procedure. During this period, you need to give up tea, coffee, juices. It is permissible to drink only pure water.
The day before the test, it is recommended to exclude or minimize the intensity of physical activity. It is better to cancel trips to the gym, jogging, aerobic exercises. During physical activity, hormones are released that can affect the objectivity of the result.
It is also necessary to exclude the use of medications, especially hormonal ones. If it is impossible to cancel their use, since they are prescribed by a doctor and require strict adherence to the intake schedule, it is imperative to warn the laboratory assistant which drug you are drinking and in what doses.
Venous blood is taken for analysis. If the laboratory conducts the study of the material on its own, then the result is available on the day of the analysis or the next day. It is ready after 3-4 hours. When the study is carried out in another laboratory, the result is presented in 3-12 days.
How are the results decoded?
If the issue is considered in general, then when the results of the analysis differ by 20% from the norm, the presence of a pathology in the process of fetal development is assumed. But each situation must be studied separately, taking into account the individual characteristics of the organism.
That is why the interpretation of the results should be carried out by a competent doctor. If necessary, he will prescribe a second analysis, which is carried out at intervals of 1-3 days. Only after receiving confirmation or refutation of questionable results, after conducting additional diagnostics, the doctor will be able to establish a diagnosis, and if necessary, prescribe adequate treatment.
If the analysis is performed to identify the risk of adverse fetal development, its results are issued in the form of screening. It displays the individual risk of developing pathology, presented in a frequency ratio. For example, the probability of development is 1:1600 (approximate numbers are indicated). This means that in a particular situation, the risk of developing this disease is 1 in 1600 cases.
The norm of hCG during pregnancy indicates with a high probability that as the fetus grows and develops, there are no complications that are diagnosed using this analysis. But if deviations are revealed as a result, do not panic. Consult a doctor who correctly interprets the result. A diagnosis confirming the presence of a pathology is established only when other diagnostic data are taken into account.
To get a truly objective result, it is important to choose a reliable clinic for testing. It can guarantee the accuracy of the study only if it has high-tech laboratory equipment and high professionalism of the staff. Make sure that the laboratory has all the necessary certificates and licenses that give the right to conduct a specific type of analysis.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is one of the most important indicators of the presence of pregnancy and its successful development.
Evaluation of the level of hCG helps to determine the presence of pregnancy in the early stages, when ultrasound is not yet informative.
Note:
1. HCG rates are given for the gestational age “from conception (ovulation)”, and not for the last menstrual period.
2. The above figures are not a standard! Each laboratory can set its own standards. When evaluating the results, it is advisable to rely on the standards of the laboratory where you were analyzed!
3. If you do not know your gestational age or the results of the tests do not match your calculations, take a look at our pregnancy Calendar. Maybe you just miscalculated it.
Why does the gestational age for hCG not match the doctor's calculations?
Please note that according to hCG, the gestational age is determined relative to the date of conception and reflects the age of the unborn child. The obstetric gestational age is calculated by the doctor relative to the date of the last menstruation and has no connection with the timing of conception.
Factors affecting the level of hCG
Increasing hCG levels in the absence of pregnancy:
- taking hormonal drugs (hCG);
- residual hCG levels from a previous pregnancy or after an abortion;
- chorioncarcinoma (chorioepithelioma), recurrence of chorioncarcinoma;
- hydatidiform drift, recurrence of hydatidiform drift;
- tumors of the testicles or ovaries, lungs, kidneys, uterus, etc.
Increasing hCG levels during pregnancy:
- multiple pregnancy (the result increases in proportion to the number of fetuses)
- prolonged pregnancy
- early toxicosis of pregnant women, preeclampsia;
- fetal chromosomal pathology (Down syndrome, serious fetal malformations, etc.);
- maternal diabetes;
- taking synthetic gestagens.
A decrease in the level of hCG during pregnancy - a mismatch with the gestational age, an extremely slow increase or no increase in concentration, a progressive decrease in the level, and more than 50% of the norm:
- discrepancy between the actual and expected gestational age
(possibly due to an irregular menstrual cycle) - the threat of interruption (the level of the hormone decreases by more than 50% of the norm);
- non-developing pregnancy;
- ectopic pregnancy;
- chronic placental insufficiency;
- prolongation of pregnancy;
- intrauterine fetal death (in 2-3 trimesters).
False negative results (non-detection of hCG during pregnancy):
- the test was taken too early;
- ectopic pregnancy.
In the body of each of us, there are many complex biochemical processes that are regulated by special substances - hormones. Most of them are the same in both sexes, the sexual ones are different, and during pregnancy new substances appear, including hCG, human chorionic gonadotropin.
Without hormones, it is impossible to imagine the correct metabolism, reactions to stress, adaptation to constantly changing environmental conditions. Pregnancy is a very special state of the female body, which places increased demands on its functioning and requires additional regulatory mechanisms. In the body of the expectant mother appears the hCG hormone produced by the tissues of the developing embryo and reflecting the normal course of pregnancy.
Chorionic gonadotropin is the most important substance that supports the growth of the fetus, it is the first to "notify" the expectant mother of her special condition. The pregnancy test is based on the appearance of hCG, so most women have heard of it in one way or another.
HCG is formed by the membranes of the fetus, so it cannot be detected outside of pregnancy. Its content determines the physiological or impaired development of the embryo, and the appearance in the body of a man or a non-pregnant woman indicates the development of a tumor.
Properties and role of hCG in the body
After the fusion of the spermatozoon and the egg, intensive reproduction of the embryo cells begins, and by the end of the first week it is ready to attach to the inner wall of the uterus. At this stage, the embryo is represented by only a small bubble, but the cells of its outer part (trophoblast) already intensively produce a hormone that ensures normal growth.
The trophoblast is fixed to the endometrium and is transformed into the chorion, which makes up the bulk of the placenta. Through the villous membrane, the connection between the blood flow of the mother and the fetus, metabolism, delivery of useful and removal of unnecessary metabolic products is carried out. Chorion secretes chorionic gonadotropin throughout pregnancy, which helps not only to develop the unborn baby, but also supports the "pregnant" state of the woman.
When pregnancy occurs, the main regulatory substance in a woman becomes progesterone, which at the very first stages of its development is formed by the corpus luteum of the ovary. HCG during pregnancy is needed to maintain the function of the corpus luteum and a constant increase in the concentration of progesterone, so it is not surprising that the corpus luteum in a pregnant woman does not disappear, as in a normal menstrual cycle.
The biological properties of hCG are similar to those of the luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormone, but the effect on the corpus luteum is significantly predominant. In addition, it is more active than the "ordinary" luteinizing hormone, which is formed in the second phase of the menstrual cycle, because pregnancy requires significant concentrations of progesterone.
According to the chemical structure, hCG is represented by two subunits - alpha and beta. The first completely coincides with that of the gonadotropic hormones LH and FSH, the second - beta - is unique, which explains both the peculiarity of the functions performed and the possibility of a qualitative analysis of hCG in the blood or urine.
The functions of hCG are:
- Maintenance of the corpus luteum and the formation of progesterone by it;
- Implementation of the correct implantation and formation of the chorionic membrane;
- An increase in the number of chorionic villi, their nutrition;
- Adaptation to the state of pregnancy.
The adaptation of a woman to a developing pregnancy is to increase the production of hormones of the adrenal cortex under the influence of hCG. Glucocorticoids provide immunosuppression - suppression of immune responses from the mother in relation to fetal tissues, because the embryo is half genetically alien. These functions are performed by hCG, while "ordinary" gonadotropic hormones are not able to enhance the work of the adrenal cortex.
With the introduction of preparations of chorionic gonadotropin to a woman, ovulation and the formation of a corpus luteum are stimulated, and the production of endogenous sex steroids increases. If hCG is administered to a man, then there is an increase in testosterone production and spermatogenesis is enhanced.
A blood test for hCG is used to determine the presence of pregnancy and to monitor its course. If you suspect a tumor of the gonads, it may also be necessary to determine the concentration of this hormone. HCG in the urine allows you to quickly and fairly reliably confirm the presence of pregnancy, so this method is applicable for express diagnosis.
Norm indicators
The level of hCG is determined by gender, duration of pregnancy, the presence of a tumor. In men and non-pregnant women, it is absent or does not exceed 5 mU / ml. During pregnancy, it appears about a week after conception, and its indicators are continuously increasing, reaching a maximum by the end of the first trimester.
If a pregnancy is suspected, it is possible to determine a negative hCG, the reason for which may be in a too early test or in an ectopic localization of the embryo.
The table of norms for weeks is used to control the level of hCG and timely detection of deviations. In the first or second week, it is 25-156 mU / ml, by the 6th week it can reach 151,000 mU / ml, the maximum hCG falls on the 11th week of gestation - up to 291,000 mU / ml.
Table: hCG norm for obstetric weeks
| Pregnancy, obstetric weeks | HCG level, honey / ml |
|---|---|
| Pregnancy is unlikely | 0-5 |
| Pregnancy is likely (1-2 weeks) | 5-25 |
| 3-4 weeks | 25-156 |
| 4-5 weeks | 101-4870 |
| 5-6 week | 1110-31500 |
| 6-7 week | 2560-82300 |
| 7-8 week | 23100-151000 |
| 8-9 weeks | 27300-233000 |
| 9-13 weeks | 20900-291000 |
| 13-18 weeks | 6140-103000 |
| 18-23 weeks | 4720-80100 |
| 23-41 weeks | 2700-78100 |
Thus, this hormone first increases, and from the second trimester it decreases slightly, since the need for it is highest at the time of formation of the placenta. The mature placenta from the second trimester of gestation itself forms the necessary amounts of progesterone and estrogen, so hCG gradually decreases, but it is still necessary for the nutritional role and stimulation of testosterone production by fetal tissues for the proper development of the gonads.
A blood test for hCG allows you to absolutely accurately confirm a short term pregnancy. In the urine, this substance appears one or two days later, and to determine it, any woman can use an express test purchased at a pharmacy. To obtain a reliable result and eliminate errors, it is recommended to use not one, but several test strips at once.
The level of hCG by day from conception is determined based on the average norm and the rate of growth of the hormone for a given period. So, in the first 2-5 weeks, the level of hCG doubles every day and a half. If the fetus is not one, then the concentration will increase in proportion to the number of embryos.
Table: approximate level of hCG by day from ovulation (conception)
| days after conception | The minimum level of hCG, honey / ml | The maximum level of hCG, honey / ml |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days | 2 | 10 |
| 8 days | 3 | 18 |
| 9 days | 5 | 21 |
| 10 days | 8 | 26 |
| 11 days | 11 | 45 |
| 12 days | 17 | 65 |
| 13 days | 22 | 105 |
| 14 days | 29 | 170 |
| 15 days | 39 | 270 |
| 16 days | 68 | 400 |
| 17 days | 120 | 580 |
| 18 days | 220 | 840 |
| 19 days | 370 | 1300 |
| 20 days | 520 | 2000 |
| 21 day | 750 | 3100 |
| 22 days | 1050 | 4900 |
| 23 days | 1400 | 6200 |
| 24 days | 1830 | 7800 |
| 25 days | 2400 | 9800 |
| 26 days | 4200 | 15600 |
| 27 days | 5400 | 19500 |
| 28 days | 7100 | 27300 |
| 29 days | 8800 | 33000 |
| 30 days | 10500 | 40000 |
| 31 days | 11500 | 60000 |
| 32 days | 12800 | 63000 |
| 33 days | 14000 | 68000 |
| 34 days | 15500 | 70000 |
| 35 days | 17000 | 74000 |
| 36 days | 19000 | 78000 |
| 37 days | 20500 | 83000 |
| 38 days | 22000 | 87000 |
| 39 days | 23000 | 93000 |
| 40 days | 25000 | 108000 |
| 41 days | 26500 | 117000 |
| 42 days | 28000 | 128000 |
In pathology, it is possible either to increase or decrease the amount of hCG required at a particular stage of pregnancy. An increase in this hormone may indicate the presence of diabetes, preeclampsia, or an incorrectly set gestational age. If a woman has had an abortion, and the concentration of hCG does not decrease, then this is a sign of pregnancy progression.
Low hCG or insufficient growth usually indicates a delay in fetal development, ectopic localization of the embryo, pathology of the placenta, and the threat of miscarriage.
When is hCG determination necessary?
It is necessary to determine the content of chorionic gonadotropin:
- To confirm the fact of pregnancy;
- In order to control its course;
- With probable complications from the fetus (malformations) or placental tissue;
- To control the quality of medical abortion;
- With amenorrhea of unknown origin;
- When diagnosing neoplasms that secrete hCG.
In men and non-pregnant women, the test for hCG is usually negative, in rare cases, trace amounts of it are possible, not exceeding 5 units per liter of blood. With an increase in the concentration of the hormone in a woman, it can be concluded that the onset of pregnancy, while the conception occurred at least 5-6 days ago. Then hCG continuously increases, its amount is compared with normal values for this period. To correctly decipher the data, you need to accurately calculate the time of conception.
The determination of hCG during pregnancy is included in the so-called triple test, which includes, in addition to hCG, indicators and estriol. A comprehensive assessment of deviations of these substances makes it possible to suspect possible violations on the part of the mother or the embryo.
In non-pregnant women and males, the need to determine hCG may arise in case of suspected neoplasia of the ovaries, testicles and other organs. Trophoblastic diseases (cystic drift, chorionepithelioma) are also accompanied by a change in the amount of hCG.
Blood sampling from a vein for hCG is usually taken in the morning, on an empty stomach. It does not require any preparation. When diagnosing pregnancy, in order to obtain more reliable results, it is better to donate blood as early as 4-5 days after a missed period. It is prescribed to pregnant women in the second trimester. If it is necessary to control the degree of increase in hCG in the first trimester of gestation, the analysis can be repeated every few days.
Deviations in the content of hCG
Any deviation from the data of the hCG table in a pregnant woman can be considered a sign of pathology both fetus and placental tissue, therefore, requires close attention and further examination.
hCG elevated
Exceeding the normal value of hCG is possible both during pregnancy and outside it. In pregnant women, elevated hCG may indicate:
- More than one developing embryo (hCG rises according to their number);
- Prolonged pregnancy;
- Stock ;
- at the expectant mother;
- Defects in the formation of the fetus;
- Taking hormonal drugs.
If a woman is not pregnant, or the analysis is taken from a man, and hCG is elevated, the reason for this may be:
- Medical abortion up to five days ago;
- Taking medications containing hCG;
- Growth of choriocarcinoma;
- Bubble skid;
- seminoma of the testis;
- Tumors of other localization - intestines, lungs, uterus.
It is known that during menopause, when there are jumps in hormone concentrations, an increase in the content of hCG in the blood is possible.. In elderly patients with kidney pathology requiring hemodialysis, hCG can significantly exceed the norm (up to 10 times). This is due to a violation of the natural excretion of the hormone from the body and its accumulation in the blood, while its production by different tissues remains at the physiological level.
HCG lowered
Pathology is evidenced not only by an increase, but also by a decrease in the concentration of chorionic gonadotropin. An insufficient amount of it causes a delay in the development of the organs and tissues of the unborn baby, negatively affects the maturation of the placenta, which means that blood flow, the exchange of nutrients and oxygen between the mother and fetus suffer. Intrauterine hypoxia can lead to serious deviations in the development of the embryo, so low hCG also requires increased attention to the patient.
A decrease in hCG production in a pregnant woman may indicate:
- Ectopic fixation of the embryo;
- Slowing down the development of the embryo;
- "Frozen" pregnancy or intrauterine death in the second or third trimesters;
- Threatening miscarriage;
- Placental insufficiency;
- Post-term pregnancy.
With an ectopic pregnancy, the embryo does not implant in the uterine mucosa, it develops in the fallopian tube, ovary, or even on the peritoneum. In these organs, there are no conditions for normal fixation of the embryo, the proper development of the trophoblast and chorion, so the level of hCG does not increase as it should be at a specific gestational age. The determination of hCG, along with ultrasound data, can serve as an important diagnostic criterion for ectopic pregnancy.
An increase in hCG in non-pregnant women and men indicates a likely tumor growth. If a neoplasm is detected and the patient is being treated, then the determination of hCG can help evaluate the effectiveness of therapy.
Human chorionic gonadotropin in pharmacology
Chorionic gonadotropin is not only an important diagnostic indicator. This hormone can be successfully used in the treatment of certain diseases, and athletes decide to take the drug to achieve better training results.
Medicines based on hCG are obtained by isolating the hormone from the urine of pregnant women, or with the help of special microorganisms. The most common pregnyl, horagon, profazi.
HCG, having a gonadotropic effect, stimulates ovulation, sperm maturation, improving their quality and quantity, increases the production of sex steroids, affects the formation of secondary sexual characteristics.
Indications for prescribing a drug based on hCG can be:
- Violation of menstrual function in women due to a decrease in the production of gonadotropic hormones;
- Infertility;
- Stimulation of the ovaries during the procedure of in vitro fertilization (IVF);
- The threat of termination of pregnancy;
- Violation of the development of the gonads in men (hypogonadism), pathology of spermatozoa.
Preparations based on hCG contraindicated with tumors of the gonads, decreased function of the thyroid gland and adrenal glands,. You can not take this hormone to nursing mothers, and special care should be taken when prescribing it to adolescents, people suffering from impaired kidney function.
Typically, hCG is administered intramuscularly, and the regimen, frequency and duration of treatment depend on the goals of treatment and the gender of the patient. To provoke ovulation or "superovulation" during IVF, the drug is administered once in a high dose (up to 10 thousand IU). With the threat of abortion, impaired sexual development in boys, hypogonadism, hCG is administered for 1-3 months, the dose is determined by the indications.
It's no secret that athletes are showing increased attention to various kinds of drugs that can improve training results. Using steroid hormones, it is possible to increase muscle mass and strength, however there are also side effects: decreased testosterone production, risk of testicular atrophy.
In order to reduce the side effects of steroids and “smooth out” the manifestations of the withdrawal syndrome, athletes use hCG preparations that increase the concentration of testosterone and prevent atrophic changes in the testicles. It is worth noting that hCG is not a panacea, it does not eliminate the loss of muscle mass and adverse reactions of taking steroids, but it allows you to somewhat reduce them and only “delay” the withdrawal syndrome.
Specialists are extremely negative about the use of hCG preparations by athletes, after all, metabolic disorders after taking steroid hormones can be even more aggravated. In addition, the risk of tumors under the influence of hormone therapy increases. It has been noted that testosterone levels may not increase, but excessive stimulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary system will result in adverse reactions.
Thus, athletes should not trust unverified information and the advice of their colleagues who have decided on such treatment. The action of hCG preparations in athletes, and even more so against the background of steroid therapy, has not been fully studied, so there is no reason to assert that it is effective and, most importantly, safe. No competent specialist will prescribe hormonal drugs without medical evidence.
Video: hCG and other components of perinatal screening for pregnant women
HCG is a unique hormone. It not only allows you to determine a successful conception when other methods are still uninformative, but also helps to track the progress of pregnancy. Each stage of gestation has its own hormone norm, but the indicator may deviate. Often deviations occur in a big way. What does elevated hCG during pregnancy indicate? Why is it important not to ignore abnormal test results? A woman expecting a baby needs to know everything about the “pregnancy hormone”. This will help not to miss the disturbing "calls" and at the same time drive away empty fears.
A healthy diet is the key to good health
HCG is a specific hormone familiar to all women who are in an “interesting position”. An analysis of the concentration of a substance is mandatory for pregnant women. The chemical composition of the hormone is a glycoprotein. It consists of alpha and beta subunits. Beta-hCG allows you to determine pregnancy and track its course.
The production of human chorionic gonadotropin begins only after successful conception. An exception is cases of cancer, when hCG is found in the blood of non-pregnant women and even in the blood of men. However, this is a pathological phenomenon, while the presence of a hormone in pregnant women is the norm.
HCG is produced by the fetal membrane. The production of the hormone begins immediately after the implantation of the fetal egg. By the presence of hCG, you can determine whether conception occurred in this cycle. The detection of a hormone in the blood indicates an "interesting situation" when other methods of determination are still unable to say anything. Test strips also react to hCG. However, an informative amount of the hormone in the urine occurs later than in the blood.
The functional significance of the hormone
The "pregnancy hormone" plays a key role in the successful bearing and development of the fetus. At the beginning of the term, it is important that the concentration of hCG increases. This is necessary for the preservation and normal development of pregnancy. Gonadotropin is responsible for:
- functioning of the corpus luteum;
- the production of important hormones - progesterone, estrogen;
- lack of menstruation;
- protection of embryonic cells from attacks by female immunity (a decrease in immune functions prevents rejection of the fetus).
Young mother and newborn baby
After laying the organs, the hormone ensures the proper functioning of the gonads and adrenal glands of the baby in the prenatal period. If the egg was fertilized by a Y-sperm, then hCG promotes the synthesis of testosterone. Due to this, the formation of the fetus according to the male type occurs.
Although hCG should rise before the 11th week, its excessive concentration in the blood is not a good sign. The hormone is a marker of fetal genetic diseases: a significant increase increases the likelihood of detecting chromosomal disorders in the baby. High levels may indicate pregnancy complications.
If at first an analysis for hCG is taken to confirm the guesswork about successful conception, then it becomes an integral part of trimester screenings.
How to pass the analysis correctly
In order for the analysis for hCG to show a reliable result, you need to know some of the nuances. How to take the analysis? To determine pregnancy, you can visit the laboratory starting from the third day of a missed period or on the tenth to fourteenth day from the date of the alleged conception. If the analysis is done earlier, then its accuracy remains in doubt, a control test will be required. It is possible to identify the pathology of pregnancy or confirm its normal course only by tracking hCG in dynamics. If the initial analysis showed any deviations from the norm, then the venous blood will have to be taken again.
Hormone analysis is part of the screening: it is done at 10 - 14, and then at 16 - 17 weeks. It may be necessary to repeat the analysis several times: it all depends on the specific case and specific results.
The expectant mother needs to remember the following rules:
- An analysis for hCG is taken on an empty stomach. The optimal time is morning. If you manage to get to the laboratory only during the day, then you cannot eat six hours before the appointed time.
- The day before the blood test, you need to give up physical activity.
- When taking hormonal drugs, it is difficult to get a normal result. Medications shift the level of hormones in one direction, often in a large one. You should inform your doctor in advance about taking such drugs.
Compliance with all the nuances allows us to talk about the information content of the analysis, the reliability of the results. However, the possibility of error cannot be completely ruled out, especially if the analysis is primary. Sometimes an incorrect result is due to untimely diagnosis: this happens if a mistake was made in determining the term and the wrong values \u200b\u200bare taken as the basis.
Norms
The first weeks after implantation are characterized by the rapid growth of the “pregnancy hormone”. Its level doubles every two days. The presence of such an indicator allows you to determine pregnancy at an extremely early date. By the 11th week, the concentration of the hormone reaches a peak. Then there is a decline. By the 20th week, the peak value may be reduced by half. Since then, the level has stabilized.
The rates for each period are presented in the table:
| high hcg during pregnancy | Hormone (unit - honey / ml) |
|---|---|
| 1 - 2nd | from 25 to 156 |
| 2 - 3rd | from 101 to 4870 |
| 3 - 4th | from 1110 to 31500 |
| 4 - 5th | from 2560 to 82300 |
| 5 - 6th | from 23100 to 151000 |
| 6 - 7th | from 27300 to 233000 |
| 7 - 11th | from 20900 to 291000 |
| 11 - 16th | from 6140 to 103000 |
| 16th - 21st | from 4720 to 80100 |
| 21 - 39th | from 2700 to 78100 |
Sometimes, towards the end of the term, a second peak in the concentration of the hormone is recorded. The jump was previously considered a variant of the norm. Now it has been proven that the next peak can be the norm, or it can indicate a pathology - placental insufficiency. Upon receipt of such a result, additional studies are indicated.
When comparing the results of your own analysis with table values, it is important not to jump to conclusions. A particular laboratory may use other units of measurement. Usually, in laboratory diagnostics, the week is determined from conception, and not from the last menstruation. Confusion over these concepts can cause the mom-to-be to panic when she sees her results. Decoding should take place where the analysis was carried out. Only a doctor can give a correct interpretation of the results.
Sometimes values that do not fall within the normal range are considered acceptable. It depends on the individual characteristics of the organism, the nuances of bearing.
IVF hormone levels
With artificial insemination, the norms of the hormone are similar to those during conception in a natural way. After IVF, tracking hCG growth is extremely important. In this way, a successful implantation can be determined, which will allow you to continue supporting the pregnancy. If the growth of the hormone is not observed, then the support is canceled, and after the restoration of the body, a new protocol is started.
The IVF procedure has helped many to find the joy of motherhood
With IVF, the natural mechanisms of conception are violated. Because of this, the results of hCG analysis often go beyond the normal range. In each case, the doctor should be involved in determining the risks. Elevated hormone levels after IVF are not uncommon. The procedure involves the transfer of multiple embryos. Often two take root, as a result of which the results of the analysis show a doubling of the norm. With such values, the probability of multiple pregnancy is checked. If multiple pregnancy is not confirmed, they look for a reason related to the woman's health.
HCG analysis can be done on the tenth - fourteenth day after embryo replanting. The exact time of the test is determined by the doctor. It depends on many factors. For example, it is important to consider how many days the embryo spent in the test tube.
It is necessary to monitor hCG in dynamics after IVF before delivery. After the procedure, there is a high probability of self-abortion (this will be indicated by low hormone levels), the development of fetal pathologies (high level).
Overestimated indicators: reasons
Elevated levels of the hormone require additional research to help understand why the deviation from the norm occurred. The reasons for high hCG during pregnancy can be different. The most harmless is multiple pregnancy. With the implantation of several embryos, the level of the hormone increases many times over in comparison with the norm. The increase is proportional to the number of fruits. Upon receipt of twice the overestimated results, pregnancy is checked for multiple pregnancy. If the guesses are not confirmed, they look for other reasons for the deviation from the norm. HCG can increase with:
- early and late toxicosis;
- gestational diabetes;
- trophoblastic tumors in a pregnant woman;
- malformations of the baby;
- chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus;
- taking gestagens.
Sometimes an elevated hormone content is classified as pathological, although in reality it fits within the normal range. The reason for this may lie in the incorrect definition of the term.
HCG as a marker of fetal abnormalities
Prenatal screening is an important part of pregnancy management. With its help, you can identify a number of anomalies in utero. Screening methods also include hCG analysis. The hormone is a marker of fetal abnormalities. Focusing on the results of a laboratory study, it is possible to diagnose serious abnormalities in the fetus before the middle of the term.
An elevated level of hCG often indicates the presence of genetic abnormalities in the baby. Chromosomal abnormalities are indicated by a twofold increase in the concentration of the hormone in comparison with the norm. A high level is observed when:
- down syndrome;
- Edwards syndrome;
- Patau syndrome;
- Turner syndrome;
- serious heart defects;
- severe neural tube anomalies.
A high level of hCG, detected during the first screening, indicates the likelihood of fetal pathologies. The doctor assesses the risks and prescribes additional examinations. Only then can an accurate diagnosis be made. To rule out errors, genetics is involved.
Intrauterine identification of gene mutations is possible only by applying invasive diagnostic methods. This is associated with certain risks, but if there is a high probability of chromosomal abnormalities, then the chance to make a correct diagnosis should not be missed. So the family can objectively assess the situation and make a decision regarding pregnancy.
When the pregnancy is multiple, screening is difficult. The hormone level is too high due to the development of several fetuses. It is problematic to calculate in which coefficient gonadotropin should increase with multiple pregnancy, and in which with an anomaly.
Trophoblast pathologies
An increased concentration of hCG in the blood may indicate the development of trophoblastic pathologies - tumors, cystic drift. A trophoblast is a tissue that forms a separating septum on the side of the fetus. The septum is important for separating the mother's body from the developing body. It provides nutrition to the embryo. If the trophoblast develops into tumor formations, this is fraught with abortion, the occurrence of problems in the female body.
Analysis of the blood fluid will help to detect pathology in time
Trophoblast pathologies include hydatidiform mole. With such an anomaly, the tissue takes the form of many bubbles. They are located in the uterus, occupying its entire cavity. Bubble formations grow rapidly and tend to metastasize. Bubble drift leads to the death of the embryo. Pathology is important to determine in time, otherwise it can provoke the growth of a malignant tumor.
An analysis of the “pregnancy hormone” will help diagnose a cystic skid. With pathology, hCG is 2-3 times or more higher than normal. Bubble skid requires termination of pregnancy and surgical treatment. If this is not done in a timely manner, a number of serious complications may occur, and several courses of chemotherapy will be required. During the treatment period and in the next six months, the patient will often have to donate blood for hCG. By monitoring this indicator, the doctor can make sure that there are no hydatidiform mole cells in the body that are able to “hide” in any organ. The presence of a hormone in the blood can “give out” them.
Timely diagnosis of trophoblast pathologies and subsequent thoughtful therapy contribute to the preservation of reproductive function. This is a guarantee that the next pregnancy will end with a successful delivery.
False positive result in the absence of pregnancy
Sometimes the fixation of the “pregnancy hormone” and its subsequent growth occurs when there was no conception. This test result is called a false positive. The following factors can contribute to the production of hCG and increase its level in the absence of pregnancy:
- recurrence of hydatidiform mole;
- tumor-like neoplasms (on the organs of the reproductive system, in the lungs, kidneys);
- taking hormonal drugs.
Hormone concentration may be a residual phenomenon. The indicator does not immediately return to normal after spontaneous termination of pregnancy or abortion.
The presence of a hormone in the blood, and even more so its high concentration in the absence of pregnancy, indicates malfunctions in the body. It is important to identify the exact cause of this phenomenon as soon as possible, so you should not postpone going to the doctor.
High hCG: what to do
An elevated hCG level during pregnancy is a reason to be wary, but not a reason to panic. To determine what leads to excessive production of the hormone is the task of the doctor. A pregnant woman needs to take tests in a timely manner and listen to the recommendations of the doctor. With an increased concentration of the hormone, one should not refuse additional studies that the doctor prescribes. Only a comprehensive diagnosis will help identify the problem and solve it.
Some conditions that are characterized by an increase in hCG do not require medical intervention. These include toxicosis, multiple pregnancy. The only measure that the doctor takes is to develop an individual plan for managing the pregnancy. Multiple pregnancy and toxicosis require careful monitoring of the health of the mother and the condition of the embryo / s throughout the gestation period.
If excessive hormone levels indicate a genetic pathology of the fetus, then the only thing parents can do is make the right decision. However, this should be preceded by a thorough diagnosis, excluding the possibility of an erroneous diagnosis. If chromosomal abnormalities are suspected, screening is recommended to be carried out in several laboratories, not only to a qualified gynecologist, but also to a professional geneticist. The opinions of several specialists dealing with genetic diseases may be required.
When the concentration of the hormone is due to serious problems with women's health, it is important to quickly take measures that will help preserve reproductive function. If possible, timely therapy allows you to save the onset of pregnancy. You need to trust your doctor and follow his treatment plan.
Having become pregnant, a woman takes a lot of tests, some even several times. This can be a cause for concern: maybe something is wrong? One of these tests, which may have to be taken repeatedly, is the analysis of hCG during pregnancy.
HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a hormone secreted by the chorion after the attachment of a fertilized egg to the uterine wall. This happens almost from the moment of conception, therefore it is hCG that is a reliable indicator for the early diagnosis of pregnancy, provided that the result of the analysis is reliable.
Then why is the level of hCG measured during pregnancy, not only in the 1st, but also in the 2nd, and even the 3rd trimester? The fact is that there are certain norms for hCG indicators at different periods of pregnancy, which allow you to find out if it is normal and if the fetus has any pathologies.
HCG contains alpha and beta particles. It is the beta unit that has a unique structure, so it is precisely b-hCG during pregnancy. This laboratory test can be carried out as early as 2-3 days of delayed menstruation, if conception has occurred, and 6-10 days have passed since then, the hCG level will certainly be elevated. If higher accuracy is required, repeat analysis and ultravaginal ultrasonography are recommended.
By the way, home express pregnancy tests (what would we do without them?) Are also based on the detection of hCG during pregnancy, however, for a hormone that is not in the blood, but in the urine, where its concentration is half as low, and therefore the accuracy of this method inferior to laboratory examination, but still quite reliable.
HCG levels during pregnancy
After fertilization of the egg, its outer membrane (chorion) begins to actively release gonadotropin, and at a very fast pace: in the 1st trimester, the level of hCG during pregnancy doubles every 2 days. At 7-10 weeks, this indicator reaches its peak, and then gradually decreases, without changing significantly in the 2nd half of pregnancy. That is why, according to the growth rate of hCG during pregnancy, doctors can judge its normal development or lag. At 14-18 weeks, this indicator may signal the development of pathology. Therefore, when prescribing this analysis again, your doctor is simply playing it safe, so do not be alarmed.
As for the norms of hCG, this is a very relative concept. The fact is that almost every laboratory has its own standards. For example, we give a table of hCG norms, it will help you approximately navigate this issue. However, remember that only a qualified specialist can say the decisive word about the compliance or deviations from the norm of your analyzes.
| WEEKS | HCG LEVEL |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | 25-300 |
| 2-3 | 1500-5000 |
| 3-4 | 10000-30000 |
| 4-5 | 20000-100000 |
| 5-6 | 50000-200000 |
| 6-7 | 50000-200000 |
| 7-8 | 20000-200000 |
| 8-9 | 20000-100000 |
| 9-10 | 20000-95000 |
| 11-12 | 20000-90000 |
| 13-14 | 15000-60000 |
| 15-25 | 10000-35000 |
| 26-37 | 10000-60000 |
HCG levels by day after ovulation
| day after ovulation | HCG LEVEL | day after ovulation | HCG LEVEL | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| min | average | max | min | average | max | ||
| 7 | 2 | 4 | 10 | 25 | 2400 | 6150 | 9800 |
| 8 | 3 | 7 | 18 | 26 | 4200 | 8160 | 15600 |
| 9 | 5 | 11 | 21 | 27 | 5400 | 10200 | 79500 |
| 10 | 8 | 18 | 26 | 28 | 7100 | 11300 | 27300 |
| 11 | 11 | 28 | 45 | 29 | 8800 | 13600 | 33000 |
| 12 | 17 | 45 | 65 | 30 | 10500 | 16500 | 40000 |
| 13 | 22 | 73 | 105 | 31 | 11500 | 19500 | 60000 |
| 14 | 29 | 105 | 170 | 32 | 12800 | 22600 | 63000 |
| 15 | 39 | 160 | 270 | 33 | 14000 | 24000 | 68000 |
| 16 | 68 | 260 | 400 | 34 | 15500 | 27200 | 70000 |
| 17 | 120 | 410 | 580 | 35 | 17000 | 31000 | 74000 |
| 18 | 220 | 650 | 840 | 36 | 19000 | 36000 | 78000 |
| 19 | 370 | 980 | 1300 | 37 | 20500 | 39500 | 83000 |
| 20 | 520 | 1380 | 2000 | 38 | 22000 | 45000 | 87000 |
| 21 | 750 | 1960 | 3100 | 39 | 23000 | 51000 | 93000 |
| 22 | 1050 | 2680 | 4900 | 40 | 25000 | 58000 | 108000 |
| 23 | 1400 | 3550 | 6200 | 41 | 26500 | 62000 | 117000 |
| 24 | 1830 | 4650 | 7800 | 42 | 28000 | 65000 | 128000 |
Deviations from the norm of hCG during pregnancy
But what if the analysis of hCG during pregnancy showed some deviation from the norm in one direction or another? Of course, this is not too good - both an increased and a lowered indicator should alert, because all this indicates some problems and complications in the woman's body. The main thing is to make sure that the gestational age is set correctly, otherwise the comparison with the norm will lose all meaning.
Too much high hCG levels during pregnancy- this, at best, is an indicator of multiple pregnancy: usually the level of the hormone in the blood increases in proportion to the number of embryos.
In addition, the level of hCG above normal may indicate the following pathologies:
- anomalies in the development of the fetus, for example, Down's syndrome;
- prolongation of pregnancy.
The level of hCG may increase if the expectant mother suffers from diabetes and takes synthetic gestagens.
False positive hCG test result
If it turns out that you are not pregnant and your hCG level is high (false positive test result), one of the following factors may have influenced it:
- taking certain hormonal drugs, including oral contraceptives;
- residual effect after a previous pregnancy or abortion;
- chorioncarcinoma;
- cystic drift or its recurrence;
- tumor of the ovaries, uterus, kidneys, lungs.
In any case, this is a reason to see a doctor.
Decreased hCG during pregnancy may indicate an ectopic pregnancy, the threat of miscarriage, overdose. It can also be a symptom of such an unpleasant phenomenon as chronic placental insufficiency.
HCG with a frozen pregnancy
Also, the level of hCG drops during a frozen pregnancy. A frozen or regressing pregnancy is a case when the fetus died for one reason or another. The hormone ceases to be produced, and the analysis shows a drop in the level of hCG. Usually, if a missed pregnancy is suspected, studies are carried out in dynamics, that is, tests are taken several times, and the doctor can clearly determine how the level of the hormone in the blood changes.
However, do not rush to panic - perhaps the hCG levels are outside the normal range for your gestational age just because it was set incorrectly. This happens, therefore, an ultrasound scan is prescribed to determine a regressing pregnancy, but not on its basis, a final conclusion is made. In addition, there are cases when hCG rises during a missed pregnancy, although other signs have already disappeared.
Sometimes the results of the analysis show hCG 0 (negative) during pregnancy, most likely - this is also a mistake and you will need to do the analysis again.
