Can HCG Cause Stroke?

HCG or human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone that is found in men’s and women’s bodies but is at the highest level during pregnancy. The injectable formulation of this hormone is used for fertility treatments. It is also used for low testosterone levels in males and prepubertal cryptorchidism or a condition in which the testes haven’t moved into the scrotum.

This is also used to aid obese and overweight patients in losing weight without going through expensive surgeries. The HCG reaches the hypothalamus and changes your metabolic rate. As a result, it suppresses your appetite and curbs your cravings along with a very low-calorie intake. Note that it is essential to use medically-supervised hormones to avoid any health risks such as stroke.

Can HCG Cause Stroke?

HCG injection is an effective weight loss aid along with low-calorie intake and has been proven by many for several years. Experts warn the user of non-medically approved products that may cause health concerns such as stroke. Although there is no specific study that this hormone directly causes stroke, ensure that you are doing the weight loss program as per the doctor’s prescription.

HCG for Pregnancy and Its Risk to Stroke

Stroke can happen to anyone at any time, even to new mothers. However, this condition is not common in pregnancy or during the years women can have children. But pregnancy does put women at higher risk for stroke, and the rate of pregnancy-related stroke is rising. It’s not about using injectable HCG that increases your risk of stroke, it’s the pregnancy-related conditions such as:

1. Hypertension during pregnancy. Having high blood pressure during pregnancy is the leading cause of stroke in pregnant women or women who have recently given birth.1 High blood pressure happens in up to 12% of pregnancies.

2. Gestational diabetes. Some women suddenly develop problems with blood sugar during pregnancy, a condition called gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes raises the risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy and for heart disease and stroke later in life.5

3. Blood clots. Pregnancy makes the blood more likely to clot, which can lead to stroke. This increased risk for clotting happens in part because swelling from pregnancy can reduce blood flow to the lower legs. 

4. Preeclampsia. It is a more severe type of high blood pressure during pregnancy. It can cause vision problems, headaches, swelling in the hands and face, premature delivery, and a baby with low birth weight. 

What are the Other Side Effects of Taking HCG?

HCG for weight loss can cause headache, insomnia, and dizziness in the first few days of VLCD but will eventually be gone as soon as its spreads in your system. If you experience other unusual side effects, inform your doctor immediately. 

For fertility use, HCG may cause the following side effects:

• Restlessness
• Tiredness
• Pain in the injection site
• Mood changes
• Abdominal pain
• Swelling in the ankles or knees
• Irritability 
• Swelling of the breast

Note that this has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this prescription do not have serious side effects.

Warnings and Precautions When Using HCG for Fertility

• Before using HCG injections, tell your doctor about your drug allergies.
• Do not use this if you have certain medical conditions such as heart, kidney, or liver disease
• HCG injections must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away.
• Administer the proper dosage at the same time each day to get the maximum benefits.
• When this medication is used in females with menotropins to treat infertility, it may cause multiple births 
• Read the label for proper storing and disposal guide.

Guide on Using HCG for Weight Loss

• Before starting the regimen, ensure to get a medical check-up to know your limitations and weight loss goal
• Take this injection every day and avoid eating processed foods
• Maintain proper hydration during the weight loss program to boost the efficacy of the weight loss hormone
• Avoid skipping a phase because it can interfere with your progress