What does beta hcg show? What is beta hCG and how does it affect pregnancy? Such situations include

) is a hormone actively produced by the external tissues of the embryo in pregnant women. This substance is found in the body of both women and men, but in small quantities. Its increase occurs only during pregnancy in the fair sex.

HCG is divided into two types - hormone-alpha and hormone-beta. We will talk in more detail about the essence of the latter, the study of its level in the body and normal indicators today. Interesting? Then be sure to read the material presented to the end.

As noted above, human chorionic gonadotropin is a rather specific hormone in the human body. In men and non-pregnant women, it is practically not observed in the urine and is found in extremely small amounts in the blood. Active secretion begins in pregnant girls. The substance is produced by the external tissues of the embryo, and its elevated level in the urine and blood indicates precisely the fact of pregnancy.

Enhanced production of the hormone begins within a few days after the fertilization of the egg. The structure of hCG contains proteins, amino acids and other biounits that are important for the fetus. The most extensive division of the hormone is carried out according to its specific properties. Here, the alpha and beta subunits of the hormone are isolated.

Beta-hCG is the most important type of substance that begins to be secreted by the tissues of the embryo earliest of all and in large quantities.

It contains about 150 amino acids and other biological structures. Due to the uniqueness of the structure and a number of specific properties, it is beta-hCG that helps to detect pregnancy in women at the earliest stages of its course. You can determine the fact of fertilization:

through a blood test already on the 5th-7th day of pregnancy
by examining urine on days 10-12 (based on the determination of beta-hCG, all pregnancy tests sold in pharmacies are made)

In men and non-pregnant women, the amount of the hormone in the body is negligible. Its elevated level indicates either pregnancy in the fairer sex, or serious pathologies of the body in both sexes. Normally, an increase in beta-hCG is observed only in women during pregnancy. This should be remembered.

When is an analysis scheduled?

An analysis for beta-hCG is one of the basic ones in pregnant women. Depending on the individual characteristics of a particular case, such a study can be prescribed to a girl from 3 to several dozen times during the period of gestation.

In addition, the determination of beta-hCG plays an important role in terminating a pregnancy. This study helps to track exactly how a woman's body reacts to the fact of interrupted gestation and whether he needs help.

In situations not related to pregnancy, the determination of the level of the hormone is carried out as a preventive measure. Quite rarely, a profile analysis for beta-hCG is prescribed to people with suspicions of:

malfunctions of the organs responsible for the secretion of hormonal substances
improper intake of drugs that affect the hormonal background of the body

Hormone levels in non-pregnant women and men

As noted earlier, the diagnosis of beta-hCG is carried out through. What in pregnant women, what in men and non-pregnant women, the examination procedure is identical. To determine the level of the hormone, it is enough for a person to visit a diagnostician and submit the biomaterial for analysis. The study does not require specialized training.

It is enough to come to the examination hungry and avoid physical, psycho-emotional stress on the eve of the examination. Many doctors also recommend:

Warn the diagnostician about the drugs taken before the analysis, if any.
Show the specialist the results of previous diagnostics, if any.
For pregnant women - to be examined in different trimesters of pregnancy in the same laboratory in order to obtain the most reliable and accurate results.
Blood is taken from the cubital vein of the left arm for examination. As a rule, the results of the analysis are prepared within 3-5 days.

Normal levels of beta-hCG in pregnant women and non-pregnant women differ. So, in unfertilized women, the norm is up to 5-6 medical units per milliliter of blood (mU / ml), and for men - up to 3-4. As for pregnant women, the normal indicators for those are in a wider range. We will talk about them further.

Normal levels of beta-hCG in pregnant women

The rate of beta-hCG in pregnant women is a highly flexible concept. Normal indicators during pregnancy have a different look and depend on its term. Whether the results of the analysis in a particular patient are normal or not is always determined by the specialist observing her.

The averages look like this:

week of pregnancy	The level of beta-hCG, honey / ml
1-2	25-300
2-3	1 500-5 000
3-4	10 000-30 000
4-5	20 000-100 000
5-6	50 000-200 000
6-7	50 000-200 000
7-8	20 000-200 000
8-9	20 000-100 000
9-10	20 000-95 000
11-12	20 000-90 000
13-14	15 000-60 000
15-25	10 000-35 000
26-38	10 000-60 000

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a special hormone that is used to diagnose the presence of pregnancy, the quality of its course and the development of its possible complications. In addition, it is used as a tumor marker to search for malignant neoplasms of embryonic origin in the body.

Many people do not know exactly what hCG is and constantly ask their doctors about it. The molecular structure of a protein consists of two subunits, alpha and beta. The result of the analysis for hCG is based on the establishment of the last fragment of the chain. Total beta-hCG remains a unique protein that can be determined using appropriate reagents.

The process of establishing the concentration of the corresponding hormone is very important in modern medical practice. A blood test for hCG is the most reliable and proven test for stating a pregnancy. Starting from the 6-7th day, the concentration of this biologically active substance begins to increase, reaching its peak at about 11-12 weeks of gestation.

By itself, the analysis of hCG during pregnancy involves the study of two biological fluids from the body. A person can take for diagnosis:

Blood.
Urine.

The first option is considered more universal, since it is used to analyze hCG, deciphering the indicators for both men and women. In the second case, testing is relevant only for pregnant women. The hormone, or rather the B fraction of hCG, penetrates the renal barrier and enters the urine, where it is determined 1-2 days later than the analogous substance in the blood. Modern pregnancy tests are based precisely on this mechanism for detecting the hCG norm.

The blood test itself is carried out in vitro (in vitro) by the method of immunochemiluminescent analysis. Testing requires 5 ml of venous blood. The results of the hCG analysis will most often be ready in the region of 24 hours after the collection of biological material.

Deciphering analyzes

Diagnosis of pregnancy, fetal malformations or the occurrence of various complications in the process of bearing a baby is not the only direction in which the hormone is used. It has shown itself to be a good tumor marker for detecting malignant neoplasms with active endocrine function or embryonic origin.

However, it is not enough to donate blood for testing. How to decipher the analysis? This is the question that interests most people, patients or pregnant women who, for one reason or another, undergo appropriate laboratory diagnostics.

It all depends on the purpose for which the diagnosis was carried out. If these studies are deciphered as part of establishing the presence of pregnancy, then they will not coincide with the norms for similar testing for the development of cancer. In any case, the patient's interest in human chorionic gonadotropin should be supported by a qualified assessment of the doctor.

Weekly results of the analysis of hCG in pregnant women

Since most often the decoding of the hCG analysis is carried out precisely in women who are carrying a fetus, it is better to start with this diagnostic method. A fertilized embryo, in the process of attaching to the endometrium and developing in the wall of the uterus, releases large doses of the corresponding hormone. Then the protein is synthesized by the placenta.

HCG 1-5 weeks shows the highest growth activity in the body up to 11-12, after which it gradually decreases. In the blood, using special methods and chemical reactions, b-hCG is determined, the total concentration of this hormone is the sum of both of its fractions. The beta subunit is unique and has characteristic effects on the body. Therefore, it is easier to find it in biological material.

The table below shows the increase in the amount of the hormone each week of pregnancy. The decoding of hCG is usually carried out by a doctor, however, often expectant mothers independently learn to distinguish between the corresponding values:

Pregnancy period, weeks	HCG indicator, mIU / ml
Non-pregnant woman	0 – 5
Doubtful result	5 – 25
3-4	25 – 156
4-5	101 – 4870
5-6	1110 – 31500
6-7	2560 – 82300
7-8	23100 – 151000
8-9	27300 – 233000
9-13	20900 – 291000
13-18	6140 – 103000
18-23	4720 – 80100
23-41	2700 – 78100

The hCG test, or rather its results, can sometimes differ. Much depends on the capabilities and method of its determination in a particular laboratory. So for example, in the above table, specific units of measurement of protein in the blood are visible. Sometimes there is another indicator - IU / l. They can replace each other. 1 mIU/ml = 1 IU/L.

There are situations when, due to certain features of the work of a particular laboratory, it is necessary to wait for the result of the analyzes longer than usual. This may be due to the workload of the institution itself or the lack of reagents. In any case, the average time to receive final data is 24 hours.

It is also worth noting that the first pregnancy test taken is not always reliable. Due to the individual characteristics of the woman's body, or errors in the work of medical personnel, sometimes it is necessary to undergo the appropriate diagnostics not once, but two or three times. If the second test gave an incorrect result, then it is worth changing the laboratory.

An important feature of the increase in the amount of the hormone in the body of a pregnant woman is that hCG begins to rise actively at 1 or 2 weeks of gestation. Up to week 5, it increases by 2 times every 36 hours, as shown in the table above. If this does not happen, then the doctor has the right to suspect some kind of pathology.

Possible reasons for the increase in the amount of the hormone

HCG results can vary quite a lot. However, if they seriously exceed the indicated norms at a certain stage of pregnancy, this may mean the presence of some kind of disorder. In addition, we must not forget that hCG as a tumor marker also plays a serious role, although this is not relevant during pregnancy.

Situations in which analyzes may not meet the standards, but significantly exceed them, are:

Errors in establishing the actual gestational age and calculated by doctors.
Prolongation of gestation over 42 weeks.
early toxicosis. HCG for 1-2 weeks can already significantly exceed normal levels, which will cause the progression of characteristic symptoms.
Taking medications that contain hCG.
The presence of a genetic disease in the fetus, requiring more thorough diagnosis.

In all these situations, it is hCG that remains the main marker, the decoding of which should be handled by an experienced qualified doctor. Otherwise, there is a high risk of diagnostic error.

If we talk about the hormone as a tumor marker, then its increase in the blood of non-pregnant women and men may indicate the presence of a malignant neoplasm. Normally, in the absence of gestation, the result of hCG in the range of 0-1 IU / l is considered normal. Perhaps an increase to 5 IU / l, but no more. Otherwise, a number of the following pathologies can be suspected:

Choriocarcinoma or its recurrence after treatment.
Bubble drift.
Seminoma or teratoma of the testicles in men.
Neoplasms in the digestive tract or lungs.
Tumors of the uterus, kidneys.
Abortion a few days ago.

If the hCG result is less than / equal to 1-2 IU / L, then it can be regarded as normal. With significant fluctuations in these indicators, additional diagnostics should be carried out.

Possible causes of a decrease in the amount of the hormone

Since protein is used in medicine as an oncomarker, an indicator of the quality of the course of pregnancy and the presence of its various disorders, it is also worth knowing when the amount of the hormone in the blood can decrease.

Such situations include:

Attachment of the fetal egg outside the uterine cavity. In such cases, the already 1-week hCG result will immediately be too low, which will make it possible to suspect a problem.
Frozen pregnancy.
placental insufficiency.
High risk of miscarriage. In this state, the interpretation of the results will demonstrate a decrease in the concentration of the hormone up to 50% of its required amount at a given time.
Fetal death.

In all these cases, the decoded hCG analysis will show too low values, which should definitely alert doctors and cause additional diagnostics with the choice of the appropriate treatment method.

Additional nuances

Despite the seriousness of the above pathologies, it must be understood that deviations in the results of laboratory diagnostics are not always associated only with the presence of a particular disease. Very often, even a simple mistake of the work of the staff can lead to a distortion of the indicators.

Additional factors that can change the concentration of hCG in the blood, but are not pathological conditions, remain:

Errors in the mechanical delivery of biological material.
Wrong calculation of the gestational age.
Irregularity of the menstrual cycle in a woman.
Untimely attachment of the embryo to the endometrium.

That is why it is always necessary to understand the imaginary end results. In addition, the concentration of hCG in the blood is never the basis for establishing a particular diagnosis. You always need to examine the patient much deeper.

One way or another, a qualified doctor should decipher the results of the tests. Only he will be able to comprehensively assess the condition of a woman or a patient, prescribe appropriate related tests and decide whether it is necessary to choose one or another method of treatment. The main thing is not to panic, but to methodically examine yourself to determine the cause of the fluctuation in test results.

Bibliography

Clinical guidelines. Obstetrics and gynecology. Savelyeva G.M., Serov V.N., Sukhikh G.T. 2009 Publisher: Geotar-Media.
Anomalies of labor activity: a guide for physicians. UMO certification for medical education. Podtetenev A.D., Strizhova N.V. 2006 Publisher: MIA.
Atlas of ultrasound diagnostics in obstetrics and gynecology. Dubile P., Benson K.B. 2009 Publisher: MEDpress-inform.
Intrauterine infection: Management of pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. UMO certification for medical education. Sidorova I.S., Makarov I.O., Matvienko N.A. 2008 Publisher: MEDpress.
Clinical guide to contraception. /Translated from English/ Edited by Professor V.N. Prilepskaya - 2009, M.: BINOM Publishing House.
Ascending infection of the fetoplacental system. Glukhovey B.I. 2006, Publisher: MEDpress-inform.

What is human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)?
Human chorionic gonadotropin is a special hormone protein that is produced by the membranes of the developing embryo during the entire period of pregnancy. HCG supports the normal development of pregnancy. Thanks to this hormone, the processes that cause menstruation are blocked in the body of a pregnant woman and the production of hormones necessary to maintain pregnancy increases.

An increase in the concentration of hCG in the blood and urine of a pregnant woman is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy.

The role of hCG in the first trimester of pregnancy is to stimulate the formation of hormones necessary for the development and maintenance of pregnancy, such as progesterone, estrogens (estradiol and free estriol). With the normal development of pregnancy in the future, these hormones are produced by the placenta.

Chorionic gonadotropin very important. In the male fetus, chorionic gonadotropin stimulates the so-called Leydig cells, which synthesize testosterone. Testosterone in this case is simply necessary, as it contributes to the formation of the genital organs according to the male type, and also has an effect on the adrenal cortex of the embryo. HCG consists of two units - alpha and beta hCG. The alpha component of hCG has a similar structure to the units of the hormones TSH, FSH and LH, and the beta hCG is unique. Therefore, in the diagnosis, laboratory analysis of b-hCG is of decisive importance.

Small amounts of human chorionic gonadotropin are produced by the human pituitary gland even in the absence of pregnancy. This explains the fact that in some cases very low concentrations of this hormone are determined in the blood of non-pregnant women (including women during menopause) and even in the blood of men.

Permissible levels of hCG in the blood of non-pregnant women and men

How does the human chorionic gonadotropin level change during pregnancy?

With the normal development of pregnancy, hCG is determined in the blood of pregnant women from about 8-11-14 days after conception.

The level of hCG rises rapidly and, starting from the 3rd week of pregnancy, doubles approximately every 2-3 days. The increase in the concentration in the blood of a pregnant woman continues until about 11-12 weeks of pregnancy. Between 12 and 22 weeks of pregnancy, the concentration of hCG decreases slightly. From 22 weeks until delivery, the concentration of hCG in the blood of a pregnant woman begins to increase again, but more slowly than at the beginning of pregnancy.

By the rate of increase in the concentration of hCG in the blood, doctors can determine some deviations from the normal development of pregnancy. In particular, in an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage, the rate of increase in the concentration of hCG is lower than in a normal pregnancy.

Accelerating the rate of increase in the concentration of hCG may be a sign of hydatidiform mole (chorionadenoma), multiple pregnancy, or fetal chromosomal diseases (for example, Down's disease).

There are no strict standards for the content of hCG in the blood of pregnant women. HCG levels at the same gestational age can vary significantly from woman to woman. In this regard, single measurements of hCG levels are not very informative. To assess the development of pregnancy, the dynamics of changes in the concentration of chorionic gonadotropin in the blood is important.

Days since last period	Gestational age	Nomes of the hCG level for this period mU / ml

human chorionic gonadotropin chart

Norms of human chorionic gonadotropin in blood serum

Note!

In the last table, the weekly norms are given for the terms of pregnancy "from conception" (and not for the terms of the last menstruation).

Anyway!
The above figures are not a standard! Each laboratory can set its own standards, including the weeks of pregnancy. When evaluating the results of the hCG norm by week of pregnancy, you need to rely only on the norms of the laboratory where you were tested.

Tests to determine the level of hCG

To determine the level of hCG, various laboratory blood tests are used that can detect pregnancy for a period of 1-2 weeks.

The analysis can be taken in many laboratories in the direction of a gynecologist and independently. No special preparation for the blood test is required. However, before you get a referral for a test, be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, as some medications can interfere with the test results. The analysis is best taken in the morning, on an empty stomach. For a higher reliability of the test, it is recommended to exclude physical activity on the eve of the study.

By the way, home express pregnancy tests are also built on the principle of determining the level of hCG, but only in the urine, not in the blood. And it should be said that compared to a laboratory blood test, this one is much less accurate, since the level in the urine is two times lower than that in the blood.

A laboratory test for determining pregnancy in the early stages is recommended to be carried out no earlier than 3-5 days of delayed menstruation. The blood test for pregnancy can be repeated after 2-3 days to clarify the results.

To identify fetal pathology in pregnant women, an analysis for chorionic gonadotropin is taken from the 14th to the 18th week of pregnancy. However, in order for the diagnosis of possible fetal pathologies to be reliable, it is necessary to pass more than one blood test for hCG. Together with hCG, the following markers are given: AFP, hCG, E3 (alpha-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin, free estriol.)

Serum levels of AFP and CG during physiological pregnancy

Pregnancy period, weeks	AFP, average level	AFP, min-max	CG, medium level	CG, min-max
14	23,7	12 - 59,3	66,3	26,5 - 228
15	29,5	15 - 73,8
16	33,2	17,5 - 100	30,1	9,4 - 83,0
17	39,8	20,5 - 123
18	43,7	21 - 138	24	5,7 - 81,4
19	48,3	23,5 - 159
20	56	25,5 - 177	18,3	5,2 - 65,4
21	65	27,5 - 195
22	83	35 - 249	18,3	4,5 - 70,8
24			16,1	3,1 - 69,6

Can an hCG test “make a mistake” in determining pregnancy?

HCG levels that are out of the norm for a particular week of pregnancy can be observed if the gestational age is incorrectly established.

Laboratory analyzes can be wrong, but the probability of error is very small.

Decryption

Normally, during pregnancy, the level of human chorionic gonadotropin gradually increases. During the 1st trimester of pregnancy, the level of b-hCG rises rapidly, doubling every 2-3 days. At 10-12 weeks of pregnancy, the highest level of hCG in the blood is reached, then its content begins to slowly decrease and remains constant during the second half of pregnancy.

An increase in beta-hCG during pregnancy can occur with:

multiple pregnancies (the rate increases in proportion to the number of fetuses)
toxicosis, gestosis
maternal diabetes
fetal pathologies, Down syndrome, multiple malformations
incorrect gestational age
taking synthetic gestagens

An increase in human chorionic gonadotropin can be a sign of serious diseases in non-pregnant women and in men:

production of hCG by the pituitary gland of the examined woman testicular tumors
tumor diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
neoplasms of the lungs, kidneys, uterus
hydatidiform mole, recurrence of hydatidiform mole
chorioncarcinoma
taking hCG medications
the analysis was done within 4–5 days after the abortion, etc.
Usually chorionic gonadotropin is elevated if the test was performed on the 4-5th day after the abortion or due to the use of hCG preparations.
Low hCG in pregnant women, it may mean an incorrect setting of the term for determining pregnancy or be a sign of serious violations:
- ectopic pregnancy
- non-developing pregnancy
- fetal growth retardation
- the threat of spontaneous abortion (reduced by more than 50%)
- chronic placental insufficiency
- true miscarriage
- fetal death (in the II-III trimester of pregnancy).
It happens that the results of the analysis show the absence of a hormone in the blood. This result can be if the test was performed too early or during an ectopic pregnancy.
Whatever the result of the analysis for hormones during pregnancy is, remember that only a qualified doctor can give the correct decoding, determining which hCG is the norm for you in combination with the data obtained by other examination methods.

Video. Prenatal Screening - HCG

General information about the study

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone that is produced in the fetal membrane of the human embryo. It is an important indicator of the development of pregnancy and its deviations. It is produced by the cells of the chorion (the shell of the embryo) immediately after it is attached to the wall of the uterus (this happens only a few days after fertilization). The embryo at this stage of pregnancy is a microscopic vesicle filled with fluid, the walls of which are made up of rapidly multiplying cells. From one part of these cells, the unborn child (embryoblast) develops, while from the cells outside the embryo, a trophoblast is formed - that part of the fetal egg, with which it is attached to the wall of the uterus. Later, the chorion is formed from the trophoblast.

The chorion performs the function of nourishing the embryo, being an intermediary between the body of the mother and the child. In addition, it produces chorionic gonadotropin, which, on the one hand, affects the formation of the child, on the other hand, it specifically affects the mother's body, ensuring a successful pregnancy. The appearance of this hormone in the body of a future mother at the initial stage of pregnancy explains the importance of the test for early diagnosis of pregnancy.

Chorionic gonadotropin stimulates the secretory function of the corpus luteum of the ovaries, which should produce the hormone progesterone, which maintains the normal state of the inner lining of the uterine wall - the endometrium. The endometrium provides reliable attachment of the fetal egg to the mother's body and its nutrition with all the necessary substances.

Due to a sufficient amount of human chorionic gonadotropin, the corpus luteum, which normally exists for only about 2 weeks during each menstrual cycle, does not undergo resorption with successful conception and remains functionally active throughout the entire period of pregnancy. Moreover, it is in pregnant women under the influence of chorionic gonadotropin that it produces very large amounts of progesterone. In addition, CG stimulates the production of estrogens and weak androgens by ovarian cells and promotes the development of the functional activity of the chorion itself, and later the placenta, which is formed as a result of the maturation and growth of the chorionic tissue, improving its own nutrition and increasing the number of chorionic villi.

Thus, the role of human chorionic gonadotropin lies in the specific and multifaceted effect on the body of a woman and fetus in order to ensure a successful pregnancy. Based on the analysis for chorionic gonadotropin, the presence of chorionic tissue in the woman's body is determined, and hence pregnancy.

According to the chemical structure, chorionic gonadotropin is a compound of protein and complex carbohydrates, consisting of two parts (subunits): alpha and beta. The alpha subunit of chorionic gonadotropin is completely identical to the alpha subunits of the luteinizing, follicle-stimulating and thyroid-stimulating hormones of the pituitary gland, which perform functions that are largely similar to the function of chorionic gonadotropin, but not during pregnancy. The beta subunit of chorionic gonadotropin is unique, which, on the one hand, determines the specificity of its action, and, on the other hand, allows it to be identified in biological media. In this regard, this test is called "beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG)".

Knowing the level of beta-hCG in the blood, it is possible to diagnose pregnancy already on the 6-8th day after conception (in the urine, the concentration of beta-hCG reaches the diagnostic level 1-2 days later). Normally, during pregnancy between the 2nd and 5th weeks, the amount of beta-hCG doubles every 1.5 days. With multiple pregnancy, it increases in proportion to the number of fetuses. The maximum level of hCG reaches the 10-11th week, and then gradually decreases. This is due to the fact that from the beginning of the 2nd third of pregnancy, the placenta is able to independently produce enough estrogens and progesterone, with the participation of which the endometrium functions normally, regardless of the secretion of hormones in the ovarian corpus luteum. At the same time, the concentration of CG in the blood of a pregnant woman gradually decreases, and the corpus luteum can function without the effects of CG. During this period, the role of the hormone is to stimulate the production of testosterone in the fetus, which is necessary for the normal development of the external genital organs of the embryo.

Thus, during pregnancy, the level of beta-hCG in the blood first increases and then decreases. According to this indicator, one can judge the successful course of pregnancy and identify violations of the development of the fetus. The test for hCG in the blood is the most reliable method for determining pregnancy in the early stages. HCG appears in the body of a woman from 6-8 days after fertilization. A common rapid pregnancy test that every woman can use at home is also based on measuring hCG in the urine.

Below normal hormone levels at various stages of fetal development suggest an ectopic pregnancy, fetal growth retardation, threatened miscarriage, missed pregnancy, or placental insufficiency. The reason for the increased content of beta-hCG may be toxicosis, diabetes mellitus, or an incorrectly set gestational age. A high level of the hormone after a mini-abortion indicates a progressing pregnancy.

The determination of the level of hCG is included in a triple test study, the results of which can be used to judge some anomalies in the development of the fetus, but an accurate diagnosis cannot be made. The study only allows you to classify a woman as a risk group for this pathology. In this case, further investigation is necessary. In non-pregnant women, CG is normally absent, but it can be secreted by some abnormal chorion-derived tissues (hydatidiform mole, chorionepithelioma) and some other tumors.

What is research used for?

For the diagnosis of pregnancy, including multiple, ectopic and non-developing.
To monitor the progress of pregnancy.
To identify delays in the development of the fetus, the threat of spontaneous abortion, placental insufficiency.
For the diagnosis of amenorrhea.
To monitor the effectiveness of induced abortion.
As part of a comprehensive examination to identify fetal malformations.
For the diagnosis of tumors producing hCG.

When is the study scheduled?

If pregnancy is suspected, in particular multiple.
When monitoring the course of pregnancy.
When there is an assumption about a complication during pregnancy: fetal growth retardation, the threat of spontaneous abortion, non-developing or ectopic pregnancy, chronic placental insufficiency.
Confirm successful induced abortion if necessary.
With a comprehensive examination to identify malformations of the fetus.
When determining the cause of the absence of menstruation (amenorrhea).
When is the diagnosis of tumors producing hCG.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is far from the most well-known component of the human body. Moreover, even every hundredth man is unlikely to know this term, and among girls who have not yet been pregnant, knowledge about this hormone is not much wider. But, despite this, hCG is one of the most important factors in the existence of the human race. No wonder it is called the "hormone of pregnancy." About him, as well as about the functions of this hormone, we will talk in as much detail as possible.

To begin with, without certain pathologies, chorionic gonadotropin is found only in the female body for a nine-month period, which is called pregnancy. Chorionic gonadotropin is synthesized at various stages of pregnancy by two different organs: in the first part of the nine-month period, synthesis is carried out by a fertilized egg, and in the second - by the trophoblast (the outer ball of blastocyst cells, which later serve as the basis for the outer shell of the embryo). Moreover, these stages are distinguished by the formation of the trophoblast, which, in fact, is the precursor of the placenta.

According to its structure, hCG is a glycoprotein, which consists of 237 amino acids. The basis of chorionic gonadotropin is two subunits - "α" and "β". This nuance is the most important in terms of the characteristics of this hormone. The alpha subunit of hCG is a component that completely repeats similar subunits of a number of other hormones. A specific element of the human hormone is the beta subunit. It is for her that the level of the substance is diagnosed and it is she who shows the regular course of pregnancy, or the presence of some pathologies.

Functions of chorionic gonadotropin

The most significant function of hCG is the diagnosis of pregnancy. This hormone is the basis for constructing pharmacy tests to determine pregnancy. The effectiveness of the testing method is determined by the fact that the hormone index in the female body changes dramatically almost immediately after the fertilization of the egg has passed.

If a woman without certain pathologies and not in a state of pregnancy, the level of hCG in the blood is zero and only in rare cases can reach four international units per liter (IU / l) with individual characteristics, then already seven days after fertilization it grows to 50 IU/l. At the same time, this diagnostic method is specific - it determines only pregnancy, and is very sensitive, demonstrating high rates of accuracy in determining pregnancy.

As for the functions of chorionic gonadotropin in the human body, there are three of them:

1. Stimulation of the synthesis of glucocorticoids - hormones that contribute to the adaptation of the female body to pregnancy, which is a chronic immune stress.
2. In the first six weeks of gestation, the "pregnancy hormone" is the key to the normal functioning of the corpus luteum. It also synthesizes progesterone - another important hormone in the body of a woman in position.
3. Assistance in the regular performance of the placenta. In particular, a sufficient level of hCG has a positive effect on the chorionic villi.

Laboratory measurements of hCG levels in the body

Modern medicine offers several methods for determining the amount of hCG at once, among which the most popular are the so-called "rapid tests" for pregnancy. Their action is based on measuring the level of hCG in the urine. At the same time, the study of urine to determine the level of this hormone is considered not the most sensitive method, but sufficient to confirm or deny the fact of pregnancy.

Chorionic gonadotropin is measured in urine and in laboratory conditions, but even in this case, the accuracy is not high enough. The most sensitive method is a laboratory blood test. In addition to the fact that the result will be the closest to the truth, the laboratory will also provide data on hCG standards at certain stages of pregnancy and will be able to guarantee the quality of the study through the control schemes used.

The nuances of laboratory studies of the level of hCG in the body

Quite interesting is the fact that, in addition to determining the fact of pregnancy, the analysis of hCG in the blood is practically no good for anything else. And this, despite the fact that in medicine there is an official table that indicates the level of hCG by weeks of pregnancy and the first days after fertilization of the egg.
Why, for example, is it impossible to determine the gestational age by the level of hCG? The fact is that in the normative tables, which we present below, fairly wide ranges of values \u200b\u200bare given for each period. But even they are not those figures, deviation from which indicates the development of pathologies. Regarding hCG, only two facts are certain:

it appears after fertilization of the egg,
its level rises and falls in a certain pattern.

But the indicators of changes in the level of the hormone in absolute terms are individual for each woman. Moreover, they can differ significantly during the normal course of pregnancy. And hCG 1000 IU / l, for example, even at a certain time, one woman will have a normal indicator, the second one will be overestimated, and the third one will be low.
Therefore, regarding studies of the amount of hCG, two theses are the most important:

By adhering to these rules, you, firstly, will avoid unnecessary negative emotions, seeing in the analysis numbers that fall outside the normal ranges. And, secondly, do not make mistakes when determining the gestational age. For this task, ultrasound diagnostics and counting from the date of the last menstruation are best suited.

Another interesting nuance in diagnosing the volume of a hormone in a woman in position is the units of its measurement. In particular, two options can be found in laboratory results: IU / l and mIU / ml. The first of them means, as already indicated above, "international units per liter", the second is "million international units per milliliter". In this case, there is, in principle, no confusion. These concepts are compared one to one. That is, regardless of which unit of measurement a particular laboratory uses, the results will be exactly the same. We, for convenience, in this material will operate with the abbreviation "IU / l".

Norms of human chorionic gonadotropin

As we have already noted, hCG is the “hormone of pregnancy”, it practically does not occur in men and women who do not bear a child, therefore we will consider the norms for the period of bearing a child. In medicine, there are two tables of values for this component:

hCG table by week of pregnancy;
hCG table by day from the second to the sixth week after ovulation.

By the day, in the first 42 days after ovulation, the hCG norms look like this:

day after ovulation		day after ovulation	HCG level (average and normal range)
7	4 IU/L, 2-10 IU/L	25	6150 IU/L, 2400-9800 IU/L
8	7 IU/L, 3-18 IU/L	26	8160 IU/L, 4200-15600 IU/L
9	11 IU/L, 5-21 IU/L	27	10200 IU/L, 5400-19500 IU/L
10	18 IU/L, 8-26 IU/L	28	11300 IU/L, 7100-27300 IU/L
11	28 IU/L, 11-45 IU/L	29	13600 IU/L, 8800-33000 IU/L
12	45 IU/L, 17-65 IU/L	30	16500 IU/l, 10500-40000 IU/l
13	73 IU/L, 22-105 IU/L	31	19500 IU/l, 11500-60000 IU/l
14	105 IU/L, 29-170 IU/L	32	22600 IU/L, 12800-63000 IU/L
15	160 IU/L, 39-270 IU/L	33	24000 IU/L, 14000-68000 IU/L
16	260 IU/L, 68-400 IU/L	34	27200 IU/l, 15500-70000 IU/l
17	410 IU/L, 120-580 IU/L	35	31000 IU/l, 17000-74000 IU/l
18	650 IU/L, 220-840 IU/L	36	36000 IU/L, 19000-78000 IU/L
19	980 IU/L, 370-1300 IU/L	37	39500 IU/l, 20500-83000 IU/l
20	1380 IU/L, 520-2000 IU/L	38	45000 IU/L, 22000-87000 IU/L
21	1960 IU/L, 750-3100 IU/L	39	51000 IU/l, 23000-93000 IU/l
22	2680 IU/L, 1050-4900 IU/L	40	58000 IU/l, 25000-108000 IU/l
23	3550 IU/L, 1400-6200 IU/L	41	62000 IU/l, 26500-117000 IU/l
24	4650 IU/L, 1830-7800 IU/L	42	65000 IU/l, 28000-128000 IU/l

Regarding the trend of changes in the level of hCG during pregnancy, three patterns should be noted:

it makes sense to determine the level of the hormone from 6-9 days after ovulation. Prior to this, its concentration is insufficient for qualitative analysis;
from the beginning of pregnancy to ten weeks, with a normal course, the level of chorionic gonadotropin doubles every two to three days;
during the peak period, which falls on the tenth week of pregnancy and up to the 20th week, the level of this hormonal component decreases by about half and the resulting figure remains almost unchanged until the moment of delivery.

Deviations from these three points are a reason for in-depth research and consultation with a doctor. Absolute norms are not very indicative figures and it is not worth taking them as an axiom.

Causes of deviations in the level of hCG from the normative indicators

It has already been noted that the norms of chorionic gonadotropin in the body of a pregnant woman are not a paradigm. Deviation from them can be not only pathological, but also natural. Only a doctor should draw any conclusions regarding the hCG indicator at a certain gestational age.
At the same time, there are well-defined lists of pathological causes that cause the level of the “pregnancy hormone” to deviate in one direction or another. Let's consider them in separate groups.

Causes of Low HCG

ectopic development of pregnancy,
risk of miscarriage,
extended pregnancy,
frozen fruit,
delays in fetal development.

In addition to these reasons, a reduced (as well as increased) level of human chorionic gonadotropin can be recorded due to an incorrect determination of the gestational age by a doctor. This situation is dangerous because in the normal course of the process of bearing a child, a woman is assigned additional diagnostics, and sometimes treatment, which she absolutely does not need. Such situations are quite rare, but it is impossible not to mention them. In addition, incorrect determination of the gestational age and, consequently, incorrect diagnosis of a reduced level of hCG can cause not the most pleasant emotional burden for the expectant mother. The above reasons for insufficient concentration of the hormone will not add positive emotions to anyone, which are extremely important during the period of gestation.

Causes of High HCG Levels

toxicosis and late toxicosis (gestosis),
cystic drift (conception without normal development of the embryo),
multiple pregnancy (CHR level increases in proportion to the number of fetuses),
diabetes,
taking hCG-containing medications.

In addition, it is necessary to separately highlight the causes of high levels of chorionic gonadotropin in men and women who are not bearing a child. In principle, any indicator other than zero is considered elevated. The following reasons may lead to this:

tumor formations of the gastrointestinal tract and testicles,
malignant and benign formations of a number of organs (kidneys, lungs, uterus),
Chorionic carcinoma is a malignant oncological disease, the development of which begins from embryonic structures.

Finishing the consideration of the characteristics of human chorionic gonadotropin, one cannot but mention a number of features of this hormone and its functioning in the body.
Firstly, medicine knows cases when women developed immunological resistance to hCG. Natural antibodies inhibited the process of hormone synthesis, leading to spontaneous early abortions. The nature of this phenomenon remains unknown (it is assumed that intracellular infections, disruptions in the hormonal background, or weak immunity lead to this), but it is not intractable. When the presence of antibodies to chorionic gonadotropin is confirmed, the woman is prescribed drug therapy based on low molecular weight heparins and glucocorticoids. The action of these drugs is quite effective in order to stop the work of the immune system, aimed at suppressing hCG.

Secondly, there are two options in which pregnancy is not confirmed by the presence of hCG. This can happen when a pregnancy test is taken earlier than the ninth day after ovulation, and also when the pregnancy is ectopic. Therefore, compliance with the rules for analyzing the level of hCG, as well as consultation with a specialist in all problematic cases, is extremely important.

Thirdly, sometimes chorionic gonadotropin in the form of a medication is used in the treatment of a number of pathologies. There are three prerequisites for this:

threatened early abortion
preparation for artificial insemination,
infertility treatment.

It is impossible to talk about the stable effectiveness of the use of exogenous chorionic gonadotropin. Nevertheless, the practice of its use, even in these cases, is not widespread enough and there is simply no reliable sample of the results of a statistical analysis of the use.

Fourthly, recently a number of medical and near-medical resources, as well as a number of specialized specialists, argue that in men and women outside the time period of gestation, the level of hCG is in the range from zero to five international units per liter. At the same time, no research papers or statistical samples that confirm this statement are given, which does not allow us to accept this thesis as reliable. So official medicine continues to believe that, with the exception of pregnant women, the level of hCG in humans is zero.

And the last thing: human chorionic gonadotropin of exogenous origin is quite common in the form of a doping drug in sports. Its alpha subunits are identical to those of luteinizing hormone, which in the human body is produced by the pituitary gland. By stimulating the sex cells in the ovaries, hCG in the body of a male athlete promotes the production of testosterone, increasing the body's resource in terms of maintaining strength and mass.

Did you like the post?

Rate it - click on the stars!