Low hcg at 8 weeks. What does HCG affect? Laboratory measurements of hCG levels in the body

human chorionic gonadotropin (abbreviated HCG, HCG, HCG in English, HGL in Ukrainian) is a hormone that, when normal condition body is produced exclusively during pregnancy. The hCG hormone is produced after conception - it is synthesized by a fertilized egg, and after it is formed trophoblast (this is the precursor of the placenta), this hormone is produced by its tissues. That is why the level of hCG is determined only after conception.

Chorionic gonadotropin consists of two different subunits - alpha And beta . At the same time, alpha is identical with subunits of alpha hormones. When we are talking, about hCG - what it is, its B-subunit is considered. It is important to understand when considering what is beta hCG that it is a unique subunit, so it cannot be confused with other hormones. Speaking about the study on human chorionic gonadotropin, we mean that there is no difference between hCG and beta-hCG.

What is hCG during pregnancy? Its definition and interpretation is very milestone diagnosing a number of pathologies of both the fetus and the woman. In some conditions, which will be described in this article, hCG values ​​​​are either greatly reduced or increased. Considering what kind of analysis it is, it must be taken into account that when small deviations this study has no diagnostic value from the norm. Therefore, some diseases and conditions future mother (prolongation of pregnancy , intrauterine infection, chronic feto placental insufficiency ) is determined by other methods.

After they were received hCG results, their decoding is carried out in dynamics, since each woman's hCG level during pregnancy changes in its own way. Therefore, one result cannot be used to judge the situation as a whole.

It is important that the result of the analysis of hCG for pregnancy must be considered qualified specialist. After all, decoding hCG test is very important, as it allows you to correct some problems of fetal development.

Since the free beta subunit of gonadotropin is unique, the test that determines the rate of hCG during pregnancy is also called beta-hCG. Normal - if during pregnancy HCGb appears in the blood a few days after conception. But, nevertheless, if, for example, hCG is 8, what it means, after the first analysis, it is definitely impossible to say. A repeat test will be required to confirm pregnancy. In general, the fb-HCG rate is a very important indicator of fetal development.

When handing over hCG to Invitro, Hemotest, Helix and other clinics, a woman needs to understand what kind of indicator it is, when such a test shows pregnancy, etc. This will be discussed in the article below.

What is HCG for?

When determining HCGb indicators, you need to understand why human gonadotropin is needed. Wikipedia says the following:

• this hormone at the beginning of pregnancy stimulates the synthesis process and;
• prevents disappearance corpus luteum ;
• prevents aggression maternal organism against fetal cells;
• initiates physiological and anatomical changes in the body of a pregnant woman;
• stimulates the adrenal glands and gonads of the fetus;
• participates in the process of sexual differentiation in male fetuses.

Why is this analysis ordered?

Analysis for women is prescribed for the purpose of:

• early diagnosis pregnancy;
• monitoring the dynamics of how the pregnancy proceeds;
• definition of malformations (fetal anatomy);
• development exceptions ectopic pregnancy ;
• the need to assess whether the artificial was completely carried out;
• establishing that there is a threat;
• diagnostics And tumors .

For male patients, such an analysis is necessary to diagnose testicular tumors .

HCG levels during pregnancy

The function of chorionic gonadotropin in the body is very important. Its indicators in the early stages begin to increase, as it is produced by a fertilized egg. It is hCG that makes it possible for pregnancy to develop, since it starts all the processes necessary for bearing a baby.

Already 9 days after ovulation, hCG can be determined in the blood plasma. That is, even when the fertilized egg has invaded the endometrium, there is a slow increase in the indicators of this hormone. And if it's defined low level in the early stages, the concentration doubles every two days. What exactly should be its level in a certain week, how should hCG rise, slow or fast growth noted, can be found in the corresponding tables.

The growth of hCG during pregnancy occurs up to 8-10 weeks from the last menstruation, when its peak is noted - 50,000-10,000 IU / l. Further, the level of the hormone begins to decrease, by 18-20 weeks it is already reduced by half. Then the content of hCG remains stable for the entire duration of pregnancy.

Gonadotropin during pregnancy is excreted from the body by the kidneys, therefore, it is excreted in the urine. It can be determined by conducting a urinalysis, in the range of 30-60 days after the last menstruation. The highest rates are noted for 60-70 days. That is why, when hCG begins to be produced, you can do a pregnancy test strip or other urinary tests.

HCG levels during late pregnancy can reach repeated peak levels. Previously, such doctors considered a variant of the norm. However, it has now been proven that elevated hCG in the later stages may indicate a developmental pathology. In particular, a high level of the hormone in recent weeks gestation sometimes means that there is a reaction of the placenta to placental insufficiency in the case of Rhesus conflict .

Therefore, it is necessary to identify this disease in a timely manner and treat it.

The main signs of hydatidiform mole are:

• Constant, indomitable vomit , much more painful than with the usual.
• Uterine bleeding (heavy spotting) on early term.
• The size of the uterus is larger than normal at this time.
• Symptoms preeclampsia (Sometimes).
• Trembling fingers, palpitations, weight loss (rare).

When the signs described above are noted, it is important to consult a gynecologist, undergo an ultrasound scan and be tested for hCG.

If the pregnancy develops normally, then the rate of this hormone rarely increases more than 500,000 IU / l. There is an approximate calculation of hormone norms for each period. But if a cystic drift develops, the level of hCG is different, several times higher than these norms.

To cure a hydatidiform mole, the entire trophoblast must be removed from the uterus. For this, curettage or other surgical interventions are carried out.

It may happen that a benign hydatidiform drift turns into malignant chorionic carcinoma . As a rule, with this tumor, metastases appear very quickly. But it responds well to treatment with chemotherapy .

There are the following indications for chemotherapy:

• HCG levels above 20,000 IU/L one month after the mole was removed.
• An increase in the level of this hormone after the mole has been removed.
• Metastases to other organs.

chorioncarcinoma

chorioncarcinoma may appear both after hydatidiform mole, and after childbirth or abortion. If a woman develops this disease, then 40 days after the pregnancy is completed, the level of hCG has not fallen, but its increase is noted. They may also be noted uterine bleeding, signs that indicate metastases. In such a situation, there are indications for chemotherapy, surgical intervention. In the future, the patient should be under observation. How long it should last, the doctor decides.

The use of drugs with human chorionic gonadotropin

Like all human hormones, the level of human chorionic gonadotropin can depend on various factors. So, the result of the tests is affected by whether a woman takes drugs containing human gonadotropin orally.

As a rule, such drugs are prescribed to women during, as well as during the period when preparations for IVF are underway, in order to increase the level of the hormone.

In rare cases, such drugs are taken if there is a threat of miscarriage. In any case, if a woman uses such medications, then before taking any measurements and analyzes, you need to warn the doctor about this.

Taking a variety of drugs, many women are interested in whether they can affect the performance of this hormone. For example, it is often asked whether to the hCG level. According to experts, Duphaston may slightly affect the level of this hormone, since this drug controls the level progesterone . However, if the hCG norms do not comply, this cannot be attributed to the effect of the drug, since we can talk about a pathological condition.

The level of this hormone is not affected.

hormonal drugs, active ingredient which is human chorionic gonadotropin, these are means Profazi , Humegon , Horagon , Choriogonin , Menogon . They restore the ovulatory process, activate the hormonal activity of the corpus luteum. At what size of the follicle an injection is given, the doctor determines.

Initially, studies are carried out on hormones, their norm in women and deviations. If there are certain deviations, in particular, progesterone is below normal, what this means, the doctor will explain during the consultation and prescribe a specific treatment.

If necessary, to stimulate ovulation, prescribe hCG injections from 5000 to 10000 IU, in order to maintain pregnancy - from 1000 to 3000 IU. Individual dose selection is important. Therefore, if an injection of 10,000 was given, when ovulation, if an injection of 5,000 was given, after how much ovulation, the specialist will explain.

Currently, human chorionic gonadotropin is also used by athletes, since under its influence it increases in the male body.

False positive test result

Those who are interested in how long a pregnancy test shows for this hormone should take into account that in some situations, tests can be false positive.

This happens in the following cases:

• Some experts claim that when taking oral contraceptives hormone levels may rise. However, there is no proven evidence that contraception affects hCG.
• As a rule, after childbirth or abortion, the level of the hormone decreases for seven days. In some cases, the doctor waits 42 days, after which tests are taken, and he can make a diagnosis. If the analysis shows that hCG has not decreased or increased, then we can talk about a trophoblastic tumor.
• The level may remain elevated when metastases occur. chorioncarcinoma , hydatidiform mole .
• Other tumors can also develop from germinal tissues, but they rarely give an increase in the level of the hormone. Therefore, in the presence of education in the brain, stomach, lungs and a high level of human chorionic gonadotropin, first of all, there is a suspicion of trophoblastic tumors with metastases.

Thus, the hCG rate in non-pregnant women should not be higher than those that are normal. The norm of hCG in non-pregnant women is from 0 to 5. The level of this hormone in a non-pregnant woman may be higher in the first days after an abortion, when taking certain medications, and also with the development of some pathological conditions.

Immunity against hCG

In rare cases (units) in the female body are produced to chorionic hormone. They are an obstacle to the normal attachment of a fertilized egg in the uterus and its subsequent development.

Therefore, if in two or more cases the pregnancy ended in a spontaneous miscarriage, it is important to take an analysis to determine antibodies to hCG and find out if there are any specific abnormalities. If the result is positive, treatment is carried out during the first trimester.

The woman is assigned glucocorticoids And low molecular weight heparins . However, it is important to consider that organisms that produce antibodies to hCG are rare. Therefore, in the absence of pregnancy, you must initially go through all the studies and exclude the influence of other factors on women's and men's health.

conclusions

Thus, the analysis for hCG is very important research during the childbearing period. It is quite understandable that after receiving the results of the studies, patients have many questions. For example, why hCG is growing, but not doubling, how to correctly decipher hCG according to DPO, etc., does fibroids affect hormone levels, etc. You need to ask a gynecologist about everything, who will help decipher the tests and give comprehensive answers to all questions.

» we have explained the purpose of measuring hCG levels in the blood, and general trend changes in this indicator during pregnancy. However, we did not dwell on the hCG norms by week. These values ​​are necessary to determine the norm or pathology of your pregnancy. We’ll warn you right away: pregnancy management, including the appointment of tests and their interpretation, is the business of a professional. Only a qualified doctor can adequately assess the condition of a woman and her fetus, but it will be much easier for him if the woman is informed about the hCG levels by week, and at the same time trusts him and fulfills the appointments.

Change in hCG during pregnancy

Before we start describing the level of hCG by week, we should dwell on the features of the analysis itself. Chorionic gonadotropin consists of two fractions - alpha and beta. Alpha hCG is identical to constituent parts some other hormones that are in no way associated with the presence of pregnancy, while beta-hCG has a high specificity: this fraction is produced exclusively by the chorion.

Home tests, the so-called test strips, are based on the reaction of hCG of both subunits, but when determining hCG in the blood, they use a technique that captures only a specific beta fraction.

The second important point: any laboratory technique has its own sensitivity threshold. Please note that hCG standards for weeks of pregnancy, although they start from the first week embryonic development, however, at this time, the results practically do not differ from the hCG indicators in non-pregnant women. You should not run to the laboratory the very next day after the alleged conception - this is a waste of money and time. The earliest date at which, in some cases, it is possible laboratory diagnostics pregnancy - 7-8 days after the intended conception. However, here, too, gynecologists recommend not to rush, but to conduct a study only after a delay.

When determining hCG by week, they are guided by several main points:

an indicator up to 5 mIU / ml is considered negative;

an indicator of 5 to 25 mIU / ml is doubtful and requires repetition in a few days;

when assessing the deviation from the norm of hCG by weeks, a difference exceeding 20% ​​of the norm is taken into account. A decrease or increase in the level of hCG by 50% or more is considered a pathology.

A deviation of 20% usually requires a repeat analysis. If, upon re-examination, an even greater deviation from the norm was found, they conclude that there is pathological process, if the result remains the same, and clinical picture there are no pregnancy complications, elevated hCG is considered as an option individual norm.

A single study of the level of hCG is rarely used - it is relevant only for the early diagnosis of pregnancy. To identify pathological conditions (threat of interruption, feto-placental insufficiency, etc.), the dynamics of changes in hCG is observed.

So how does the hCG indicator change by week of pregnancy? Its growth is especially pronounced in the first weeks, then an increase in the indicator slows down somewhat and it stabilizes. The increase in the value of hCG by week is usually expressed in terms of the time required to double its concentration in the blood. Initially, it takes only 2 days for hCG levels to double. Starting from 5-6 weeks, this figure is already 3 days, at 7-8 weeks - 4 days. By the period of 9-10 weeks, the concentration of hCG reaches its peak and then decreases somewhat, reaching the norm for 6-7 weeks by 16 weeks. In the second half of pregnancy, the dynamics of the hCG level by week is not subject to sharp fluctuations: for the rest of the time, its indicator is only about 10% of its maximum at 10 weeks, slightly increasing on the eve of childbirth.

The level of hCG by week of pregnancy is very variable. The initial increase is explained intensive growth fetus, children's place and active hormonal changes female body: at this time, the chorion releases a large amount of hCG to prepare the place for the baby and provide conditions for it successful development. But after 10 weeks, the placenta undergoes significant changes: now it is not so much a hormonal organ as a respiratory and nutritious one - after all, it is thanks to the placenta that the fetus receives nutrients and oxygen. This explains the decline in the increase in hCG in the blood.

HCG levels by week

To make it easier to navigate the hCG indicators by week, it is customary to present the standards in the form of a table.

What should be considered when comparing the results with the table data?

The weekly hCG table shows obstetric weeks, which are counted from the date the last menstruation began. That is why you will not see the hCG rate here at 2 weeks - during this period we are not talking about any pregnancy, because. conception itself occurs only at the end of this very second week or at the beginning of the third.

To make it easier to navigate when comparing the period of the embryonic (from conception) and obstetric (from the last menstruation), it can be taken as a rule that the first is always 2 weeks behind the second.

If your result shows a slight increase in hCG (more than 5 mIU / ml), remember that before reaching 25 mIU / ml, the result is considered doubtful and requires a repeat in 2-5 days.

The level of hCG by week is not an absolute norm: there are minimum, maximum and average values. However, even if your result does not fit into the specified framework, a deviation of more than 20% is usually considered the criterion for the appointment of an additional examination (re-examination of hCG, analysis of estrogen and progesterone). And even in this situation, it may turn out that this deviation is a variant of the individual norm, so do not draw independent conclusions - entrust this matter to a specialist.

In each case, the resulting indicator should be compared with the weekly hCG norms that are accepted in the laboratory where you took the test. This is explained by the fact that different institutions may use different methods, so compare your result with the data indicated on the laboratory form.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is far from the most famous component 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 critical factors 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 in various stages 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.

Measure chorionic gonadotropin in the urine and in the laboratory, 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 normal, the second - overestimated, and the third - low.
Therefore, regarding studies of the amount of hCG, two theses are the most important:

By adhering to these rules, you will, firstly, 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 diagnostics of the volume of the hormone in a woman in position, are 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:

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;
• she began pregnancy and up to ten weeks, with a regular 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 have not only pathological, but also natural character. 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 pathological causes, which cause a deviation in the level of the "pregnancy hormone" 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 hormone concentration will not add to anyone positive emotions which are extremely important during the period of gestation.

Causes of High HCG Levels

• and late toxicosis (gestosis),
• hydatidiform mole (conception without normal development embryo)
• multiple pregnancy(HGR 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 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 this is caused by intracellular infections, disruptions in the hormonal background, or weak immunity), but it is not unsolvable. 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 work or statistical samples that confirm this statement are not 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.