Markers › Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

Fertility & PregnancyHormonal BalanceBlood

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone produced during pregnancy by the placenta. It can also be elevated in certain tumors.

Why it matters: HCG is used to detect and monitor pregnancy, and as a tumor marker in certain cancers (for example testicular, ovarian, and gestational trophoblastic disease).

Reference Range
0.0 – 5.0IU/L
0
5LowNormalHigh
Symptoms of Low Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
△In early pregnancy, very low or falling levels can reflect pregnancy loss; reproductive specialists interpret in context
Symptoms of High Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
△In non-pregnancy contexts, symptoms reflect the underlying cause (e.g., gonadal or trophoblastic conditions)
Associated Conditions
Pregnancy (early detection and monitoring)Ectopic pregnancyGestational trophoblastic diseaseTesticular germ cell tumors (rare; men)
Related Markers
ProgesteroneEstradiolFSHLH
Common questions

What is Human Chorionic Gonadotropin?

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone produced during pregnancy by the placenta. It can also be elevated in certain tumors.

What might a high or low Human Chorionic Gonadotropin mean?

HCG is used to detect and monitor pregnancy, and as a tumor marker in certain cancers (for example testicular, ovarian, and gestational trophoblastic disease).

What is the typical reference range for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin?

The general-population reference range shown here is 0 – 5 IU/L. Reference ranges describe the general population and are not a personal target — discuss your results with your physician.

Track your Human Chorionic Gonadotropin over time

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