Ask Ayurveda

/
/
/
What is the HCG hormone, and how does it relate to pregnancy and fertility?
FREE!Ask Ayurvedic Doctors — 24/7
Connect with Ayurvedic doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
500 doctors ONLINE
#1 Ayurveda Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 23M : 38S
background-image
Click Here
background image
Gynecology and Obstetrics
Question #16903
348 days ago
746

What is the HCG hormone, and how does it relate to pregnancy and fertility? - #16903

William

I’ve been reading a lot about pregnancy and fertility treatments recently, and I keep coming across the term HCG hormone. From what I understand, HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a hormone produced during pregnancy, but what exactly does it do, and how is it used in fertility treatments? From what I gather, HCG hormone plays a key role in maintaining pregnancy by supporting the production of progesterone in the early stages. But how does it help with ovulation and fertility treatments? I’ve heard that HCG hormone is often used in IVF (in vitro fertilization) or during ovulation induction to trigger the release of eggs. How does it work in these cases, and why is it so effective? I’m also curious about how HCG hormone is measured in pregnancy tests. I know that urine and blood tests detect HCG, but how accurate are they in determining early pregnancy? Is there a specific level of HCG hormone that should be present at certain stages of pregnancy, and how does it correlate with fetal development? Additionally, are there any concerns or risks associated with using HCG hormone for fertility treatments? Could it cause any side effects, or are there long-term effects on fertility or pregnancy if it’s used too frequently? If anyone has experience with HCG hormone for fertility treatments or pregnancy, I’d love to hear your story. How did it help with your fertility, and what should I expect if I need to use it for future treatments?

FREE
Question is closed

Doctor-recommended remedies for this condition

FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7, 100% Anonymous
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
background-image
background-image
background image
banner-image
banner-image

Doctors' responses

HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy, and it plays an essential role in maintaining the early stages of pregnancy by supporting progesterone production, which is crucial for sustaining the uterine lining. In fertility treatments, HCG is often used to trigger ovulation during ovulation induction or IVF (in vitro fertilization) cycles. By mimicking the natural luteinizing hormone (LH), HCG prompts the ovaries to release mature eggs, making it an effective tool for controlled ovulation. It is typically administered as an injection to help ensure that the eggs are released at the optimal time for fertilization. HCG is also the hormone detected in pregnancy tests, both urine and blood, with elevated levels indicating pregnancy. The levels of HCG can vary, but they generally rise rapidly in early pregnancy, with specific ranges correlating to different stages of fetal development. In fertility treatments, monitoring HCG levels helps assess the success of the procedure. While HCG is generally safe, there can be some side effects such as bloating, mood swings, or ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), especially with multiple doses. There are no long-term effects on fertility if used appropriately, but it’s essential to follow the doctor’s guidance to avoid complications. If you’re undergoing fertility treatments involving HCG, it’s important to stay in close communication with your healthcare provider to monitor the process and address any concerns. Hearing from others with experience in using HCG can provide valuable insight into what to expect during treatments.

12742 answered questions
31% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies

Ah, you’ve dived into a pretty interesting topic! So, HCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin, is indeed crucial in conception and early pregnancy. In simple terms, you can think of HCG as the guardian of the early stages of pregnancy. After fertilization, when the embryo implants in the uterus (usually about 6-12 days after conception), the developing placenta starts producing HCG. This hormone then supports the corpus luteum, which helps maintain the uterine lining by producing progesterone – vital for sustaining pregnancy in the early weeks.

Now, talking about fertility treatments, you’re right. HCG is quite the star player. It mimics the luteinizing hormone (LH) which is responsible for ovulation – the release of eggs from the ovary. And that’s why in treatments like IVF or when inducing ovulation, an HCG shot is often used to trigger the final maturation and release of the egg(s). It’s like a well-timed nudge saying, “Hey, egg, it’s time to go!” This can make the whole process synchronization a lot more precise and effective.

When it comes to pregnancy tests, they detect HCG levels. The hormone can be picked up in urine about 12-15 days post-conception, while blood tests can detect it even earlier. They’re pretty accurate, but false negatives can occur if tests are done too early. Regarding levels, HCG doubles every 48-72 hours in a healthy pregnancy in the early weeks, though individual numbers can vary.

As for side effects, using HCG in fertility treatments doesn’t come without risks. It can cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), particularly risky if you’re producing lots of eggs. Symptoms may include bloating and abdominal pain. Long-term risks aren’t definitively known, but frequent use isn’t typically advised without close medical supervision - balance is essential here.

If you’re considering this treatment, ensure you’re working closely with a healthcare provider. They’d track everything, ensuring safety and effectiveness. And if anyone’s got personal stories, I’m sure they’d agree, it’s a rollercoaster, but oh so rewarding when it works.

12757 answered questions
38% best answers

0 replies
Speech bubble
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous

600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions

Doctors online

Dr. Vidhya S Anand
I am working in Ayurveda for more than 5 years now, feels like a long road but also like I’m still learning everyday. My focus has been on treating musculoskeletal, neuro, skin and lifestyle disorders… that’s a wide area but they all connect in some way if you look at root causes. For joint and spine issues—arthritis, cervical spondylosis, lumbar disc trouble, stiffness—I use Abhyanga, Kati Basti, Patra Pinda Sweda, along with internal meds adjusted for the patient’s prakruti. Neuro cases are a bit tricky, like migraine, neuropathy, sciatica, even some early neurodegenerative changes—Panchakarma and Rasayana really helps here, though it’s not a magic button, takes patience from both sides. Skin cases… eczema, psoriasis, acne, fungal infections—I usually start with digestion and detox, then herbs and diet tweaks, it’s not just topical. And with lifestyle disorders—obesity, hypothyroid, stress, diabetes, BP—I try to balance meds, diet, yoga, daily habits in a way they can actually follow (because unrealistic plans just fail). I think what matters most is finding that root imbalance, not just treating symptoms. I like to keep follow ups regular, adjust things if needed, explain what’s happening in simple words. For me Ayurveda isn’t just about “natural” it’s about precise, personalised care that works with the patient’s body not against it. In the end, the goal is they leave not only better but also knowing how to stay well.
5
16 reviews
Dr. Iravathi Adepu
I am working in Ayurveda with a kind of steady focus on really seeing what each patient needs, and I usually start from the classical principles—trying to understand the dosha shifts, the nidana behind their troubles, and why the body reacting in that particular way. From there I put together indivdualised plans, mixing Panchakarma when needed, diet changes, herbal meds, lifestyle modifications… sometimes all together if the case feels layered or chronic. I manage a wide mix of issues—like acute digestive flares, long-standing arthritis pains, different types of skin problems, and these growing lifestyle disorders that so many ppl struggle with. A lot of time goes into explaining things too, helping them follow small steps like Dinacharya or Ritucharya without feeling pressured. I kinda feel that education is half of the treatment in Ayurveda, honestly. I also consult for clients from other countries, where the main work becomes guiding them towards practical Ayurvedic routines they can actually do where they live. And at times I design whole rejuvenation or lifestyle programs, trying to align diet, yoga, daily habits, stress-handling strategies… the whole picture, not just the medicine part. Some days it flows easily, some days I tweak the plans three times until they makes sense. There’s also the follow-up part, which I try to take seriously because holistic healing isn’t instant. I keep track of how their sleep, digestion or mental ease is shifting, and if something not working, I change it without waiting too long. I like staying involved that way, supporting them through the process rather than handing a plan and stepping back. Maybe I overdo it a bit, but to me it feels right. And somewhere in all this, I keep reminding myself that Ayurveda works best when treatment is personal and humane, even if the days get a little chaotic or the schedule runs longer than I excpect.
5
1 reviews
Dr. Snehal Vidhate
I am Dr. Snehal Vidhate, born n brought up in Maharashtra—and honestly, for as long as I remember I’ve felt this pull towards Ayurveda. Not the fancy version ppl throw around, but the deep, real kind that actually helps ppl. I did my BAMS from YMT Ayurvedic Medical College in Kharghar. That’s where I got my basics strong—like really studied the shastras, understood prakriti, doshas, the whole deal. Not just crammed theory but started to see how it shows up in real lives. After finishing BAMS, I got into this one-year certificate course at Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth, Delhi—honestly a turning point. I was super lucky to learn Kerala Ayurveda from my Guru, Prof. Dr. G.G. Gangadharan. He’s got this way of seeing things... simple but deep. That time with him taught me more than any textbook ever could. It kinda reshaped how I look at health, healing n how precise Ayurveda can be when you respect its roots. Right now I’m doing my MD in Panchakarma from SDM Ayurveda College, Bangalore. This place is like a hub for serious Ayurveda work. The Panchakarma training here? Super intense. We go deep into detoxification & rasayana therapy—not just theory again, but hands-on. I’m learning to blend classical techniques with today’s clinical demands.. like how to make Vamana or Basti actually doable in modern patient setups. My current practice is really about merging tradition with logic. Whether it’s chronic skin issues, gut problems, stress burnout or hormone stuff—my goal is to get to the root, not just hush the symptoms. I use Panchakarma when needed, but also a lot of ahara-vihara tweaks, medhya herbs, sometimes just slowing ppl down a bit helps. I really believe Ayurveda’s power is in its simplicity when done right. I don’t try to fix ppl—I work *with* them. And honestly, every patient teaches me something back.
5
584 reviews
Dr. Prasad Pentakota
I am Dr. P. Prasad, and I’ve been in this field for 20+ years now, working kinda across the board—General Medicine, Neurology, Dermatology, Cardiology—you name it. Didn’t start out thinking I’d end up spanning that wide, but over time, each area sort of pulled me in deeper. And honestly, I like that mix. It lets me look at a patient not just through one lens but a whole system-wide view... makes more sense when treating something that won’t fit neatly in one category. I’ve handled everything from day-to-day stuff like hypertension, diabetes, or skin infections to more serious neuro and cardiac problems. Some cases are quick—diagnose, treat, done. Others take time, repeated check-ins, figuring out what’s really going on beneath those usual symptoms. And that’s where the detail matters. I’m pretty big on thorough diagnosis and patient education—because half the problem is ppl just not knowing what’s happening inside their own body. What’s changed for me over years isn’t just knowledge, it’s how much I lean on listening. If you miss what someone didn’t say, you might also miss their actual illness. And idk, after seeing it play out so many times, I do believe combining updated medical practice with basic empathy really shifts outcomes. Doesn’t have to be complicated... it just has to be consistent. I keep up with research too—new drugs, diagnostics, cross-specialty updates etc., not because it’s trendy, but cuz it’s necessary. Patients come in better read now than ever. You can’t afford to fall behind. The end goal’s the same tho—help them heal right, not just fast. Ethical practice, evidence-based, and sometimes just being there to explain what’s going on. That’s what I stick to.
5
1155 reviews
Dr. Navneet Bhardwaj
I am Dr. Navneet Sharma, an Ayurvedic physician who works closely with patients dealing with heart disease, skin disorder, lifestyle disorders, stress-related problems, and long term preventive healthcare. My work is grounded in classical Ayurveda, and I focus a lot on understanding why a condition started in the first place, not just what symptoms are visible at the moment. Over the years, I have developed a steady interest in root-cause correction, which sometimes takes time and patience, from both me and the patient. I use traditional Ayurvedic principles along with Panchakarma therapies, yoga practices, and individualized diet planning. These tools help me design treatment plans that are practical, personal, and realistic for daily life, even when compliance feels difficult. Heart health and lifestyle disorders often overlap, and I see this connection very often in clinic. Stress, poor digestion, sleep issues, all of this ties together, even if it does not look obvious at first glance. I try to explain these links in a simple way, though I sometimes wonder if I am saying too much at once. Skin disorders also require a deeper internal approach, not quick fixes, and this is where Ayurveda really shows its depth. My approach to patient care is careful and adaptive, I do not believe one plan works for everyone. Preventive healthcare is a big part of my practice, because waiting for disease to fully develop feels like a missed opportunity. I continue to rely on classical knowledge while adjusting it to modern lifestyle needs, even when that balance gets tricky or confusing at times!!.
0 reviews
Dr. Nayan Wale
I am working in medical field for total 7 years, out of which around 4 years was in hospital setup and 3 years in clinic practice. Hospital work gave me strong base, long duty hours, different type of cases, emergencies sometimes, and learning under pressure. Clinic work is different, slower but deeper, where I sit with patients, listen more, explain things again n again, and follow them over time. In hospital I handled day to day OPD cases, routine management, and also assisted seniors when things got complicated. That phase shaped my clinical thinking a lot, even now I sometimes catch myself thinking like hospital mode when a case looks serious. Clinic practice on the other hand taught me patience. Patients come with chronic issues, expectations, doubts, sometimes fear, and I had to adjust my approach accordingly. I focus on practical treatment planning, not just diagnosis on paper. Some days I feel I should have more time with each patient, but I try to balance it. My experience across hospital and clinic helps me understand both acute care and long term disease management. I still keep learning everyday, reading, observing patterns, correcting myself when needed, because medicine never stays same for long, and neither should the doctor.
5
10 reviews
Dr. Atul Painuli
I am Vaidya Atul Painuli, currently working as an Ayurvedic Consultant at Patanjali Chikitsalaya, Delhi... been here a while now. My focus from the start—over 10+ yrs in this field—has been to stay true to what Ayurveda *actually* is, not just surface-level remedies or buzzwords. I’ve treated a wide mix of patients, from people battling chronic illnesses to those just looking to fix their lifestyle before it leads to disease (which is v underrated tbh). During these years, I kinda shaped my practice around the idea that one solution never fits all. Whether it’s diabetes, gut disorders, stress-related problems or hormone issues—everything goes back to the root, the *nidana*. I usually go with classic Ayurvedic meds, but I mix it up with Panchakarma, diet tweaks and daily routine correction, depending on the case. Most of the time, ppl don’t even realize how much their habits are feeding into the problem. It’s not just about herbs or massages... though those are important too. At Patanjali Chikitsalaya, I see patients from literally all walks of life—office-goers, elderly, even young kids sometimes. Everyone’s got something diff going on, which keeps me grounded. What I try to do is not just treat the symptoms but help ppl *see* what’s happening in their bodies and minds. Like Ayurveda says—if your digestion, sleep and emotions are off... then eventually health’s gonna wobble. I don’t promise quick results but I do stay with my patients through the process, adjusting things based on how they respond. That part makes a big difference I think. For me, Ayurveda isn’t a “last resort” kinda thing—it’s a system that can prevent 80% of the lifestyle diseases ppl suffer from today, if done right. My goal? Just to keep doing this in a way that feels real, grounded, and actually helps ppl—not overwhelm them with too much jargon or fear. Just practical, clean, honest healing.
5
99 reviews
Dr. Manjula
I am an Ayurveda practitioner who’s honestly kind of obsessed with understanding what really caused someone’s illness—not just what hurts, but why it started in the first place. I work through Prakruti-Vikruti pareeksha, tongue analysis, lifestyle patterns, digestion history—little things most ppl skip over, but Ayurveda doesn’t. I look at the whole system and how it’s interacting with the world around it. Not just, like, “you have acidity, take this churna.” My main focus is on balancing doshas—Vata, Pitta, Kapha—not in a copy-paste way, but in a very personalized, live-and-evolving format. Because sometimes someone looks like a Pitta imbalance but actually it's their aggravated Vata stirring it up... it’s layered. I use herbal medicine, ahar-vihar (diet + daily routine), lifestyle modifications and also just plain conversations with the patient to bring the mind and body back to a rhythm. When that happens—healing starts showing up, gradually but strongly. I work with chronic conditions, gut imbalances, seasonal allergies, emotional stress patterns, even people who just “don’t feel right” anymore but don’t have a name for it. Prevention is also a huge part of what I do—Ayurveda isn’t just for after you fall sick. Helping someone stay aligned, even when nothing feels urgent, is maybe the most powerful part of this science. My entire practice is rooted in classical Ayurvedic texts—Charaka, Sushruta, Ashtanga Hridayam—and I try to stay true to the system, but I also speak to people where they’re at. That means making the treatments doable in real life. No fancy lists of herbs no one can find. No shloka lectures unless someone wants them. Just real healing using real logic and intuition together. I care about precision in diagnosis. I don’t rush that part. I take time. Because one wrong assumption and you’re treating the shadow, not the source. And that’s what I try to avoid. My goal isn’t temporary relief—it’s to teach the body how to not need constant fixing. When someone walks away lighter, clearer, more in tune with their system—that’s the actual win.
5
302 reviews
Dr. Jatin Kumar Sharma
I am a BAMS graduate and currently running my own clinic, where I see patients on a regular basis and try to give them honest, practical care. My daily work involves understanding different health concerns, listening properly to what the patient is going through, and then planning treatment in a way that actually fits their routine. I believe treatment should not feel confusing or rushed, and sometimes even small changes make a big difference. Running my own clinic has taught me a lot about responsibility and consistency. Some days are busy, some are slow, but every patient brings a different challenge and learning. I focus mainly on Ayurvedic treatment methods, lifestyle correction and long-term health balance, rather than quick fixes. There are times when progress takes longer, but I stay patient and keep working with the person step by step. I try to keep my approach simple, practical and honest. For me, real success is when a patient feels better in daily life, sleeps better, eats better and slowly regains balance. That is what keeps me going and improving every day.
5
104 reviews
Dr. Katariya Nutankumar Parshotambhai
I am focused on ayurvedic care for male and female infertility, and most of my clinical work has grown around this area over time. I work closely with couples and individuals who are struggling with reproductive health concerns, using classical Ayurveda principles along with practical, day-to-day treatment planning. My experience in infertility management is extensive, though every case still feels a little different, and I do stop and rethink when needed. I approach male infertility and female infertility as whole-body conditions, not isolated problems. In Ayurveda, digestion, hormones, stress patterns, and daily routine all matter, and I try to address these together rather than chasing one symptom only. Treatment plans are individualized, sometimes adjusted slowly, sometimes faster than expected, depending on how the body responds, which can be unpredictable at times.. Patient care for me is about listening first, then explaining clearly, even if it takes longer. I believe ayurvedic infertility treatment requires patience, from the patient and also from me, and I stay involved through each phase of care. Results dont follow a fixed timeline, and I am honest about that, even when it feels uncomfortable. I continue to rely on traditional ayurvedic understanding of reproductive health while keeping my clinical decisions grounded in real patient response, not theory alone! This balance matters to me, even when I question my own approach and refine it again.
0 reviews
Dr. Batu
I am an Ayurvedic doctor trying to bring the old wisdom of chikitsa into daily life, even if sometime I feel I am still learning new things every single day.. I work mostly with the classical principles, the ones I studied again n agin during my training, and I try to see how they fit with each patient’s prakriti and the tiny details of their health story. I am often thinking how Ayurveda doesn’t rush anything, it asks for understanding of the roga and even the rogi in a deeper way, and I keep that in mind when someone walks in and tell me their concerns. Some cases are simple, some not really, but I do my best to look at the ahara, vihara, dosha pattern and even the habits they don’t notice at first. Sometimes I get a bit caught up in analysing too many factors at once, or typing notes too fas and mixing commas,, but at the core I focus on using authentic Ayurvedic approaches—herbal formulations, routine correction, panchkarma suggestions where needed—and I try to guide people gently without overwhelming them. I am also aware that many patients come with doubts or half-heard ideas about Ayurveda, and I try to clear those without sounding too “doctorly,” just explaining what makes sense for their body. I want them to feel they can trust the process, even if progress take time or feel slow on some days. I am still growing in this field, and every person who comes to me reminds me why I chose Ayurveda in the first place: clarity, balance, and healing that respects the person as a whole. There are moments where I wish I had more hours in a day to study more granthas or revise a chapter I skipped, but I stay committed to giving care that is genuine, thoughtful and rooted in traditional practice—even if the journey gets a bit messy here n there !!
0 reviews

Latest reviews

Quinn
2 hours ago
This advice was a game-changer for my morning fruit dilemmas! Super helpful breakdown; I feel way more confident about my choices now. Appreciate it!
This advice was a game-changer for my morning fruit dilemmas! Super helpful breakdown; I feel way more confident about my choices now. Appreciate it!
Ellie
7 hours ago
Thanks for the advice! I really appreciate you breaking it down so clearly. I'll give these tips a go and check back in a couple weeks.
Thanks for the advice! I really appreciate you breaking it down so clearly. I'll give these tips a go and check back in a couple weeks.
Paul
7 hours ago
Thank you, this is so helpful! Appreciate the clear list of remedies and lifestyle advice. Feels more manageable now.
Thank you, this is so helpful! Appreciate the clear list of remedies and lifestyle advice. Feels more manageable now.
Rachael
7 hours ago
Thanks for the great advice! Appreciated the clear plan for handling GERD with a Ayurvedic touch. Feeling hopeful this will help!
Thanks for the great advice! Appreciated the clear plan for handling GERD with a Ayurvedic touch. Feeling hopeful this will help!