Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin

• A hormone, similar to the pituitary gonadotrophin that is produced by placenta during pregnancy.
• Large amounts are excreted in the urine, and this is used as the basis for most pregnancy tests.
• The level of HCG in the serum is one of the indicators used in the triple marker test for down's syndrome.
• HCG maintains the secretion of progesterone by the corpus luteum of the ovary, the secretion of pituitary gonadotrophins being blocked during pregnancy.
• HCG is given by injection to treat delayed puberty, undescended testis, premenstrual tension and sterility due to lack of ovulation.