HCG, which is also known as human chorionic gonadotropin, is a hormone that is involved in pregnancy, but which may also be taken by dieters. Taking supplements of HCG can help to increase the rate at which weight is being lost and to reduce appetite. The HCG diet involves eating a reduced calorie diet as well as taking HCG every day. HCG used to be given by injection, but it can now be taken as homeopathic drops.
It is important to understand how menstruation and pregnancy affect the use of HCG drops. The HCG protocol should usually be started after the end of a menstrual period. However, if menstruation does occur part of the way through the HCG drops protocol, it is possible to continue taking HCG drops during menstruation. HCG drops may intensify menstruation. If there is any discomfort, the HCG drops should be stopped and restarted after the end of the period.
In some cases, it may be necessary to temporarily stop HCG. Women who usually have a heavy menstrual period may need to stop taking HCG drops during their period. They can then begin to take the HCG drops again after the end of their period.
The levels of HCG are commonly used to test for pregnancy. Many home tests rely on measurements of this hormone. If you are taking HCG drops then it is possible for a pregnancy test to show a positive result even if you are not pregnant. In order to determine whether you are actually pregnant, it will be necessary to obtain a blood test from a doctor. Should this test prove that you are in fact pregnant, you should stop taking the HCG drops.
In some cases, HCG may be administered during pregnancy. If it is given, it will be in order to raise the level of HCG in the body should it drop too low, rather than as an aid for weight loss. HCG should only be taken during pregnancy when it is advised by a doctor.
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