Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin

It is a glycoprotein hormone, produced initially by the embryo and then by the placenta, obtained from the urine of pregnant women and composed of 2 subunits: alpha (smaller) and beta (larger); the latter confers specificity.
Administered via subcutaneous and intramuscular injection. Subcutaneous administration produces peak levels and later elimination.
Its effects are mainly those of the luteinizing hormone, responsible for triggering ovulation and the formation of the corpus luteum of the ovary in women and stimulating its hormonal production especially at the beginning of pregnancy (Sygma-Aldrich 2016).
Indicated to stimulate ovulation in assisted reproduction techniques. It is also used in threatened miscarriage and in cryptorchidism in children.
It is found naturally in small amounts in breastmilk (Lawrence 2016 p.139-147)

Since the last update we have not found published data on its excretion in breastmilk.

Its high molecular weight makes it very unlikely it will transfer into milk in significant quantities.

Due to its protein nature it is inactivated in the gastrointestinal tract, not being absorbed, so its oral bioavailability is practically nil, except in premature babies and the immediate neonatal period when there may be greater intestinal permeability.

May cause increased prolactin and galactorrhea (Mendes 2001).

No adverse effects have been reported in infants.

In infertility treatments, the possible theoretical anovulatory effect of frequent on demand breastfeeding must be taken into account.

• Choriogonadotropin Alfa (Low Risk probable)
• Human Menopausal Gonadotrophins (Low Risk probable)
• Lutropin (Low Risk probable)

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin.