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human chorionic gonadotropin

hormone
Also known as: HCG, chorionic gonadotropin

Quick Summary

Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a glycoprotein hormone produced by the placenta during early pregnancy. It is similar in structure to luteinizing hormone and its primary role is to maintain the function of the corpus luteum, which is essential for sustaining the pregnancy. HCG is the key indicator detected in pregnancy tests, as its levels rise significantly in a woman's blood and urine after the fertilized egg implants in the uterine wall. This hormone becomes detectable between 6 to 12 days after fertilization.123

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