HCG for Weight Loss
“While the FDA has stated that hCG does not aid in weight loss, it is important to note that their evaluation was based upon the protocol first used by Dr. ATG Simeon in the 1950’s. We do NOT use this protocol. 80% of the 220,000+ patients treated through my USA based clinics (in Louisiana, North Carolina and WY) since 1981 have told me how effective they find hCG in helping them lose body fat, especially in hard- to- lose places. So effective is the protocol I developed that we have patients fly to our clinics from all over North America, South American and even Europe. Because of this overwhelming positive response, we are proud to offer hCG as an option for our patients desiring to trial hCG as part of their weight loss program.“
Dr Michael P. Girouard, MD
1. WHAT IS hCG?
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is the major hormone secreted by the placenta during pregnancy (what’s “positive” in home pregnancy kits). hCG is also made naturally in men and women in the pituitary. hCG injections have been shown in clinical studies to have an effect on the preservation of lean muscle mass with a reduced calorie diet, loss of inches and mild appetite suppression. In addition, hCG has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties likely contributing to the improvement in fibromyalgia, PCOS and lipedema, improved sense of well-being and the inflammatory nature of obesity and diabetes.
2. DOES hCG WORK FOR EVERYONE?
No. hCG has helped about 80% of our patients, particularly in ladies who experienced weight gain after a hormonal change such as pregnancy (especially late or second pregnancy), hysterectomy, tubal ligation, miscarriage, menopause or peri-menopause, women that have lipoedema and in men with low testosterone levels. CAUTION: HIGH DOSE hCG MAY PROMOTE PRE-ADIPOCYTE FORMATION (i.e. more fat cells)! At Dr. Girouard’s Clinics, we recommend low-dose hCG. We do NOT use or recommend the Simeon protocol nor do we advocate for the Simeon’s 500 cal/day diet.
3. hCG SIDE EFFECTS
The most common side effects are menstrual irregularities (20%); breast tenderness (0.5%) – especially in patients with fibrocystic breast disease; ovarian pain in patients with a history of polycystic ovaries and acne. The higher the dose of hCG, the more likely the side effects will be present.
4. DO YOU HAVE TO TAKE hCG? DO YOU HAVE TO STOP?
No to both questions. hCG is a treatment option that may or may not be right for you. You may continue to use hCG after you reach your weight loss goal. Many patients use hCG as part of a maintenance program. Many of our patients have continued to use hCG for its benefit as an anti-inflammatory with their arthritis, psoriasis, chronic pain, lipedema, migraine headaches and fibromyalgia. There are no studies published on the long-term effects from this hormone beyond 1 year of administration.
5. CAN I TAKE THE hCG SHOTS AT HOME?
Yes. They must be refrigerated. Many patients prefer to take them home rather than come to the Clinic to have their injection. Remember to dispose of your needles properly.
6. WHAT’S THE BEST TIME TO TAKE THE hCG SHOT?
It doesn’t matter the time – morning, noon or night.
7. DO YOU LOSE BETTER IN THE AREA YOU TAKE THE SHOT?
NO. hCG injections are administered subcutaneously (not into the muscle) with a small needle on the lower/mid abdomen. The preferred area is 3-6 cm near or below the belly button. The skin should be clean to prevent infection. Rarely a bruise will be seen if a small vein is punctured by the needle. The injection may sting a bit and this improves over a few minutes.
8. HOW MUCH, HOW OFTEN?
The very first published study using hCG was by Dr. Simeon who used moderate to high dose, daily intramuscular (IM) injections. Based on more recent studies and Dr. Girouard’s 40 years of clinical experience using hCG, extending back to 1981 in over 220,000 patients, has shown that low dose subcutaneous injections actually work much better with less side effects. 80% of his patients using hCG prefer one shot a week. Some people do notice a greater benefit from twice weekly or every other day injections. SUGGESTION: start with the lower, once a week dose. Increasing to twice a week or every other day injections may be recommended. Always use the lowest and most effective dose. (Don’t waste money!)
9. WHO SHOULD NOT TAKE hCG
Patients with a history of testicular cancer, ovarian cancer and possibly prostate cancer should not take hCG. It may not be appropriate for some people with a history of blood clots or a clotting disorder, especially due to hormonal influence. Its use in patients with a history of breast cancer is controversial (see #12 below). Patients with a history of cancer may need clearance from their oncologist or hematologist before using hCG.
10. CAN hCG MAKE YOU MORE FERTILE?
Not at this low of a dose. The only FDA indications for using hCG is for the treatment of infertility and male hypogonadism. hCG is used to treat male and female infertility with a MUCH HIGHER dose. However, losing weight makes you much more fertile. Fertility increases up to 50% for every 5#’s your body loses. SO TAKE PRECAUTIONS! hCG injections may give a false positive pregnancy test. If you get a positive pregnancy test, stop the injections for 2 weeks and recheck.
11. OTHER BENEFITS OF hCG?
In some people, hCG can significantly decrease appetite and reduce cravings (especially chocolate). It may also increase libido (especially postmenopausal women and men over 40). hCG has a strong anti-inflammatory effect and some patients with fibromyalgia, arthritis, chronic pain, MS, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, lipedema and even migraines have reported improvement!
12. BREAST CANCER & hCG?
Some women with breast cancer experience shrinkage of the tumor or complete remission during pregnancy when enormous amounts of hCG are secreted. New data seems to indicate that hCG may have a beneficial effect in patients with breast cancer however more studies are needed. (Schuler-Toprak, et al., “Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and Breast Cancer”, Int J Mol Sci, 2017 Jul; 18(7): 1587)