Injectable human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, is a commercial hormone product used to treat female infertility, male hypogonadism (testosterone insufficiency) and undescended testicles. HCG use comes with several potential dangers.

General Dangers

According to the medication resource Drugs.com, use of injectable nCG may trigger formation of dangerous or deadly blood clots, with signs including severe headache, dizziness, confusion and pain, redness, tingling or numbness in an arm or leg.

Dangers for Women

Women taking injectable hCG may experience a life-threatening condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, with symptoms including stomach pain and swelling, severe pelvic pain, diarrhea and swelling of the hands or feet.

Additional Dangers for Women

Women may also experience a high-risk multiple pregnancy. Women who take hCG while already pregnant may trigger the development of birth defects in their unborn children. (See References 1)

Dangers for Young Boys

Young boys treated with hCG may experience signs of abnormally early puberty, including growth of pubic hair, deepened voice, sweating and increased acne production.

Considerations

Certain preexisting conditions may adversely affect the safety of hCG use. These include kidney or heart disease, epilepsy, premature puberty, disorders of the thyroid or adrenal glands, ovarian cysts, asthma, migraines and several forms of cancer.

Source:

Drugs.com - Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)

The Mayo Clinic - Undescended Testicle (Cryptorchidism): Treatments and Drugs