Human chorionic gonadotropin or human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) is a glycoprotein hormone produced in pregnancy that is made by the developing embryo after conception and later by the syncytiotrophoblast (part of the placenta). Its role is to prevent the disintegration of the corpus luteum of the ovary and thereby maintain progesterone production that is critical for a pregnancy in humans. hCG may have additional functions; for instance, it is thought that hCG affects the immune tolerance of the pregnancy. Early pregnancy testing, in general, is based on the detection or measurement of hCG. Because hCG is produced also by some kinds of tumor, hCG is an important tumor marker especially (with clinical significance) in Gestational trophoblastic disease, but it is not known whether this production is a contributing cause or an effect of tumorigenesis.
Because of its similarity to LH, hCG can also be used clinically to induce ovulation in the ovaries as well as testosterone production in the testes. hCG, hCG injections and hCG diet plans have been designed for weight loss management programs. hCG has also increasingly been used in combination with anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) cycles. hCG is commonly used during Testosterone Replacement Therapy and after steroid cycles to maintain and restore testicular size as well as normal testosterone production.
HDL
High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol. Protects against cardiovascular disease. HDL’s help to shuttle cholesterol out of the blood and back to the liver, where it's degraded into bile that then can be excreted from the body.
Hormones
Hormones are tiny chemical messengers that help our body do different tasks. Hormones are made up of amino acids. Hormones are produced by the endocrine glands and then sent all over the body to stimulate certain activities. For example, Insulin is a well known hormone that helps our body digest food. Our growth, digestion, reproduction and sexual functions are all triggered by hormones.
Hormone Optimization
Hormone optimization refers to the science of restoring hormones to clinically appropriate levels. As the aging process takes place, hormone levels tend to decrease. Men and women rely on a proper balance of estrogen / progesterone, testosterone, DHEA (dihydroepiandrosterone) thyroid, cortisol, melatonin, insulin and growth hormone. Clinical studies show that hormone replacement therapy helps restore hormone levels to witihin normal ranges alleviating hormone-related symptoms and healh issues.
Biodentical hormone therapies have proven to be very helpful and safer than animal-derived hormone treatments. Optimizing hormonal levels provides men and women with an opportunity to live a healthier and more active life.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Hormone Replacement Therapy involves restoring youthful (optimal) hormone levels that have declined due to an age-related decrease in hormone production. Hormone replacement therapy is prescribed to counter the debilitating symptoms associated with aging.
Hydroxicitric Acid (HCA)
Also known as Citrimax. Acid found in the fruit Garcinia Cambogia that affects fat and carbohydrate metabolism. Studies have shown it reduces the conversion of carbs into bodyfat. HCA competitively inhibits an enzyme kown as ATP-Citrate lyase (the major enzyme responsible for the production of fatty acid). When HCA blocks the production of fatty acids, a buildup of citrate occurs, which may cause the cell to inhibit glycolysis (breakdown of stored sugars).
HMB
See 'Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate'
Hypoglycemia
A term meaning low blood sugar. It's a set of symptoms that point to irregularities in the way the body handles glucose, the sugar that circulates in the blood. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include sweating, trembling, anxiety, fast heartbeat, headache, hunger, weakness, mental confusion, and on occasion, seizures and coma. However, it occurs rarely because the body has a lot of backup systems preventing it.
Hypogonadism
The gonads (ovaries in women, testes in men) produce hormones (testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, etc.) and gametes (eggs or sperm). Hypogonadism occurs when these glands (ovaries or testes) produce little or no hormones.
For men, hypogonadism is treated with Testosterone Replacement Therapy. For women, estradiol and progesterone are replaced along with a modest amount of testosterone treatment. Testosterone therapy helps to increase libido. Patients receiving treatment have reported improved cognitive function, drive and sense of well-being, an increase in lean muscle, decrease in body fat and increased sexual function.
