HCG vs. HGH
With over 60 different hormones in the human body, it is easy to get confused as to which ones carry out which functions. The biggest misconception is also when comparing HCG vs. HGH as their initials are relatively close. However, these two hormones are exceptionally different and should not be used interchangeably.
The most important thing to understand when discussing hormones is that they are not something to mess around with at any age. No untrained person should try to balance, increase, or decrease any hormone without expert medical supervision. That also means avoiding the illegal use of steroids and HGH injections. Once you start manipulating any hormone level, it will affect others. Only an experienced endocrinologist or another hormone specialist should engage in hormonal balancing.
Let us get straight to the main question – is HCG and HGH the same thing?
No, HCG and HGH have very little in common – other than weight loss. That right there is the primary reason why people get these two hormones confused. In the sections below, we will explain the differences between HGH and HCG to help you know when, how, and why they are used.
HCG and HGH are not the same and should not be used interchangeably.
What Is HCG and What Does It Do?
For the primary HCG and HGH difference, we look at function. Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is called the “pregnancy hormone.” It is at its highest level in a woman’s body during the first trimester of pregnancy. Approximately eleven days following conception, the female body increases HCG production, with levels peaking between the eighth and eleventh weeks.
HCG is vital for the strengthening of the inner uterine walls as well as nourishing and sustaining the developing embryo and fetus. The role of nourishment is especially critical during the first trimester if the mother is nauseous and having trouble eating. HCG ensures that the nourishment the embryo needs comes from stored fat in the mother’s body, and not from lean muscle tissue. That is why Dr. Simeons first started using HCG back in the 1950s as part of his revolutionary HCG Diet.
When comparing HCG vs. HGH, it is the HCG Diet that stands out for most people. When injected into the body each day, HCG signals the hypothalamus to send out messages to the body to break down stored fat. Because consumption of food is limited to 500 – 700 calories on the HCG Diet, the brain normally senses starvation. When that happens, it forces the body to hold onto stored fat and pull energy from the muscles. That is why many dieters lose muscle mass and not belly fat. HCG bypasses this feeling, essentially tricking the brain into thinking the body is not starving. That allows for the release of fat rather than the use of muscle tissue.
Another function of HCG occurs in the male body, where it stimulates the Leydig cells to produce testosterone. Fertility doctors sometimes use this hormone for men having difficulty conceiving a child with their partner. Hormone specialists also use HCG in conjunction with testosterone therapy for men with Low T to ensure the testes continue to produce natural testosterone.
HCG is a hormone vital during pregnancy to nourish the embryo/fetus and also aids testosterone production in males. HCG is often used as part of the HCG Diet for rapid weight loss.
What Is HGH and What Does It Do?
Our next look at the differences between HCG and growth hormone focuses on HGH – human growth hormone. Often called the body’s “master hormone,” HGH is vital to a properly functioning body and brain. If HGH levels get too low, widespread physiological, physical, mental, and emotional breakdown in the body can occur.
Human growth hormone does more than stimulate childhood growth. In adults, HGH is vital for the following functions:
- Cell regeneration – crucial for maintaining internal organ size, skin thickness, muscle mass, bone density, hair growth, and the replacement of all cells in the body
- Immunity – HGH stimulates the immune system so that it can fight off invading viruses and germs
- Metabolism – human growth hormone is the primary regulator of how well the body metabolizes the carbohydrates, protein, and lipids it consumes
- Glucose balance – HGH aids in glucose and insulin functions to reduce the risk of high blood sugar
- Heart health – keeping cholesterol and blood pressure levels in check is another role that HGH plays a significant part in during adulthood
- Brain functions – HGH receptors in the brain require a plentiful supply of human growth hormone to aid in mental processing, learning, memory recall, concentration, spatial abilities, and all cognitive functions
- Emotional health – human growth hormone helps ensure a balanced emotional state and reduces feelings of depression
- Libido – HGH stimulates sexual responsiveness and aids in erectile functions and vaginal lubrication for better sex
It is in the area of metabolism where the confusion between HCG vs. HGH often appears. Because HGH stimulates how well the body metabolizes food, it aids in weight loss for those who are overweight. However, HGH does not play a role in the HCG Diet.
HGH plays a significant role in many of the adult body’s critical daily functions.
How Do You Know When to Use HCG vs. HGH?
Next comes the question of knowing whether to use HCG or HGH. Do not attempt to use either of these two hormones on your own without doctor supervision. Doing so could result in a significant hormonal imbalance that can lead to many other health concerns.
When you speak with a hormone specialist about the choice between HCG vs. HGH, you will be asked why you are interested in using one of these hormones. If your sole purpose is weight loss, then the HCG Diet may be the right option for you.
How do you know if you should use the HCG Diet to lose weight?
If you are more than 20 pounds overweight and no other diets have worked, you may be a candidate for HCG weight loss. Do realize that you will be committing to a very strict, no cheating, restrictive diet for approximately three months. Six weeks of that is the HCG injection phase where you consume only 500 calories. During that time, you will complete 4 phases of the HCG Diet geared towards rapid weight loss, ending cravings, and teaching you a healthier way of eating.
Now, if you are dealing with many of the symptoms of adult growth hormone deficiency, then HGH therapy may be the best option. Fatigue, insomnia, weight gain, height loss, joint pains, muscle decline, mental fog, and low libido are some of the warning signs of HGH deficiency.
The primary difference between HCG and HGH for weight loss is that HCG helps the body burn and eliminate stored fat. HGH causes the body to burn fat while converting some of it into lean muscle tissue. You will not lose as much weight with HGH, but you will strengthen and tone your physique.
HCG is for people looking to lose up to a pound a day, HGH is meant to combat the symptoms of adult growth hormone deficiency.
Can You Use HCG with HGH?
Doctors do not recommend an HCG and HGH stack – meaning using the two treatments together. You will be hard-pressed to find a doctor who will prescribe these hormones at the same time. If your goal is to lose weight as quickly as possible, then turn to the HCG Diet. Once you complete your weight loss, if you find that you suffer from the symptoms of growth hormone deficiency, you can then explore the subject of HGH therapy with your doctor.
Some people think that using HCG and HGH combined provides the best of both worlds. It does not. Instead, it confuses the body. Remember, you need to maintain a very low calorie with the HCG Diet. That goes against everything that HGH therapy is trying to do when restoring proper functions to the body. You need a healthy caloric intake while using HGH injections to improve bodily performance. The type of exercise you do while on HGH therapy can also help stimulate more weight loss if that is the desired result.
For proper guidance choosing between HCG vs. HGH, please contact our hormone clinic for a free consultation.
HCG and HGH should never be used together.