In
molecular biology,
human chorionic gonadotropin (
hCG) is a
hormone produced by the embryo following
implantation. The presence of hCG is detected in
pregnancy tests. Some cancerous tumors produce this hormone; therefore, elevated levels measured when the patient is not pregnant can lead to a cancer diagnosis. However, it is not known whether this production is a contributing cause or an effect of
tumorigenesis. The pituitary analog of hCG, known as
luteinizing hormone (LH), is produced in the
pituitary gland of males and females of all ages. , the United States FDA has prohibited the sale of "
homeopathic" and
over-the-counter hCG
diet products and declared them
fraudulent and illegal.