What Is HCG?

By Twill Care Editors
Reviewed by Alyssa Quimby, M.D.
September 20, 2023

HGC, or human chorionic gonadotropin, is a hormone produced by the placenta. After conception, levels of hCG increase quickly.

This is the hormone that turns a home pregnancy test positive. It may also cause early pregnancy symptoms like nausea.