People on HCG Weight Loss Program may worry about HCG side effects. For those of you who are unfamiliar with what HCG is; HCG is actually an acronym which means Human Chorionic Gonadotropin. The hormone is naturally produced within the body of a woman when she becomes pregnant, and this particular hormone becomes present in urine. In fact, over-the-counter pregnancy tests test for this hormone to indicate if a woman is with child or not. HCG is also used as a diet aid and this has drawn considerable attention to the possible HCG injection side effects (side effects of HCG shot) that may exist.
HCG is presently relied upon as a medication for fertility and it is also used to safely promote the production of testosterone in males. This hormone is further used for weight loss endeavors with considerable success. In the early 1950s, Dr. A.T.W. Simeon from the United Kingdom revealed that injections and oral supplements of the HCG hormone assisted dieters in managing a super low calorie diet and that HCG injections prove to work excellent as an appetite suppressant. Experts assert that an individual can easily maintain a diet consisting of as little as 500 calories daily without experiencing tremendous hunger.
When HCG shots are used for fertility reasons, the larger amount is known to cause occasional headaches, and pregnancy symptoms. However, the amount differences between HCG used for Weight Loss (125 IU to 200IU) and HCG for fertility purpose (10,000 IU) is significantly different. So there are rarely side effects reported while using HCG diet injections, or oral hCG for weight loss.
The HCG side effects, or HCG injection side effects (side effects of HCG shot) one will have to keep an eye out for include the onset of headaches, irritability, restlessness, slight water retention, tenderness of breast tissue, swelling of the injection sight, and depression. If a user of HCG products notes any side effects, it is recommended that he or she cease using the products immediately and that he or she seek out the assistance of a physician.
john carter says
i have been taken hcg since three year . since than i m not any problem so you can continue hcg
Frank says
I am a 46 year old male that used to be a competitive lifter back in the day. I started Phase 1 a month ago. I was able to eat up to 3,000 calories of mostly carb free foods. I don't drink alcohol or coffee, I only drink water and Iced Tea so that part was easy. I lost 11 pounds in Phase 1 which I was told by the doctor that was good. I am on day 10 of a 43 day cycle of the HCG injections and I have lost 13 pounds so far and 2 inches on my waste. I administer the injection into my thigh (quadracep) and there is absolutely no pain or pinch. The first 2 days, I was able to gorge and eat whatever I wanted. Day 4 & 5, I was light headed but not terribly hungry, since I am only consuming 500+ calories a day. I am also consuming approximately 150 ounces of water a day. I have had no side effects, other than wanting to eat like the rest of my family. I got very creative with my cooking and I am enjoying the success and compliments that I am receiving. If you are considering this diet, don't be swayed either way by the comments of positive or negative. Not everything is for everyone. I went to a medical doctor for this diet and I am sticking to it. It is not for the weak or timid, and you must have a good support system behind you to get you through the rough parts. I have 33 days to go and I am looking forward to my end results. This diet really helps you with retraining the way your brain processes and how to eat right. I have had my wife continue to bake for the kids, everyone in the house to eat as they always have and I have beat the temptation. Good luck…
Txgirlie says
You have told my same story. I'm on day 4 of phase 2 an have lost 7 pounds! I too am doing the injections from my doc. The support system is the most important thing! Thanks for your story!
BeeZyy says
Worked out and ate healthy food for TWO years…and NOTHING!
Stopped smoking and went down to 1500 calories per day and gained 10 kilos
Went to a doctor that did not believe me.
Went home depressed and went down to 1200 calories per day and gained another 5 kilos.
Started to check on the net and found hcg.
Now I started my hcg diet and after ONE week I have lost around 4 kilos!!!!!!!!
I am so greatful for HCG.
This is my lifesaver.
Seriously.
I love it.
My daughter only needs to loose 5 – 10 kilos and strangely she hasn't lost anything…we are doing this together and eating same food…anyone that knows why it is working so great on me and not on her?
I feel a little sorry for her :/
MusicHoneyB says
Is she quietly cheating on the side? Remember, no diet drinks. I found even the pop with stevia that it slowed down theweight loss. This is due to th carbolic acid and doesn't allow the fat to release.
lifelongdieter says
I am not an expert, but the research I have read is that is not for people who only have 10 pounds to lose, because they do not have the excess fat storage that the HCG is targeting. They also stated that these people will still feel hungry and tired on the diet. She might want to google only need to lose 10 ounds on HGC, maybe there are others out there that have found a sucessful solution.
Elaine says
has anyone experienced an extremely itchy rash on the face, arms and hands?
Wylondia says
Elaine I went on the hcg diet a week ago, and after 5 days it elevated my blood pressure, and caused me to experience shortness of breath, I went off the diet 6 days ago, and blood pressure has not leveled off, and as of today developed the rash you are speaking of.
Stephanie says
My boy friend tried the drops and after using the drops for a week he developed a rash all over his body including his face genital area
Sally says
I got a yeast infection inside and out and a huge boil. I was on the shots for 21 days.
Antoinette says
I've been told by a few people they got yeast infections. I too got one with my UTI (bladder infection). Took the difulcan, doing OK now.
Going off the HCG after this bottle is finished. Hope I don't gain back the weight and the GREAT amount of FAT lost! Will just be disciplined.
Lyla says
Hi. Has anyone tried doing just the 500 calorie diet without the hcg injections? I am married and even though I am on birth control, I don't want to use any medicine or anything that could do anything to my baby if I was to get pregnant. I realize it is a pregnancy hormone, but I'm just not willing to take any chances. (want a healthy baby:)) thanks.
kelcan2 says
A co worker tried the diet without the drops/injections. She did lose weight but complained of being light headed from time to time.
Alice says
I tried the HCG injections and had a HORRIBLE experience. I was not hungry or lightheaded, but it caused bleeding and severe cramping. In 10 days, I had only lost a total of 2 pounds from when I started. I gained 6 lbs on the loading days and lost that plus 2 extra. My husband and I were doing this together, but we decided to stop because of the pain that I am in. It is so bad today that he wants to take me to the hospital. I didnt have many pounds to shed, I was only 10 pounds above my pre-pregnancy weight.
I was so very disappointed by this experience. Today is our third day off and I was hoping it would be almost out of my system and the cramping would subside, but today it seems as though it is actually getting worse than it has been.
I am not knocking the diet, I do have several friends and family members that have had tremendous success. But if you are a female that has had ANY history of reproductive disorders, I caution you on the HCG and make sure you do it supervised by a doctor.
10 years ago, I did have complications with endometriosis and suspected polycystic ovary syndrome. I am also a herbologist and naturopath. I have cured myself of these and other medical issues through natural means and a raw food diet. But the HCG seems to have in a matter of days resurrected old medical issues for me that may now take months for my body to heal itself of…again.
Again, if you are a female with any history at all regarding reproductive problems, I caution you. Should you choose to try it, monitor yourself closely and watch for signs of previous medical issues surfacing again…the side effects and the pain can be almost unbearable. Today I was in tears from the pain and my uterus is swollen.
I wish you all the very best.
Janell says
I have been going to a weight loss clinic in San Antonio since Jan. 2011 and get the HCG/B-12 shots almost every week- every two weeks and I love it….. I have lost 38lbs and look and feel great. I have so much more self confidence than before. I highly recommend this process. I had head aches at the beginning but realized that it was from not eating much at all. I started to eat really small meals through out the day and that has cured that ailment. Love it!
Connie says
I also live in San Antonio and I am looking to start on these. If you dont mind what clinic do you go to so I can possibly look into it? I can be reaches through email cereynolds21@hotmail.
Thank You Janell
Molly says
Hi Janell
What clinic do you attend?
steph says
Have been off injections for 6 weeks, and did a 41 day round? NOw I am experienceing huge breasts . Is this a long term side effect, will it ever go away? TOTALLY FEEL LIKE PREGNANCY BOOBS:(
Virginia says
this diet is not for sissies.that is for dang sure. You have to get mentally psyched up to do it and expect some discomfort. There is no painless diet out there! I have lost 70 pounds on 3 rounds of hcg. The second time I did lose hair. It came out in clumps. The reason being I was not taking a multivitamin while doing the shots, but now I do. No more hair loss the next time. I gained back 10 pounds from thanksgiving to new years, but that still wasn't bad with all the food I had. Now I am doing another round and have lost 10 pounds in 11 days.I am doing this under a dr.s supervision. Don't just buy some hcg over the internet, it may NOT be real hcg but just junk.
Concerned Lady says
I've been ramifications the HCG drops now for over the 45 days. I stopped for about a week after the recommended timeframe but went back on it after creaking out from gaining a few of the 15lbs I lost. My co-workers began warning me that there was a recall aired on national television, saying that the HCG causes many of the side effects mentioned on this board, including Cancer, but I refused to believe it…going by what all the different distributors & Dr. simeon's manuscript says. I've recently been so busy with my mom's wedding plannjng that I didn't even realize my period has not come. I recently did the calculation and realized I'm prob about 2wks late. I'm really freaking out now thinking about the talk of ovarian cancer, thyroid cancer, etc. I'm def not pregnant so It can only account my extremely late menstrual cycle to the HCG drops. I stopped takibg them about 2 days ago and plan to call my Dr. Im just not sure if I should call my GYN or my PCP…or what exactly to ask them to check. I'm really scared since Im in my early 30s and don't have any children yet but want to one day. I pray to God that I didn't cause any damage to my body by not listening to all the warning signs. Has anyone else gone through missed periods or an irregular cycle that later returned to normal after stopping HCG?
Shirley says
I used HCG injections last year and lost 48 lbs, gained all but 10lbs back. Had no problems last year, decided to go back on the injections before I gained all the weight back and every time I do an injection it seems to be o.k. but by the end of the day it is a big red spot and inflamed. kind of like you can see a white circle around the red. I have lost 10 lbs. but I'm stopping the injections. (scared)
Sapowers says
Help, i started the HCG injections this past Saturday. I have not done well with the food part. What happens now? Do I have to start over or just keep going?
Kim says
if you are having trouble with the food part this diet is NOT for you! You need to follow excactly what this protocal says to do!
Bren says
I started the hcg diet yesterday using the drops and thought I was doing OK. . I started the drops yesterday and thought I was doing OK. However last night my blood pressure rose to levels I had never seen. Had a really bad night so decided not to take the drops today. My pressure usually runs normal (with medication) but I haven't been able to get it down to normal level today. I have been quite anxious today which doesn't help the blood pressure. Since I only used the drops for one day will it still be 3 days before the hcg gets out of my system and I can return to normal?
Wylondia says
Bren, it also rose my blood pressure to levels I have never seen, and I do not have, nor do i take blood pressure meds. I have been off of the injection for 6 days, and my pressure has still not leveled off, today i am developing a itchy rash all over my body.
Cindy says
I have been doing the drops since 9/2/2012, and am being treated for high blood pressure with medication. I don't check my BP daily, usually a couple of times a week, and I haven't noticed any rise at all. In fact, this morning it is 97/59, which is just a bit lower than usual (100-110 over 60-70).
Cindy
Laura says
I"ve been taking the injections for 3 days now and i'm EXHAUSTED!! Has anyone else experienced this???? I can barely keep my eyes open!
Susie says
I did the shots and lost 25 pounds in 5 weeks. My hair thinned and I got a kidney stone AND the weight all came roaring back on within 6 months. I felt absolutely AMAZING after the 25 pound loss then along with the hair loss, kidney stone and regain I got really depressed (not normal for me). I am now with a Dietician and a Therapist to figure out the underlying causes as to why I am overeating. Doing HCG is addictive…I lost 4 inches on my hips in 2 weeks and the compliments were fast and furious. You can almost SEE the puddles of fat dripping off. Now I feel as like the Goldie Hawn/Merly Streep movie where the ladies take the elixir to remain youthful, then it stops working and they age quickly. I have to remind myself every day not to try it again because the speed of the weight loss is indeed heady!
Concerned Pharmacist says
Stick to your guns, Susie, and don't try it again. I keep reading all these people saying they are on their 3rd and 4th round of it. If it's so great, then why do you need to do it again? Exercise and sensible eating are a much healthier route. Limiting yourself to 500 calories a day should help you lose a lot of weight in a very short time frame; however, you are killing your metabolism and once you start eating more calories the weight is going to come right back and be that much harder to lose because your body doesn't know what to do with the excess calories. Do yourself a favorite and spend your money on a workout program, gym membership, and/or dietician. Learning how to eat right will be much better for you in the long run.
Everyone thought fen-fen was the greatest diet solution in the world. There are thousands of people who wish they would never have taken it because of the health consequences no one knew about at the time.
Angel says
Please someone help me I took my first shot and my heart was beating crazy and I felt like I was going to pass out
Smarter than most says
Sounds like a recipe for disaster. I have lost several sizes on Weight Watchers and NO injections. I still have all my hair, and look 20 years younger. It will be interesting to see how healthy you all are in 10 years.
Miss Kelli Taylor says
They said HGC Injections can cause thyroid disorder, ovarian cyst, cancer, heart disease,
kidney disease, seizures, epilepsy, migraine, asthma, irritation at the injection site, hives,
swollen itchy rash, breathing difficulties, swelling in the face, lips, tonuge, throat, blood
clots includes tinglings, numbness, redness, warmth, headeaches, restlessness,
irritability, edema( swelling) depression, breast tenderness, inflammations. WARNINGS:
HCG Injections has been reported to cause a life threatening condition called ovarian
hyperstimulation syndrome include severe pelvic pains, swelling of the extermities,
abdominal pains, shortness of breaths, dirrhea, nausea and vomiting.
Nicole says
Who is "they"? If you were a multi-billionaire, as the people who own the diet companies and fast food joints are (think someone like Donald Trump who owns many, many companies), would you want someone to take your money away by finding something safe that will keep people thin and away from your companies, therefore causing you to lose money? These people are very powerful and whomever says that HcG is not safe is trying to scare you.
If someone is allergic to a substance, those symptoms can certainly occur. But they are also pregnancy symptoms, many of them! HcG is a pregnancy hormone and used in clinics all over the world for diet purposes by medical doctors at this very moment. And in fertility clinics in MUCH higher concentrations. If you are not healthy, pregnancy can cause problems. Same with HcG injections. Get checked by a doctor first.
It is natural to be worried the first time. I was, too, when I did this program 5 years ago. But it was fine; I got checked afterwards because I was so scared and had a full abdominal ultrasound and bloodwork, and everything was totally fine. I even had two babies after that. Now it's 5 years later and after my 2 pregnancies I am doing it again to get rid of the extra weight.
Don't be fooled by everything you read, and do some research first. Ask your MD! Mine said it is perfectly safe.
Wylondia says
I had alot of the symtons mentioned above, seeral of them, so it is some truch to what Miss Kellie Taylor said. I would not reccomend the diet to anyone, was on it for 5 days, and experienced some of the things mentioned above, and after being off for 6 days, just developed the rash.
Linda says
Thanks for your reply Nicole; I completely agree with you. There needs to be more awareness like this about whats REALLY going on.
DoloresT says
Every drug commercial that you see on TV tells you that you can have ALL of the side effects that you mentioned. From Aspirin to Viagra! Maybe we should all be afraid to drink water—-it might cause the symptoms that you mentioned above. Its terrible that we all have to be so afreaid all of the time.
poochy says
I'm under a doc care with HCG shots. She gave me a prescription for potassium pills and a weekly shot while on HCG for choline and inositol. A while ago she gave me a prescription for B12 shots and I have to say i reacted very oddly to them – got very week, winded and almost passed out (before I started HCG). I googled and found others also had the same issue as I did with the B12 shots so I stopped taking them. I just finished my 2nd week of HCG and down 19 lbs. I'm also taking a good multivitamin supplement, extra vitamin D, extra C and a few others. Good luck.
Miss Kelli Taylor says
I just now did searches on HCG Injections and I read the side effects and Warnings:I do
not like the sounds of the side effects and Warnings. It sounds VERY DANGEROUS TO
ME. I DON'T PLAN ON DOING THIS AFTER ALL.
Cat says
Has anyone had panic attacks about one week after starting? I have and I had to stop until I see my doctor again. Terrifying and they started happening in the early evenings.
TommyC says
I have a history of Panic Attacks starting about 30 yrs ago. I controll them with xanax or klonopin. While on klonopin 2mg/day and after 5 shots I felt the triggers trying to fire. It lasted only a few days and I was fine.
Jessicalee says
I had panic attacks too, I'm on HGC for the third time. You need to drink plenty of water, not a couple cups more like a couple bottles and the B-12 helps alot with the attacks too. Just remember your putting a hormone in your body, everyone has a different reaction.
Ang says
wow, I just amazed. What happen to working out? How many of you have gotten the approval from your primary doctor. The weight lost clinic are in it for the money. I would like to know why your doctor could give you the same thing if it was healthy.
Dee says
I agree with you. I spok e to my primary physician yesterday about the hcg diet and as soon as my sinus infection is over, we are going to start on the injection. It has been approved. There may be some physicians that are not doing it because they do not want to keep up with diets, weighing patients, etc. There are some doctors that are willing to spend time doing such things.(very few) I am glad that my doctor has agreed to do it because as you stated it would be good to use your primary physician, someone who knows about your health and if you are able to handle this type of injection, checking more than just your weight loss every 7 days
George Ii says
If you are not on it ang, then go away. This is not a forum for you to judge anyone. It's to help people who are scared because things that they were not told about are happening.
Emily says
I have been on hcg for 2 weeks.. The injections.. I've had weight loss and no other side effects that are negative… Except I haven't had a period for about a year from my depo provera birth control and just always had irregular periods or none at all. Then on hcg I get a period!! Not only that I got terrible cramps and huge blood clots! Haven't had any of that for a few years! I thought hcg was supposed to tell your body you're pregnant and most miss periods. Has anyone had this problem. It's so weird to have a heavy painful period after years of not and hcg causing this.
Dee says
I never had that problem and I am currently not on HCG. However, I am on taking birth control non stop so that I will not have a period. Depending on my hormones, I will have a break through sometimes and it will be heavy bleeding and very painful because that is tissue sluffing off from months and months which causes the pain. Regardless if we stop our period or not, we need to have a period at least 2 a year. I am not a doctor but I dont think it is your HCG shots. I believe it is your hormones and by you injecting this in your system it is a combination of causing your hormones to change.
mesh says
Yes I started the hcg shots 3 weeks ago once week. I noticed spotting a few days after the shot. It was not alarming even tho i just had my period Days before the shot. Well since then i have been bleeding off and on i have been on for 3 days straight and this is the 2 nd time.with.cramping. My Dr advised that i stop the shots for a while to see what happens.
Tonya says
i have done 4 weeks on the HCG injections, lost 20 lbs and I too have had no period due to my b.c pill, yet in the past four weeks have had 2!!! both were really heavy too and only a week apart.
Carla says
Don't worry — I've been taking the injections for 2 months and yes, my period are looooon and heavy. I've heard that you are supposed to stop the injections during a period, but my doctor didn't seem concerned. I actually had a period for 6 days. It will pass, but it's a pain. Are you taking the water pills at the same time? It certainly helps with the bloat — a life saver. Good luck!!
Carla
nicole says
Hcg is also used as a fertility treatment. It causes ovulation. It is a hormore released when you are pregnant but it also helps you get pregnant! My doctor told me if you don't want to get pregnant while taking the shots make sure not to forget the birth control.
Vigi says
I did the HCG protocol phase 2 for 25 days and lost 23 pounds!!! :)))
Now I need to start the HCG phase 3, but i was wondering if I eat some things with processed sugar and starches in the phase 3 protocol will I gain all the weight back? Do I have to do the phase 3 ????
Nicole says
Yes you do have to follow it to the letter!!!! Follow phase 3 EXACTLY; Dr. Simeons was a medical doctor, and an HcG expert (he discovered this use for it), and he saw THOUSANDS of people follow this plan over many years at his clinic. He developed all the phases for a reason. If you do all this work and then mess up phase 3, you are undoing everything and it is just another crash diet. I did this diet plan 5 years ago before I had two pregnancies back-to-back and it worked and stayed off! Do it properly! Phase 3 trains your hypothalamus to see your new weight as its new setpoint. Don't mess with it! 🙂 Good luck! It's worth it.
JTB says
Hi Nicole! I really appreciated your answers to some of the questions above, and started to freak out when I read about hair loss…did you experience that side effect? I just started my injections, and now I'm kind of freaking out. 🙁
Lorie says
YES. You have to commit to phase 3 with the same resolve that helped u lose the weight in phase 2. The pounds will not stay off if u don't complete the diet. It is truly engineered to work with phase 3. I haven't gained a pound, even though the holidays, and I believe it's because I completed all phases of the diet. Good luck and congrats on your huge lose!
karen says
ABSOLUTELY! It is during Phase 3 that your metabolism "resets" which will then be your "new" normal weight. Like calibrating a scale. If you skip it, you will start gaining the weight back as soon as you start eating normally again. Believe me, Phase 3 is nothing if you got through Phase 2 successfully. You double your calories, and you can have foods with more fats and carbohydrates which fill you up. I did my Phase 3 last year during the Holidays, and I sailed through it.
Danielle says
yes that is a big NO NO do not eat any sugar other than from real fruit & no starches at all… The best thing to do is increase your veggies and meats so you are eating more of the healthy stuff! I also add non flavored pork rinds as a crunch snack!
Jennifer says
I started Hcg injections and followed the diet to the letter. I felt great and was losing. Then about 10 days into the protocal I cheated and ate a few pieces of halloween candy and decided toto an "apple day" the next day.
I felt dizzy, lightheaded, nauseous and very peculiar. I ate some carbs and sugar and felt immediately better. I figured it was low bood sugar or something.
I have continued to take the injections but I am not following the diet portion. Today I had the lighthead, dizzy feeling again and eating didn't help it.
I should probably stop taking them, but I have heard such good things about hcg injections for overall health and anti agining, but I am really not sure what this feeling is being caused by.
Any comments on this?
Robin says
Feeling any better? Any new news? I was going for blood work yesterday due to severe stomach pain (been on HCG diet 8 days) and passed out and still feeling strange (never got the blood work) and have matalic taste in mouth.
Tim says
PLEASE PLEASE do not take HCG injections if you know you have mental health issues. People with Bipolar Disorder can go off the chart MANIC on HCG hormones. It simulates pregnancy and that is the worst time for instability for a woman with BP disorder. I know. My wife had her first affair when pregnant.
Had 3 more when taking these HCG injections and it ended up ending our marriage.
If you start acting out of the norm, raging anger, not sleeping, changing your behavior, becoming violent, hypersexual, talking non-stop in person, on phone or facebooking 24/7, desiring to seek out old friends from high school, etc. then there may be a mental health issue and you need to seek medical attention. We didn't know she had bp disorder until it was too late.
Devon says
Many female bipolars are actually more stable when pregnant, and I am a bipolar, stable on medication, who had no issues with mood while on hcg.
sharon says
Have you heard anything about hcg and how it affects depression. Ihave had three major depressions over the past 35 years take abtidepressants.
sharon says
I am also wondering if the question can be posted for anyone to answer
How does taking hcg affect the onset or exacerbate depression in a person who is stable on antidepressants, but has has three major depressions in 35 years? Is there any info to read about this and does anyone have any comments?
Jenny says
I think you've hit on something Tim. My friend, a 42 year old, started taking HCG about six months ago and has recently left her husband and kids. She thinks everyone is against her and argues with everyone and anyone who tries to help or give her advice. She had always been a caring and nice person but is now acting like a 17 year old. I really do think its the HCG but how do you get a person like this to get help.
Sonia says
Has anyone off the diet and 6 – 10 months after their diet? I would like to know long term effects please. Its very important to look in the future as well after a year or so. please do write if you have tried and are 6 mnths to a year after this diet. thanks you!
Dee says
I bet it is just like any other diet. If you go back to your old ways then of course the weight will come back. We tend to double our old ways once we are off diets and that is why the weight doubles unfortunately. If anybody plan to go back to eating the same things they use to eat and have the same habits (not excercising) they use to have then no eating change, diet, eating less is going to work.
Patricia says
No long term effects. Started the diet last January, My loss wasn't as I expected but I was hungry all the time. I figured out that I didn't start the protocol with the three day load and as a result, hunger. The second round, I did load the 3 days and had no problem with excessive hunger like the first time. I stayed busy and away from people who would offer food. I carried my food where I went and made sure in my car I had avail a little bag with nuts to calm the beast. Lost 30 pounds and happy as a meado lark.:) Alas, the holidays come round and you get all the invites to celebrate and it's hard to say no to the host and hostes' so I gained back 20 pounds. Not as bad as I expected because we did Over indulge. The killer is alcoholic beverages. Big NO NO! We had the champaign of course, and 1 tequila on the rocks. I felt the change. Live and learn. I hope all this helps. I only spent about 125.00 in all for my husband and I to do 43 days of the diet. We start our injections tomorrow. Wish us luck.;) good luck to you.
Nicole says
You are very smart to be looking ahead and worrying about the long term effects. Too many people want the weight off, no matter what, and do stupid things to get skinny that are only harmful.
I did this diet 5 years ago with amazing success. The weight stayed off plus/minus 5 lbs (I lost a total of 30 lbs) until I had two pregnancies back to back. Prior to doing the diet for the first time/the HcG protocol, I could not even lose 5 lbs. And with very difficult measures: working out to the extreme, followiing strict low calorie diets, etc. After HcG I could keep my weight in check no problem and lose 5 lbs very easily if I overdid it. That was an amazing thing when I struggled with that for over 10 years. I was sort of experimenting to see how much I could eat and not gain back and found a good balance. If I overdid the carbs and raised my insulin too much, I saw weight gain so I stuck to meals with protein and veggies and some low-sugar fruit and got back in balance, and the weight came off back down to my set point that I had after I did the HcG diet. STAY AWAY FROM PROCESSED FOODS: THEY HAVE CHEMICALS AND ARE POISON! Eat clean and healthy, organic food if possible, and watch your sugar intake, and you should have no problem maintaining. It's the people that eat total garbage and chemicals that have issues maintaining their weight.
I had an abdominal ultrasound to check all my organs after I did the diet because I was so freaked out, but it all came back fine. I also had a massive round of bloodwork done and all was great, before and after. My doctor said it is very safe and it has beneficial effects: balancing insulin, which is an important hormone that controls your pancreas, liver, etc. and causes diabetes when too high for prolonged periods. That is the simplest explanation, but everything, including cholesterol, will improve. I had two babies after that and am doing this protocol again to take off the extra weight and reset my hypothalamus, which was damaged after being anorexic at 13 and years of binging/crash dieting after that. The HcG diet saved me from the merry-go-round of diets, obesity, thyroid issues, burned out adrenals that got worse when overexercising and crash dieting, etc. I SWEAR by it. My doctor says it is the only way to lose weight properly when hormonal problems are the issue, not just simply overeating. The hypothalamus is the most important gland in our bodies, we just don't know much about it. It regulates hormones, fertility, etc. Dr. Simeon talks about it in his book, Pounds and Inches, available for free online.
I know there is A LOT of controversy about it, but it is a medically developed plan. Definitely have your health checked out by your doctor, for sure, before you do it, and be followed by an MD. But if all checks out fine, you should be safe doing the plan. Good luck!
Amanda says
Nicole, your experience is similar to mine. I've just started diet a few days ago. No problem with hunger, I've felt tired and a little foggy, nothing bad so far. Can u give tips on meal ideas or beauty products. Coconut oil usage? Supplements? I ask u becuase ur story sounds like mine. Thanks, amanda
Lynn says
Nicole,
Not to pry too much into your business and I will take no offense if you choose not to answer. When you refer to hormonal problems, are you referencing to pcos? I have been diagnosed with pcos and find losing weight difficult, which ironically is the way to manage pcos.
Brenda says
I did the hcg may 2011 and only for 30 days, lost 30 lbs, since than I have lost another 50lbs on my own. I am healthier due to the great foundation HCG gave to me and my determination to keep it off. This is just like alot of diets, you want to be healthy, than you really need to look at it as a life change not a diet. DOnt get me wrong I do have a occasional candy bar, dessert, etc I still like my sweets I just dont go overboard. size 18 to size 2-4
redd says
I've kept my weight off (33 lbs) for 7 months. I have eaten more or less whatever I want, just continue to monitor my weight every day and trying to eat healthier; but I have a bowl of ice cream or pie if I feel like it and I don't feel guilty. Just started Round 2 of the injections, want to lose another 17 pounds for a total of 50 pounds. So far I have lost another 3 pounds. The diet is brutal, and this second time around I've been more fatigued and hungry — but after more than a decade of never losing more than a couple of pounds it's been worth it. I recently got rid of all my fat clothes and got out all the old jeans I never threw away, and can now fit in – and I bought a sewing machine to take in some of the other clothes that I liked too much to part with and which were able to be modified. The best part? Buying 2 new bathing suits 2 sizes smaller than last year for our upcoming family vacation, and its looking now like I may actually have to exchange them for another size smaller. If it's worth having, it's worth fighting for!!
San says
Is 15 units a normal dose?
Antoinette says
I took .25 on my insulin diabetic syringe my first Round this Round I am taking .34.
You have to know WHAT kind of units you are talking about. There are IU (International Units) and insulin diabetic needle units. Research them.
Here is a chart:HCG Dose Injection Amount
125iu = .25 or 25 on an insulin syringe
150iu = .30 or 30 on an insulin syringe
175iu = .35 or 35 on an insulin syringe
200iu = .40 or 40 on an insulin syringe
Christy says
I only had one injection, 35 units of hcg. At the time, my period was already late. I had a blood test done yesterday and my hcg level was 973. I go back tomorrow for a repeat to see if the levels have increased, indicating a positive pregnancy. Anyone else experienced this? Also, wonder if this is fluke due to hcg injection, which was small, or what?? Everyone hates to wait!! 🙂
jan says
ty guys for posting your comments and thoughts. i was thinking about doing this to lose weight . after having and still born. and now i know this would not be a good thing for me.
again thank you
rens says
I did the diet for the minimum of 23 days on the drops and lost 10 kgs then another 5 kgs in the 3 week maintenance phase i feel great and people comment on how fantastic i look! i am eating healthy and do have bad food days but still am not gaining any weight…….then 2 weeks ago about 1 1/2-2 months after finishing the diet completely my hair started falling out, its awful when i have to wash it as it just comes out in clumps and my brush fills with hair every time i brush it, i have no bald patches but my hair is getting extremely thin allover, i have been to my doctor and she has done blood tests havnt got the results yet but she said the hair loss is a delayed reaction to such a quick weight drop…..i have gone from feeling and looking fantastic to constant paranoia about my thinning hair and dont know when or if its going to stop falling out! please reply if anyone has had the same experience!
Loretta says
Me too! Especially when I wash it. Does it ever stop I have been loading on omegan3 and biotin.
Any idea to when this stops ? Not bald by any means but it's thinning. HELP,
Kellie says
Yes. I was on this diet about 18 months ago. Incredible results but lost over 50% of my hair!!! Hair Grew back with AG Pro by Miller and Hairfinity vitamins but you must take them daily and you'll see new hair growth within 60 days. I'm still taking the hair vitamins. It took almost 1 year to get my hair back to normal.
theo says
The thinning does stop. It freaked me out as well, then all of a sudden, about 2 months later, it stopped and I haven't noticed any lasting thinning.
guest says
Same thing is happening to me. I'm on round two of the HCG. I stopped in the middle of round one because of my hair falling out but had great results. Now I'm just gong to do round two and see how it goes. But my hair is falling out when I brush it in the shower and when I comb it out in the morning. It's just terrible.
Michele Guess says
I also have noticed my hair falling out. I wondered if it was from the hcg diet. I lost 28 pounds and feel great. I have been off the diet for about 3 months and still am doing well with the eating right but the hair thing is freaking me out!! Please let me know what you find out.. Maybe a vitamin def problem??
Lorie says
Me too. I am having major hair loss. I'm trying not to focus on it too much. I did read somewhere that it can happen, but it will stop and regrow. Here's hoping! I'm upset about it.
Maryanne says
I only did the shots for 13 days back in October and quit when my hair started falling out. It's mid-February and my hair is still falling out. It's extremely thin now and I am looking at wigs. I am heartsick and furious with myself for trying such a drastic weight loss fad! I am right back up to my old weight and then some and if walking around fat isn't bad enough, now I am fat AND bald. I am taking all the vitamins and it's not helping.
ziggy says
The hair loss started 7 weeks post R1, I am losing hair by the handfuls especially after I wash it. I had extremely thick hair and have lost about 50% in the last 3 weeks and will have to start looking at wigs if it continues. I went to my GP and a Dermatologist, both think it was the extremely low calorie diet and cannot tell me when it will stop or if it will grow back, I am heart sic and cannot believe this is happening, no one ever mentioned hairloss at the clinic I went to. I am reading a lot of blogs about the loss but few on if and when it stops and if it ever grows back, Bonnie, rens, please respond on how its going for you now.
Samantha says
I went through a weight loss (about 60 pounds in a years time) and experienced my hair falling out just like that. It fell out like that for about 10 months, and then it finally stopped. It has since grown back just as thick as ever. Get your iron absorption checked, as that seemed to be part of my problem in conjunction with the weight loss.
Antoinette says
Yes my hair too started to thin and fall out. I did lots of research online and started these Hair Vitamins and within just a couple of weeks noticed a 80% reduction in hair loss, and it is growing again. Could be the HCG, could be the weight or fat loss. These are called Hair Essentials from Natural WellBeing dot com. Biotin did not work for me. Still small price to pay for loosing weight, looking better and getting rid of FAT!!!!! In my opinion.
MArtha Rose says
my practicioner has me on a nasal spray instead of injections or pills. is anyone else doing this?
yougotitjj says
I just wanted to say thanks to all of you who took time to share!! I am about to start the HCG diet friday. I am very excited but it took me a while to really find a page filled with useful insight from people who have ACTUAL experience with it. Both good and bad it was all very insightful and the time you took to post your experiences means more than you know! Best wishes to all!!
Dee says
Hello, I'm starting my HCG & B12 shots on FRIDAY too!! I'm excited yet scared,I'm scared to fail and not loose the weight. GOod Luck to YOu & good Luck to ME! Yay!
steph says
I was only on the diet for 2 weeks went to the Dr three times i had symptoms of being pregnant ( and I know that was not possible) the first time I went to the dr. my b/p was 198/106 three days later I went back b/p still high to the point I could not go to work or school the 3rd time b/p was still out of control the D.r continued to increased my medications, but a 3 cat the same time a continue to lose my vision and the shortness of breath got worse. I decided to go to the ER to find that I was having all of the symptoms of a heart attack the or higher the Dr. continued to increase my b/p med but it would not go down. I start to cough up blood heart rate increased and I had trouble breathing. On 3-2-12 I went to the ER I felt like a grown man was standing on my chest. I was admitted to the hospital discharged yesterday 3-5-12. I wont say that the research is not valid , but there has been info that indicate this diet is not for EVERYBODY. I will say I Will Never ever ever never use HCG again It did not work for me. In fact I almost died It's only by the grace of God that I'm still alive.
jean says
Did you bother to tell any of the doctors you saw that you were using HCG? From the way your statement is written I have a funny feeling you "forgot" to disclose this information to everyone you talked to.
kelly says
I started the diet a week ago and am down 9 lbs I love it so far. It is hard the first 4 days but it gets better and better everyday
Kogila says
Being on the HCG injections does it cause hair loss. Please help
Kellie says
Absolutely!!! Was very successful in losing over 17lbs but after I completed the 40 days, I started losing my hair by the handful. I lost a least 50% of my hair but it grew back with AG Pro and Harfinity.
Shante says
HCG does not cause hair loss. I have done this diet 4 times and have never experienced a hair loss issue. There's something else going on. Probably a deficiency of some sort.
steph says
yes I lost a lot of hair ….A LOT
Snobiz45 says
Did you go bald? Did your hair grow back?
corona15 says
I use to always lose my hair tons in chunks. I started taking hcg and a vitamin pill everyday my hair loss is very minimal now. Just thought I would share.
Stytches says
If you are not eating healthy enough I heard it can cause hair loss but make sure you are getting your proper vitamins in your food and vitamin pills if you like and you should be ok. People think it is a 500calorie diet which could cause issues. But my doctor told me to keep healthy one should consume around 1000 calories a day.
Robert says
Is this diet safe if u ate taking wellabutrin
Michelle says
I just completed the first week of HCG injections and am following the plan closely. I only had 30 lbs to lose and lost 8.2 in the first week. I am experiencing some of the side effects mentioned here – headache every other day (excedrin has been working fine to treat this) and some light headedness when I stand up. I did also have the severe hunger pains but they are starting to subside now.
I have not seen that I am sleeping better yet but in all fairness my infant is to blame for that.
I did get the first compliment today and someone said that I just looked 'refreshed' and then asked if I got new makeup. I believe this does have an affect on the skin.
Good luck to all doing this.
Jamie says
Alice, it seems your body is retaining water. Retaining fluids can be from a myriad of things. Check your blood pressure. Also have you increased your fluid intake? Extra fluids in can cause swelling until your body adjust to the change. Sometimes it's more then you can adjust to if you are forcing liquids and you'll need to cut down some.
alice says
I just started using the drop 24 hours ago.. I am swelling as if I had injected a pound of salt.Has any one had this problem.??
ceecee says
I got a horrible side effect from the hcg shots and had to have surgery!!!!! At the end of the second forty days (forty days off inbetween), I began to have stomach problems. At first I, and my internist, thought it was a colon blockage. The insurance company would not ok a blue dye scan and my internist was no help in getting it diagnosed! It was getting bigger, from the size of a fire place brick to much larger. It was an ovarian cyst the size of a small watermelon…google "ovarian hyperstimulation, ovarian cysts and hcg". It twisted and broke open the day before the surgery. Even morphine did not completely ease the pain. Now I have an incision from my navel all the way down. I had not ever had an ovarian cyst before. It's too coincidental. My doctor said emphatically when I ask him about hcg…there are no side effect. He is an MD and he lies about hcg…
Penny says
I had ovarian cysts back in the 90's and you can have them for years and not know it. Mine disintegrated the ovaries and they had to do a total hysterectomy. I agree with the doctor that it wasn't the hcg…just saying
Dr JT says
I am very sorry that you went through such an awful experience. HOWEVER, your MD is NOT lying. An ovarian cyst is NOT the same as OHSS. In terms of ovarian hyperstimulation or OHSS, it can occur when hCG is used for infertility. Women who are treated for infertility take hCG as PART of a entire regimen of drugs, precisely timed with the goal of producing pregnancy. In these women, OHSS can develop after they take a "trigger" dose of hCG that is given at a VERY specific time during the regimen with the goal of stimulating ovulation. The trigger dose is a significantly large 5000 – 10,000 i.u. of hCG given into a muscle as one large dose. As part of a weight loss plan, hCG is administered in VERY SMALL doses of 125-200 i.u. per day. It was not the cause of your ovarian cyst.
Ashley says
You are right, an ovarian cyst is NOT the same as Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome, HOWEVER, when you add an extra amount of a hormone at ANY dosage you are affecting the body. If you were Not affecting the functions of the body in some way, 1000s of people wouldn't be poking themselves with this stuff. I don't necessarily think that the Dr purposely lied, but there IS a possibility that these extra hormones could have effected a cyst on her ovaries. To say that it is NOT possible for a substance to affect something in the body is an inaccurate statement. We are all different and have different reactions and different sensitivity levels.
Nicole says
It sounds like you had a problem beforehand, and the hormones that mimicked pregnancy made your cyst grow faster. I did HcG and had a round of tests beforehand and after, and an abdominal ultrasound afterwards because I was scared when I did this diet 5 years ago. But everything was fine. My mother in law had estrogen issues (too high) and when she was pregnant with my husband 44 years ago, after her pregnancy the doctor discovered a huge ovarian cyst. She has had them off and on ever since. There a lot of mechanisms going on in the body and they aren't as simple as taking Hcg and then having a cyst grow overnight. Your body had hormonal issues to begin with.
Carolyn says
I survived three weeks of the HCG injections and 500 calories per day. The first week, I lost 4 pounds. The second week I lost 1 pound. The third week, I only maintained. From the very first day I had intense headaches. Most of the time I was weak and dizzy or hungry. I was already eating a healthy diet before beginning the VLCD (very low calorie diet). I am also hypothyroid (thyroidectomy) and on thyroid medication. I believe this limited my weight loss. I did lose a lot of inches and people make positive comments. I look like I lost more than 5 pounds. The headaches and constant hunger got the best of me. This is just not for everyone.
Penny says
Carolyn…I take thyroid medication every day. I take 3 grains of Armour Thyroid. It has not stopped me from losing weight. I've lost about 5 pounds a week with a total of 32 pounds in 6 weeks. As I was told at my doctors office. It's called pounds and inches. Even if you are not losing the weight, you are still losing inches.
SHELLY says
ANYONE KNOW DR. & CLINIC/HOSP IN NEAR NORTH/DOWNTOWN CHICAGO TO GO FOR 'HCG SHOTS' ONLY SOLID REPUTABLE FACILITIES PLEASE. I WAS ON THESE SHOTS APX 20 YEARS AGO & HAD GREAT SUCCESS. I ADMINISTERED SHOTS MYSELF IN THE THIGH @ HOME.
ALSO WHAT'S BEST TO USE &/OR ORDER ,125 IU OR 200 IU???
jo says
Been on HCG drops for about a month. I have increased hair growth on my face, arms and hands (Female). Has this happened to anyone else
Penny says
No, not in the least
RACHEAL SMITH says
I WAS ON THE HCG SHOTS FOR 4 MONTHS AND IT WAS WONDERFUL I LOST 40LBS. I GOT TO THE SIZE I THOUGHT WAS RIGHT FOR ME SO I STOPPED TAKING THEM. I JUST RECENTLY STARTED GAINING WEIGHT BACK SO I STARTED THEM BACK UP. I HAVE NOW BEEN ON THEM FOR 3 WEEKS. MY TUBES ARE TIED AND NOW I AM 8 DAYS LATE ON MY PERIOD AND SCARED TO DEATH I AM NEVER LATE AND WHEN I WAS ON THE SHOT BEFORE MY PERIODS DID NOT STOP I NEED SOME THOUGHTS PLEASE
Natalie says
It is pretty normal HCG can affect the timing, length and "heaviness" of your period. Your period will back to normal schedule once you are off the injection for several months.
Penny says
Did you go the 3 weeks on a 1500 calorie diet without any sweets or carbs? Or did you go back to eating how you always ate?
Jerri says
I have been on the HCG shots for almost three weeks. Lost almost 12lbs the first week and only about 2lbs the next two weeks. I've been staying true to the diet only I've been eating broccoli. I know that isn't listed as one f the vegs you can have. Is that a problem? I've also been hungry too…
Penny says
Jerri…broccoli is not on the list, so it could very well stop you from losing all the weight you wish to lose. It's really not bad eating what is on the list as I know it's not going to last forever. Everything has been tested by the people who promoted this and they know what works and what doesn't.
lacey says
im back on hcg for my second time!! I love this diet and a little hunger and belly growling aint gonna kill ya. u were an over eater to begin with or chances are you wouldnt be on the diet to begin with, it isnt a side affect thats your body getting used to not having thousands of calories it didnt need in the first place. you arent starving and if you cheat then of coarse ur progress is going to be interupted u cant keep tricking ur body and brain with food then it will get fed up and quit helping u if u dont help yourself. 🙂
Mary says
I like your post Lacey. You are right. We as Americans eat way too much and too much sugar and flour.
jean Marsing says
can I take these injektions when I daily take a Trisequens (also a hormone used for memopause) ?
trini2dbone says
I have been injected with the HCG for the past 2 wks, unfortunately, I have cheated a few times, but I was wondering if this will have a damaging effect on my weight loss progress? I have decided to get into the groove and be stronger in the remaining weeks I have with the program. I just wanted to know if anyone may have experience the same thing but yet still able to get some results nonetheless.
Penny says
I have not cheated on this diet. I have had some cruel people try to coax me into joining in with their cookies, cakes and ice cream. Yes, it's rough watching people eating all that stuff, and that is why I was so over weight! I stayed strong and refused any food other than what was on the hcg diet. This protocol has hopefully taught me how to eat more healthy and I know that feeling hungry is not a bad side effect. Water or hot green tea sweetened with a little Stevia works like a charm.
I highly recommend doing this under a doctors care!
Antoinette says
In my first round I cheated a lot as it was really hard for us to get the foods for the protocol. But we live on a farm and so I substituted other GOOD foods. I still lost 13 pounds. I'll take that! Today is my first day of Round 2 and I did my 2 loading days and am going to try to do better on the protocol. So I can loose more.
Antoinette
Mrs. Jones says
I have taken the hcg shot for 4 weeks I went from 160 to 130 pounds I have experience headaches. I had sexual intercourse with my husband and I started bleeding as if my monthy period was on I had just finish my cycle 3 day,s before that sexual encounter have any one experience this reaction when having sex. This is the first time I experience this but after intercourse I didn't bleed any more. I feel that the hcg is very very good if you want to lose weight,but if this is my side effects I will stop the injection.
Lola says
Did you find out more about this side effect? I experienced same thing
Jessica says
I have started the HCG diet and followed the strict diet guidelines and low calorie diet. I felt great for about ten days, very steady energy, not getting tired so fast, I have noticed that my abdomen got flatter and smaller in circumfrence. After ten days I started getting a horrible hunger that I couldnt control with anything, so I started cheating badly. Now 2.5 weeks later I feel Lightheaded, weak in the knees, having heart palpitations, always tired and watever I eat my stomach hurts and burns. I am afraid the hcg diet might have something to do with the way I feel now because I did not feel this bad prior to starting the diet.
Penny says
Did you have dr. supervision with this? The extreme hunger would have been a sign to call him for advice.
Derya Cetinler says
I am on high blood pressure med. and hypotyroid.
Is HCG drops safe for me to use?
steph says
Please don't do it what ever you do don't do it
jean says
Ask your doctor. I have high blood pressure and take several meds and he approved me. But please ask your doctor.
Gloria says
The reasons you could not take hcg is ; gallbladder problems
Heart problems, or pregnant
Jenn says
Just wondering, for the people who are having these negative symptoms, ie hair loss, dizziness, lightheadness, etc…are you under a doctors care while doing this or did you just buy this stuff online and doing it on your own? The doctor that Im going too did a complete workup on me, urine test, ekg, extensive blood work and all that. Did you all do that as well? Maybe u had an underlining prob and didn't know about and now u think your probs are the result of the hcg…just a thought tho…..
Penny says
Exactly right Jenn!
My doctor also did blood tests and an exam before administering the hcg to me. I also went in to see him every week for weights and measures. I know the hcg is safe as I got it from my doctor and not from some web site claiming it to be what they say it is.
I have followed the protocol to a T and have not experienced extreme hunger. sometimes when i think I am hungry, I am not. I was thirsty. Water stopped the "hunger pains'
Hot green tea has also been good for me. I would drink at least 6 – 8 cups a day.
crissy says
I am starting the diet next week under doctor supervision. Some of the post above alarmed me but I think that most probably aren't under doctor supervision. Also, my doctor is not putting me on a 500 cal diet. The calorie intake will be based off of all the blood work and various test I have to do before starting up. Along with seeing a doctor I will see a nutritionist and trainer every week to come up with menus and work out plans. Along with the HCG injections my doctor does lipotropic injections with B12 complex in it.
I'm going into this with the mind set that this is the start of a life style change. The cost is expensive but I figure I've spent thousands upon thousands getting unhealthy I can spend a few hundred to regain my health!
Patricia says
I did all the research on the diet and have been happy with the results. I did this diet about 8 years ago and dropped 40 pounds in one month. It took that long for me to gain it back because I was baking cakes and cookies for bakesales for the school and eating the junk I was baking. I have experienced some hairloss, but I supplement my vitamins to stop that since the 500 calorie is so low. I think it goes towards your body; but that's just my assumption. Hairloss is actually because of the rapid weight loss. My husband and I are going on our third round of HcG. No side effects that we noted. Must say we didn't follow the 500 protocol to the letter and still lost weight. His type 2 diabetes was under control without medication during this time. We were bad during the Holidays so we need to get back on the ball. We didn't use a doctor and did our measurements at home and on our own scale. Recorded daily. Used the SBD plan for the most part.
Patricia says
Oh, by the way, drink tea, lots of it!!! Water too. You can't get enough. Bad taste in the mouth for fasting I think. Brushed my teeth all the time. Too bad you can't chew gum. Helps creat saliva, but stunts the weight loss.