Work

Elevated hCG can be a benign finding in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: In a perimenopausal or postmenopausal woman, an elevation in human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) can raise the concern of malignancy or even pregnancy, but it can also be a benign physiologic finding due to production in the pituitary gland in this patient population. Diagnosing the underlying cause of hCG elevation can be challenging, especially if a pituitary source is not considered. Pituitary hCG production remains largely underrecognized and can lead to unnecessary testing, harmful therapy such as chemotherapy, or delay in receiving appropriate care for other unrelated diseases. It is therefore important to establish guidelines to aid medical evaluation.

Source: Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine

DOI: 10.3949/ccjm.88a.18069

Authors: Lea El Hage, Betul Hatipoglu

Institutions: Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals of Cleveland, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Pituitary Gland Disorders and Treatments

Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W3211219620

FWCI: 1.863

Cites: 23

Cited by: 17

Related to: 10