The hormone diet, also known as the HCG diet, has become more popular.  There are many questions as to if the hormone diet is safe.  The hormone diet consists of a combination of HCG and a very low calorie diet.  HCG comes in the form of either drops or injections.  The injections were the initial way to administer the hormone; however, the HCG drops have made this hormone a choice among many who are trying to lose weight.

Drops vs. Injections

While HCG drops and the injections provide the same results, the drops and injections have differences that will likely be the determining factor of which method is a better fit for you.  Both injections and drops will ultimately help you in the loss of 1 to 3 pounds per day.

The drops do not have an expiration date, while the injections do have an expiration date.  Using the injections beyond their expiration is not recommended and can cause health issues.  Injections can be absorbed quickly; however, the drops are more powerful.  You will need to mix the injections; however, the drops already come pre-mixed and diluted.  The injections will require refrigeration; however, the drops will not.

The injections can cause infections, swelling and itching at the injection site.  There are not any risks for infections with the drops.  There are some side effects reported with the injections; however, there are not any known serious side effects associated with the drops.

Rare Side Effects

Although HCG is a natural substance produced by the body, there are some possible slight side effects that you can experience; however, the majority of the side effects tend to be as a result of the very low calorie diet that the protocol calls for as opposed to the actual HCG hormone itself.  The following are possible, but rare side effects.

Ovarian Hyper-Stimulation Syndrome

Women taking HCG could develop Ovarian Hyper-Stimulation Syndrome (OHSS) during the first round of injections.  This is rare, but can be life threatening.

• Severe pelvic pain
• Hands and legs swelling
• Stomach pain and swelling
• Shortness of breath
• Weight gain
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting

If you experience any of the above symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Multiple Births in Pregnancy

Women taking HCG increase their chances of having multiple births, such as:  twins, triplets, quadruplets, etc.  This can be high risk for you and for the babies.   Talk to your doctor before you take HCG if you are pregnant or intend on getting pregnant.

Hormone Diet – Common Side Effects

The hormone diet drops generally will have fewer side effects, if any.   Most of the side effects should go away within a few days of the diet.  Many of these side effects are the direct result of the actual restricted calorie diet, and your body simply needs time to adjust to the decrease in calories.  Here are just a few common side effects you may experience:

• Headache
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Mild swelling at injection site
• Water weight gain
• Depression
• Breast tenderness and swelling

Is the hormone diet safe?  The answers are controversial.  The side effects are minimal regarding the actual hormone.  A 500 calorie diet could put your body into starvation mode; however, the HCG is supposed to release abnormal fat calories stored in your body to supplement the calories you are not eating.  These abnormal fat calories will be used to nourish your body during the second phase of the hormone diet.