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Previous Volume 356:1184-1186 March 15, 2007 Number 11 Next

	Since this article has no abstract, we have provided an extract of the first 100 words of the full text and any section headings.

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To the Editor: A positive test for the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) before menopause is an indication of pregnancy.¹ A positive hCG test in menopausal women poses a diagnostic challenge, despite available guidance in the literature.^1,2 Erroneous assumptions regarding the presence of cancer have led to costly diagnostic testing, delays in necessary treatment, and even the initiation of toxic cancer treatments.

Pituitary production of hCG was first demonstrated 30 years ago, and many contemporary reports indicate that the pituitary produces hCG.^1,2,3,4 Low levels of hCG accompany the midcycle preovulatory surge of luteinizing hormone,^1,2,3,4 and pituitary hCG is normally . . . [Full Text of this Article]

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