Pregnancy hormones, specifically human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), decrease rapidly after an abortion. The rate of decline is predictable, especially in the days following a medication abortion.
hCG Decline After Medication Abortion
The primary hormone monitored after an abortion is hCG. Here's a breakdown of how it typically decreases:
- Early Decline: The decline in hCG levels is rapid and predictable as early as Day 5 following a medication abortion.
- Success Rate: A decrease of 87% or more on Day 7-12 after a medication abortion can be considered a successful abortion based on the rate of HCG decline.
| Time After Abortion | Expected hCG Decline | Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| Day 5 | Rapid and Predictable | Initial sign of successful abortion. |
| Day 7-12 | 87% or More | Strong indicator of successful medication abortion. |
Factors Affecting hCG Decline
While the decline is generally predictable, individual variations can occur. Monitoring hCG levels ensures the abortion is complete and avoids complications.
