Understanding High Beta HCG in Men Over 50: Symptoms and Next Steps
High beta hCG in men over 50 can indicate certain health conditions, including tumors or hormonal changes. Learn the symptoms, possible causes, and recommended medical steps for timely diagnosis.
Written by Dr. Rohinipriyanka Pondugula
Reviewed by Dr. Md Yusuf Shareef MBBS
Last updated on 11th Aug, 2025
When people hear about beta hCG, they usually associate it with pregnancy. But this hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), can also show up in men, particularly in unusual or serious medical conditions. If you're a man over 50 and your doctor has advised a beta hCG test, or if you've received a report showing high beta hCG in males, it’s essential to understand what this means for your health and what steps to take next. This article will explain why beta hCG tests for men 50 plus are sometimes needed, what high levels might indicate, the symptoms to watch for, and how Apollo 24|7 offers convenient and trustworthy testing options. Whether you are undergoing routine health checks or following up on unusual symptoms, this guide offers clear, practical information.
What Is Beta hCG?
Beta hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a hormone most commonly associated with pregnancy. It is produced by the placenta during early pregnancy and is the basis of most pregnancy tests. However, beta hCG can also be produced by certain tumours, and in men, elevated levels can be a red flag for specific types of cancer or other health conditions. In males, this hormone is not typically found in the bloodstream. That’s why detecting high beta hCG in males, especially over the age of 50, warrants immediate attention.
Why Would a Man Need a Beta hCG Test?
While it may seem unusual, a beta hCG test for men 50 plus can be used to detect or monitor certain rare but serious conditions. Doctors may recommend this test if:
- You have a testicular lump or swelling
- You're experiencing unexplained weight loss or fatigue
- You have symptoms of a tumour in the liver, stomach, or lungs
- There are signs of hormone-secreting tumours
The beta hCG test is often ordered alongside other tumour markers such as AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein) or LDH (Lactate dehydrogenase) for a clearer picture of what’s going on.
What Does High Beta hCG in Males Mean?
In men, elevated beta hCG levels are not normal and may be linked to:
1. Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is one of the most well-known causes of high beta hCG in men. While it’s more common in younger males, it can still occur in men over 50. Some types of testicular cancers, such as non-seminomas, secrete beta hCG into the blood. In these cases, high beta hCG is both a diagnostic marker and a way to track how well treatment is working.
2. Liver, Lung or Stomach Tumours
Certain non-testicular tumours (e.g., cancers of the stomach, liver, or lungs) can also secrete beta hCG. This is known as ectopic hCG production. For men over 50, this type of cancer risk becomes more relevant.
3. Pituitary Gland Disorders
In very rare cases, abnormalities in the pituitary gland may influence hormone production, including beta hCG. This is often considered only after ruling out other more common causes.
4. Marijuana Use
Interestingly, chronic marijuana use has been loosely associated with mild elevations in beta hCG. However, such cases are typically far lower than levels seen in cancers.
5. Fertility Treatments or Hormonal Supplements
If you’re undergoing testosterone therapy or fertility treatments involving hCG, your levels may rise. This is why it’s crucial to inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you’re taking.
Book Beta hCG Test (Quantitative) Test Here
Symptoms That May Prompt a Beta hCG Test
You may not always experience obvious symptoms when beta hCG levels rise, which is why regular check-ups are essential. However, the following signs should prompt further evaluation:
- A painless lump or swelling in the testicle
- Persistent fatigue or weakness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Chest pain or coughing (especially if cancer has spread)
- Enlargement of breast tissue (gynecomastia)
- Abdominal pain or mass
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if you're over 50, a beta hCG test for men 50 plus may help detect serious issues early.
How Is the Beta hCG Test Done?
The test itself is simple and painless. It involves taking a small sample of blood, usually from your arm. No fasting or special preparation is usually required, although your doctor will inform you if other tests are being done alongside.
Book Beta hCG Test (Quantitative) Test Here
When should the test be done?
You may be advised to take the test as soon as symptoms present, or as part of a diagnostic process for a known lump or lesion. It may also be repeated over time to monitor treatment outcomes if a tumour is already being managed.
Understanding Your Results
Here’s what the beta hCG results mean:
- Normal beta hCG levels in men: Typically, healthy males have undetectable or extremely low levels of hCG (usually below 5 mIU/mL).
- High beta hCG in males: Anything significantly above this range could indicate the presence of a hormone-secreting tumour. Further tests such as ultrasound, CT scans, MRI, or biopsy are usually recommended to identify the cause.
- Your doctor will also consider other test results, your medical history, and physical examination findings before making a diagnosis.
What Are the Next Steps if Beta hCG Is High?
If your beta hCG levels are elevated, here’s what happens next:
1. Further Imaging
Depending on your symptoms and suspected condition, imaging like ultrasound (for testicular evaluation) or CT/MRI (for abdominal or chest masses) will likely be ordered.
2. Tumour Marker Panel
You may undergo additional tumour marker tests such as AFP, LDH, PSA, or CEA to provide a fuller picture of what type of cancer may be present.
3. Referral to a Specialist
A urologist or oncologist may become involved to guide further diagnosis and treatment planning.
4. Biopsy
If a mass is detected, a tissue sample may be taken to confirm the diagnosis and determine the exact cancer type.
5. Treatment Options
Depending on the cause, treatment may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or targeted therapies. Monitoring beta hCG levels after treatment helps track how well the body is responding.
Does Elevated Beta hCG Always Mean Cancer?
No, elevated beta hCG doesn’t always mean cancer. However, in men over 50, it is considered a red flag that must be investigated promptly. Sometimes, rare benign tumours or hormonal imbalances can also be responsible, but these are less common. Either way, quick action and follow-up testing are crucial.
Book a Beta hCG Test with Apollo 24|7
Apollo 24|7 makes it simple and reliable for men to book essential blood tests from the comfort of home. With quick sample collection and certified labs, you can expect accurate and timely results.
Some popular test options include:
1. Beta hCG Test (Quantitative): Measures the exact amount of hCG in the blood.
2. Apollo Cancer Checkup Advance Male: Includes multiple markers such as AFP, CEA, CA 19.9, CA 125, and beta hCG, ideal for cancer screening.
3. Apollo Cancer Checkup Ultra Male: A comprehensive package tailored for male cancer risk, including hormone and tumour marker panels.
4. Apollo Senior Citizen Health Check Advance - Male: For general wellness and early detection of a variety of conditions.
You can easily book these tests online via the Apollo 24|7 website or app, and a phlebotomist will collect your blood sample from home.
Conclusion
High beta hCG levels in men over 50 should never be ignored. While it may sound surprising, this hormone, most commonly linked with pregnancy, can also signal testicular cancer or other serious conditions in males. A simple blood test can reveal important information, helping doctors diagnose or rule out cancers and hormonal imbalances. If you’re over 50 and experiencing symptoms like unexplained weight loss, testicular swelling, breast enlargement, or general fatigue, book a beta hCG test today through Apollo 24|7. Early detection often makes all the difference in treatment outcomes and long-term health. Take charge of your health, because early action saves lives. Book your beta hCG test for men 50 plus on Apollo 24|7 now.
