Dr. Fejzo researching the cause of hyperemesis gravidarum in the lab

HG is not psychological and is not caused by hCG. The hormone Growth and Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15) is the most likely cause of hyperemesis gravidarum. GDF15 is made by the placenta and rises very rapidly early in pregnancy. It causes taste aversion, nausea, and vomiting. Read our groundbreaking studies on the genetics of HG, especially our studies in Nature.