Why is the beta hCG level not zero if there is no pregnancy?

The absence of pregnancy is not associated with the complete undetectability of chorionic gonadotropin. Very rarely, patients receive a score of zero, even in the absence of pregnancy. HCG is also produced in very minimal amounts in non-pregnant women and even men. It is unclear whether it plays any significant role in the functioning of the body outside the period of fetal development in the uterus. These small amounts of hCG are by the cells of the anterior pituitary lobe in combination with structurally similar luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). The description of hCG from the pituitary gland first appeared only in 1996. At the same time, it has been shown that the production of this hormone by the pituitary gland intensifies during menopause. For the above reasons, laboratories often in the description of the norms for the result of the test of chorionic gonadotropin levels give different reference levels for premenopausal women who are not pregnant and postmenopausal patients (who can no longer become pregnant due to natural reasons). For the latter group, the level of hCG considered normal is slightly higher than for patients of childbearing age. I enclose additional information, perhaps it will be useful: https://www.gdziepolek.pl/artykuly/test-ciazowy-jaki-wybrac-i-kiedy-zrobic

To @beti: Yes, you can perform a beta-hCG test while taking Axia Conti tablets.

Can I do a beta HCG blood test using Axia Conti contraceptive pills?