HMG (Human Menopausal Gonadotropin)

FDA-approved context Hormonal Health 3 sources

Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (HMG) is a medication containing both follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), typically extracted from the urine of postmenopausal women. It is widely used in reproductive medicine to stimulate ovulation in women and spermatogenesis in men, often as part of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) or hypogonadism treatments.

01Dosing reference

Amount

75-150 IU per injection

Frequency

2-3 times per week (often alongside hCG)

Cycle

3-6 months (spermatogenesis takes ~74 days, so long-term use is required)

Reference figures, not a recommendationThese values reflect amounts described in the literature and vendor documentation this database indexes. Use the reconstitution calculator to convert them into syringe units.

02Mechanism of action

FSH and LH receptor activation

HMG binds to FSH receptors on Sertoli cells (in men) or granulosa cells (in women) and LH receptors on Leydig cells (in men) or theca cells (in women).

Gonadal stimulation

In men, it stimulates testosterone production and sperm maturation. In women, it promotes ovarian follicle development and maturation.

Fertility restoration

By providing exogenous gonadotropins, HMG can bypass hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction to restore fertility and sex hormone production.

03Human evidence

HMG effectively stimulates spermatogenesis in men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

Clinical trials show that when combined with hCG, HMG can induce sperm production and restore fertility in men with pituitary or hypothalamic dysfunction.

HMG is highly effective for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in women undergoing IVF.

Extensive clinical use and trials demonstrate its efficacy in producing multiple mature follicles for egg retrieval, though it carries a risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

04Preclinical evidence

HMG administration in animal models of hypogonadism restores testicular volume and spermatogenesis.

Rodent studies evaluating the synergistic effects of FSH and LH on testicular function.

HMG promotes follicular growth and steroidogenesis in isolated animal ovaries.

In vitro and in vivo animal models used to study the direct effects of gonadotropins on ovarian tissue.

05What is known vs. unknown

Reasonably established

Contains a 1:1 ratio of FSH and LH activity.
Extracted and purified from the urine of postmenopausal women.
Used in combination with hCG to treat male infertility caused by hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
A cornerstone medication in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like IVF for women.

Unknowns & limits

The optimal dosing protocols for male infertility can vary significantly and may require months of treatment before spermatogenesis is achieved.
Carries a risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in women, requiring careful monitoring.
Sourcing from human urine raises theoretical concerns about batch consistency and rare impurities, though modern purification is highly advanced.

06Safety & regulatory context

Regulatory statusHMG is an FDA-approved prescription medication (e.g., Menopur) for the treatment of infertility. In women, the most significant risk is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which can be severe, as well as multiple pregnancies. In men, side effects may include gynecomastia, injection site reactions, and acne. It is contraindicated in individuals with primary ovarian or testicular failure, uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction, and sex hormone-dependent tumors. It must be prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional.

07Compared with hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

HMG (Human Menopausal Gonadotropin) vs. hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

Key difference

hCG primarily mimics LH to stimulate testosterone production (in men) or trigger ovulation (in women), while HMG provides both FSH and LH to directly stimulate sperm production and follicle development.

When researchers discuss each

hCG is often used first or alone to maintain testosterone and testicular size, whereas HMG is added when FSH is specifically needed to initiate or optimize spermatogenesis.

08Glossary

Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism

A condition where the testes or ovaries produce little or no sex hormones due to a problem with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus.

Spermatogenesis

The process of sperm cell development and maturation in the testes.

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)

A potentially dangerous medical condition that can occur in women taking fertility medications that stimulate the ovaries.

09Knowledge check

Q1What is the primary difference between HMG and hCG in the context of male fertility?

Q2Where is naturally derived HMG sourced from?

Q3When interpreting clinical trial outcomes for HMG in men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, which documented limitation from the dossier is most important to consider?

Q4According to the dossier’s stated comparison between HMG and hCG, which clinical role best distinguishes HMG from hCG in managing male fertility?

Q5Which of the following conditions is listed in the dossier as a contraindication to HMG?

10Sources

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Kisspeptin-10 is a potent neuropeptide that acts as an upstream regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Research shows it stimulates the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), subsequently increasing luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone levels. It is heavily studied for its potential in treating infertility, hypogonadism, and reproductive disorders.

100-300 mcg per dose

Gonadorelin

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Gonadorelin is a synthetic version of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). It stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which in turn stimulate the gonads to produce testosterone and sperm in males, and estrogen and eggs in females.

100-200 mcg per dose

hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

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hCG is a hormone naturally produced during pregnancy that mimics luteinizing hormone (LH) in the body. In research and clinical settings, it is widely used to stimulate testosterone production, preserve fertility, and treat hypogonadism in men, as well as to induce ovulation in women.

250-500 IU

Research and educational use onlyNothing on this site is medical advice, a prescription, or a recommendation for human use. Compounds documented here are research chemicals. Consult a qualified clinician before making any health decision.