HMG (Human Menopausal Gonadotropin)

FDA Approved

Human Menopausal Gonadotropin | FSH/LH Fertility Hormone

Half-life: ~32 hours (FSH component: 39-54 hours)

4 studies

2024 latest

Extensively Studied

Dose 75-150 IU for ovulation induction; 150-300 IU for IVF

Frequency Daily during stimulation phase (7-12 days)

Cycle 7-12 days per cycle

Storage Lyophilized: Room temperature. Reconstituted: 2-8°C, use immediately after reconstitution

Accumulation Plotter

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Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (HMG) is a hormonally active medication containing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in a 1:1 ratio, extracted from the urine of postmenopausal women. FDA-approved for fertility treatment, HMG stimulates ovarian follicle development in women and spermatogenesis in men. While largely replaced by recombinant gonadotropins in some settings, HMG remains an effective and cost-efficient option for ovulation induction and assisted reproduction.

Mechanism of Action

HMG acts on gonadal tissue through two mechanisms: FSH stimulates growth and maturation of ovarian follicles containing eggs in women, and promotes spermatogenesis in men. LH stimulates ovulation and corpus luteum formation in women, and Leydig cells in men to produce testosterone. Highly purified HMG (HP-hMG) has enhanced FSH receptor activity with reduced inactive proteins. The LH component modifies follicular development and decreases intermediate-sized follicles, potentially resulting in safer, more controlled stimulation.

01 FDA-approved for fertility treatment

02 Stimulates ovarian follicle development

03 Contains both FSH and LH naturally

04 Promotes spermatogenesis in men

05 Cost-effective alternative to recombinant FSH

06 LH activity may improve fertilization rates

07 Long clinical track record

08 Lower OHSS incidence with HP-hMG

Molecular Data

Type

Gonadotropin mixture

Peak 0.0 mcg

Trough 0.0 mcg

SS Peak 0.0 mcg

SS Trough 0.0 mcg

Research Indications

Female Fertility (FDA-Approved)

Ovulation Induction most effective

Stimulates follicular development in anovulatory women.

IVF Stimulation most effective

Used in IVF protocols to stimulate multiple follicle development.

PCOS Ovulation effective

Effective for inducing ovulation in polycystic ovary syndrome patients.

Male Fertility

Spermatogenesis effective

FSH promotes sperm production; LH stimulates testosterone for sperm development.

Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism effective

Treats male infertility due to insufficient gonadotropin production.

Testosterone Support

LH Replacement moderate

LH component stimulates testicular testosterone production.

Dosing Protocols

HMG is administered via intramuscular or subcutaneous injection. Treatment typically starts on day 2-3 of the menstrual cycle and continues for 7-12 days with monitoring. Dosing is individualized based on follicular response monitored by ultrasound and estradiol levels.

Goal	Dose	Frequency	Route
Ovulation induction	75-150 IU	Daily	IM or SubQ
IVF stimulation	150-300 IU	Daily for 7-12 days	IM or SubQ
Male fertility	75-150 IU	2-3x weekly	IM or SubQ

Reconstitution Instructions

Materials Needed:

Lyophilized powder vial
Sterile diluent (provided)
Syringes
Alcohol swabs

1 Add provided diluent to powder vial
2 Gently swirl until dissolved
3 Draw prescribed dose into syringe
4 Inject intramuscularly or subcutaneously
5 Use immediately after reconstitution

Interactions

hCG

hCG is typically used to trigger ovulation after HMG-induced follicular development.

synergistic

GnRH agonists

Often used in combination protocols for IVF to prevent premature LH surge.

sequential

Clomiphene

May be used in sequential protocols for ovulation induction.

sequential

Gonadorelin

Different mechanisms; may be used in different fertility protocols.

compatible

What to Expect

Days 1-3

Follicular recruitment begins

Days 4-7

Follicular growth continues; monitoring required

Days 8-12

Follicles reach mature size; trigger ovulation

Post-trigger

Ovulation occurs ~36 hours after hCG trigger

Side Effects & Safety

Common Side Effects

Injection site reactions
Abdominal discomfort
Ovarian enlargement
Mood changes
Headache

Stop Signs - Discontinue if:

Severe abdominal pain or bloating
Rapid weight gain
Difficulty breathing
Nausea and vomiting
Decreased urination

Contraindications

Primary ovarian failure
Uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction
Sex hormone-dependent tumors
Abnormal uterine bleeding of unknown cause
Ovarian cysts (not due to PCOS)
Pregnancy

Quality Checklist

Good Signs

White lyophilized powder
Pharmaceutical grade product
Proper cold chain maintained
Clear solution after reconstitution

Warning Signs

Research-grade products lack quality assurance

Bad Signs

Discolored powder or solution
Particulates visible
Exposed to temperature extremes

References

Human Menopausal Gonadotropin

ScienceDirect (2024)

HMG contains FSH and LH in 1:1 ratio extracted from postmenopausal urine.
HMG vs Recombinant FSH in PCOS Patients Undergoing IVF

PMC/NCBI (2013)

No significant differences in pregnancy rates between FSH alone, rFSH+HMG, and rFSH+rLH groups.
Effect of HMG and HP-FSH on IVF Outcomes

Human Reproduction (1996)

Beneficial effects of HMG on fertilization rates and pre-embryo development compared to HP-FSH.
Generic hMG vs Costly FSH for Ovulation Induction

PubMed (2001)

Generic hMG products do not adversely affect pregnancy rates and are appropriate cost-effective alternatives.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.