HMG
Human Menopausal Gonadotropin · FSH/LH Fertility Hormone
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.
Overview
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.
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.
Research indications
What the compound has been studied for, grouped by body system. Effect size is the reported magnitude where it was measured — not a recommendation.
Stimulates follicular development in anovulatory women.
Used in IVF protocols to stimulate multiple follicle development.
Effective for inducing ovulation in polycystic ovary syndrome patients.
FSH promotes sperm production; LH stimulates testosterone for sperm development.
Treats male infertility due to insufficient gonadotropin production.
LH component stimulates testicular testosterone production.
A large effect in a weak study and a small effect in a strong one are different things. Effect size is never evidence of use in people.
- Class
- Gonadotropin mixture
- Half-life
- ~32 h
- Typical dose
- 75-150 IU for ovulation induction; 150-300 IU for IVF
- Frequency
- Daily during stimulation phase (7-12 days)
- Cycle length
- 7-12 days per cycle
- Storage
- Lyophilized: Room temperature. Reconstituted: 2-8°C, use immediately after reconstitution
Molecular data
- Type
- Gonadotropin mixture
- Half-life
- 1920 min
Dosing reference
Doses reported in the literature and by suppliers. These are a record of what has been used in research — reference, never instruction.
| Context | Route | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ovulation induction | IM or SubQ | 75-150 IU | Daily |
| IVF stimulation | IM or SubQ | 150-300 IU | Daily for 7-12 days |
| Male fertility | IM or SubQ | 75-150 IU | 2-3x weekly |
Interactions
hCG is typically used to trigger ovulation after HMG-induced follicular development.
Often used in combination protocols for IVF to prevent premature LH surge.
May be used in sequential protocols for ovulation induction.
Different mechanisms; may be used in different fertility protocols.
Quality checklist
- ✓White lyophilized powder
- ✓Pharmaceutical grade product
- ✓Proper cold chain maintained
- ✓Clear solution after reconstitution
- !Research-grade products lack quality assurance
- ×Discolored powder or solution
- ×Particulates visible
- ×Exposed to temperature extremes
What to expect
Safety
- Injection site reactions
- Abdominal discomfort
- Ovarian enlargement
- Mood changes
- Headache
- Severe abdominal pain or bloating
- Rapid weight gain
- Difficulty breathing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Decreased urination
- 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
FAQ
Is HMG derived from human urine really safe?
Yes. HMG is extracted from postmenopausal women's urine and has been used clinically for decades with excellent safety data. Modern purification processes make it equivalent to recombinant versions in terms of safety and efficacy.
Does HMG cause fewer side effects than recombinant gonadotropins?
HMG's LH component may actually reduce OHSS risk and improve fertilization rates compared to FSH-only protocols. The 1:1 ratio of FSH and LH more closely mimics natural physiology, potentially resulting in safer, more physiologic stimulation.
How much does HMG cost compared to recombinant FSH?
HMG is typically 40-60% less expensive than recombinant FSH or LH products. Generic HMG products are cost-effective alternatives without sacrificing efficacy, making it attractive for patients with multiple IVF cycles ahead.
Can men use HMG for infertility?
Yes. HMG is effective for male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, with the FSH component promoting spermatogenesis and LH stimulating testosterone production. Treatment typically requires months but can restore both sperm production and natural testosterone levels.