HMG
Also known as: Human Menopausal Gonadotropin, Menotropin, hMG, HP-hMG
Human Menopausal Gonadotropin | FSH/LH Fertility Hormone
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.
Key benefits
- FDA-approved for fertility treatment
- Stimulates ovarian follicle development
- Contains both FSH and LH naturally
- Promotes spermatogenesis in men
- Cost-effective alternative to recombinant FSH
- LH activity may improve fertilization rates
- Long clinical track record
- Lower OHSS incidence with HP-hMG
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.
Molecular data
- Type
- Gonadotropin mixture
- Half-life
- ~32 hours (FSH component: 39-54 hours)
Indications
What the research community uses this compound for, with self-reported effectiveness.
Female Fertility (FDA-Approved)
Ovulation Induction
Most effectiveStimulates follicular development in anovulatory women.
IVF Stimulation
Most effectiveUsed in IVF protocols to stimulate multiple follicle development.
PCOS Ovulation
EffectiveEffective for inducing ovulation in polycystic ovary syndrome patients.
Male Fertility
Spermatogenesis
EffectiveFSH promotes sperm production; LH stimulates testosterone for sperm development.
Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism
EffectiveTreats male infertility due to insufficient gonadotropin production.
Testosterone Support
LH Replacement
ModerateLH component stimulates testicular testosterone production.
Dosing protocols
Common protocols by delivery method. Adjust the curve below to model accumulation in your own cycle.
Injectable
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.
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Route / duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Preparation
You will need
- Lyophilized powder vial
- Sterile diluent (provided)
- Syringes
- Alcohol swabs
Steps
- Add provided diluent to powder vial
- Gently swirl until dissolved
- Draw prescribed dose into syringe
- Inject intramuscularly or subcutaneously
- Use immediately after reconstitution
Work out the water volume and syringe units in the reconstitution calculator →
Interactions
Pairwise interactions with other compounds you might be cycling — the same data behind the cycle builder's safety check.
GnRH agonists
TimingOften used in combination protocols for IVF to prevent premature LH surge.
Clomiphene
TimingMay be used in sequential protocols for ovulation induction.
hCG
SynergistichCG is typically used to trigger ovulation after HMG-induced follicular development.
Gonadorelin
CompatibleDifferent mechanisms; may be used in different fertility protocols.
Timeline
Typical week-by-week effects reported in clinical and observational data.
- 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
Safety
Reported adverse effects, contraindications, and what to monitor on cycle.
Common side effects
- Injection site reactions
- Abdominal discomfort
- Ovarian enlargement
- Mood changes
- Headache
Rare side effects
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
- Multiple pregnancy
- Ovarian torsion
- Thromboembolic events
Stop signs — stop and seek advice
- 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
Monitoring
- Regular ultrasound monitoring of follicular development
- Serum estradiol levels
- Watch for signs of OHSS
- Medical supervision essential
Quality checks
What a legitimate product looks like, what should give pause, and what should make you stop.
Good signs
- White lyophilized powder
- Pharmaceutical grade product
- Proper cold chain maintained
- Clear solution after reconstitution
Warning signs
- Research-grade products lack quality assurance
Stop signs — don't use
- Discolored powder or solution
- Particulates visible
- Exposed to temperature extremes
References
Primary literature and clinical-trial data informing this entry.
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.
Last updated . How this page was sourced is described in the methodology.
Featured in these stacks
- Female Fertility SupportAn educational ovulation-induction stack — gonadotropins (hMG + hCG) as used in assisted-reproduction protocols.2 compounds
- Male Fertility RestartA fertility-focused stack to stimulate the testicular axis — hCG with a SERM to support sperm production and natural testosterone.3 compounds