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)
Male Fertility
Testosterone Support
Dosing protocols
Common protocols by delivery method. Adjust the curve below to model accumulation in your own cycle.
Delivery method
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | 75-150 IU | Daily | — |
| — | 150-300 IU | Daily for 7-12 days | — |
| — | 75-150 IU | 2-3x weekly | — |
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
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
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