Reference entry
HMG (Human Menopausal Gonadotropin)
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.
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.
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.
Mechanism
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.
Stimulates follicular development in anovulatory women.
Research areas
- 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.
- 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.
Research notes
- 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
- 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.
FAQs
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.
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.