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…
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 FSH…
Stimulates follicular development in anovulatory women.
Used in IVF protocols to stimulate multiple follicle development.
Effective for inducing ovulation in polycystic ovary syndrome patients.
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…
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 FSH…
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…
- 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 FSH…
- Stimulates follicular development in anovulatory women.
- Used in IVF protocols to stimulate multiple follicle development.
- Effective for inducing ovulation in polycystic ovary syndrome patients.
Research notes
- Injection site reactions
- Severe abdominal pain or bloating
- Uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction
- Sex hormone-dependent tumors
- Abnormal uterine bleeding of unknown cause
Questions
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.