HMG Overview, Dosing & Safety | Peptide Database

HMG (Human Menopausal Gonadotropin)

Human Menopausal Gonadotropin | FSH/LH Fertility Hormone

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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.

Molecular Data

Research Indications

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.

Dosing Protocols

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.

Ovulation induction

75-150 IU

Daily

IM or SubQ

IVF stimulation

150-300 IU

Daily for 7-12 days

Male fertility

2-3x weekly

Reconstitution Instructions

Lyophilized powder vial

Sterile diluent (provided)

Syringes

Alcohol swabs

1 Add provided diluent to powder vial

2 Gently swirl until dissolved

3 Draw prescribed dose into syringe

4 Inject intramuscularly or subcutaneously

5 Use immediately after reconstitution

Interactions

What to Expect

Side Effects & Safety

Common Side Effects

Injection site reactions

Abdominal discomfort

Ovarian enlargement

Mood changes

Headache

Stop Signs - Discontinue if:

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

Quality Checklist

Good Signs

White lyophilized powder

Pharmaceutical grade product

Proper cold chain maintained

Clear solution after reconstitution

Warning Signs

Research-grade products lack quality assurance

Bad Signs

Discolored powder or solution

Particulates visible

Exposed to temperature extremes

Frequently Asked 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.

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.

References

HMG contains FSH and LH in 1:1 ratio extracted from postmenopausal urine.

No significant differences in pregnancy rates between FSH alone, rFSH+HMG, and rFSH+rLH groups.

Beneficial effects of HMG on fertilization rates and pre-embryo development compared to HP-FSH.

Generic hMG products do not adversely affect pregnancy rates and are appropriate cost-effective alternatives.

Related Peptides

hCG is typically used to trigger ovulation after HMG-induced follicular development.

Different mechanisms; may be used in different fertility protocols.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.