HMG (Menotropin)
Gonadotropin
Human Menopausal Gonadotropin — a mixture of FSH and LH referenced in reproductive-endocrinology research.
Also referenced as: Menotropin, Human Menopausal Gonadotropin
Overview
Human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG, menotropin) is a purified preparation of gonadotropins extracted from the urine of postmenopausal women. It contains both follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) activity.
At a glance
What HMG (Menotropin) does
Human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG, menotropin) is a gonadotropin preparation purified from the urine of postmenopausal women that supplies both FSH and LH activity in roughly equal measure (the LH component is largely provided as, or supplemented with, hCG in many preparations). Its defining feature versus pure FSH products is that it delivers the two pituitary gonadotropins together, so it reconstitutes the combined FSH+LH drive the gonads normally receive. Like hCG, it acts at the gonadal level, downstream of the pituitary.
The FSH component acts on ovarian granulosa cells to recruit and grow multiple follicles and on testicular Sertoli cells to support spermatogenesis, while the LH component acts on ovarian theca cells (and Leydig cells in men) to provide the androgen substrate and steroidogenic support that FSH-driven follicles need. In assisted reproduction, hMG is used for controlled ovarian stimulation to develop a cohort of mature follicles, typically followed by an hCG 'trigger' to induce final maturation and ovulation. In hypogonadotropic men it is combined with hCG to restore spermatogenesis, with hCG supplying LH-like Leydig-cell stimulation and hMG supplying the FSH needed for Sertoli-cell/germ-cell support.
Comparative human studies have examined hMG against recombinant FSH (with or without recombinant LH) for follicular development and endocrine profiles; the combined FSH/LH activity of hMG is well established and it remains in routine clinical fertility use.
Effects reported in research
- Supplies combined FSH and LH activity, reconstituting the dual gonadotropin drive to the gonads (established human physiology).
- FSH component stimulates ovarian granulosa cells to recruit and grow multiple follicles during controlled ovarian stimulation (human clinical use).
- LH component stimulates ovarian theca cells to provide androgen substrate and steroidogenic support for follicle growth (human clinical use).
- In men, supports spermatogenesis via FSH action on Sertoli cells, typically combined with hCG for LH-like Leydig-cell stimulation (human clinical use).
- Used for controlled ovarian stimulation to produce a cohort of mature follicles ahead of an hCG ovulation trigger (human clinical use).
- Restores fertility in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism when paired with hCG (human clinical use).
- Compared against recombinant FSH +/- LH in human trials for follicular development and endocrine profiles (human studies).
Effects listed reflect findings reported in the research literature — many in animal or in-vitro models. Listing an effect is not a claim of efficacy or a therapeutic indication in humans.
Mechanism of action
HMG (menotropin) is a mixture of glycoprotein gonadotropins providing both FSH and LH activity, often standardized in roughly equal proportions. FSH activity stimulates ovarian follicular growth and, in men, spermatogenesis, while LH activity supports steroidogenesis and follicular maturation. By supplying combined gonadotropin activity, it directly drives gonadal function at the receptor level for fertility applications.
Mechanistic description reflects published research-literature understanding. Much peptide research is preclinical (in-vitro or animal-model); mechanism in humans may differ and is not established for many compounds.
What it's studied for
Research contexts in which HMG (Menotropin) appears in the literature. Listing a research area is not a claim of efficacy or a therapeutic indication.
Key characteristics
- Urine-derived preparation containing both FSH and LH activity.
- Standardized menotropin product used in fertility medicine.
- Directly stimulates ovarian follicular development and steroidogenesis.
- Used in ovulation induction, IVF protocols, and male infertility.
- Distinct from single-hormone recombinant FSH products.
Reported research dosing reference only
Educational reference, not dosing guidance. The figures below summarize amounts reported in published research and research-community protocols, provided for educational and research context only. They are not medical advice, not a recommendation, and not instructions for human use. HMG (Menotropin) is a research compound.
Reference figures only, expressed in international units (IU). Fertility literature describes daily or several-times-weekly injection over a monitored cycle.
- Female ovulation induction/IVF: ~75-150 IU daily, up to ~450 IU/day in some protocols
- Male hypogonadotropic models: ~75-150 IU, ~3 times weekly, often combined with HCG
FSH (~30 h) and LH (~24 h) component half-lives mean effects build over repeated dosing; requires ultrasound/blood monitoring in clinical use. Reference figures for research context only.
How it compares
HMG supplies combined FSH plus LH gonadotropin activity directly at the gonads, unlike HCG (LH-like only), GnRH analogs (pituitary-level), or kisspeptin (hypothalamic-level).
Commonly studied alongside
Compounds frequently researched together with HMG (Menotropin) in the literature. Cross-referenced for research context — not a usage or combination recommendation.
Handling & Stability
Lyophilized peptides are stored cold, protected from light, and reconstituted only at the time of intended in-vitro work.
- Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
- Verify supplier lot and Certificate of Analysis
- Follow institutional lab-safety protocols
Analytical & COA Concepts
Reputable research suppliers publish a third-party Certificate of Analysis per batch. Key analytical concepts referenced in COAs include:
Category Context
HMG (Menotropin) sits in the Hormonal & Sexual Health area of the PeptiDex library.
- Entry type: Research compound reference
- Browse the full library →
- Glossary of terms →
Where researchers source HMG (Menotropin)
For researchers studying HMG (Menotropin), third-party suppliers such as Practically Natty Peptides offer research-grade material with third-party Certificates of Analysis and US-based shipping.
PeptiDex does not maintain a direct supplier listing for this compound. The link above goes to a third-party research-supplier directory.
Frequently asked questions
What is HMG (menotropin)?
HMG (human menopausal gonadotropin, menotropin) is a purified gonadotropin preparation derived from the urine of postmenopausal women, containing both FSH and LH activity (commonly at a roughly 1:1 ratio). It is studied and used as a combined follicle-stimulating and luteinizing signal to the gonad.
What is HMG studied and used for?
It is FDA-approved and used in fertility medicine to stimulate ovarian follicle development in women (ovulation induction and IVF) and spermatogenesis in men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. In research it appears in reproductive-endocrinology and controlled-ovarian-stimulation protocols.
How does HMG differ from HCG?
HMG supplies both FSH and LH activity, driving follicle or Sertoli/germ-cell development, whereas HCG mimics LH alone and mainly drives Leydig-cell testosterone or serves as an ovulatory trigger. In male fertility research the two are often combined for their complementary actions.
Why is HMG dosed in IU rather than by mass?
Because HMG is a biologically derived glycoprotein mixture, its activity is standardized in international units (IU) of FSH and LH bioactivity rather than by weight. Research and clinical dosing are therefore always expressed in IU.
What do HMG's component half-lives imply for protocols?
The FSH component has a half-life of roughly 30 hours and the LH component roughly 24 hours, so effects accumulate over days of repeated administration. Protocols typically use daily or several-times-weekly dosing over 1-2 weeks (women) or months (men) with monitoring.
Answers are educational summaries of research-literature context and do not constitute medical advice. See the Research Library, COA guide, and Storage & Handling guide for more.