HMG

FDA Approved

Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (Menotropins)

Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (menotropins), an FDA-approved mixture of FSH and LH activity used in fertility treatment and researched for spermatogenesis support.

Subcutaneous injectionIntramuscular injectionHormonalReproductive

Dose

75 IU FSH activity and 75 IU LH activity

Route

Subcutaneous injection, Intramuscular injection

Cycle

Typically 7-12 days for ovarian stimulation protocols in human studies; research protocols for spermatogenesis may vary significantly, often extending several months

Storage

Store at 2-25°C (36-77°F), protected from light. Some formulations specify refrigeration (2-8°C).

What is HMG?

Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (HMG), also known as menotropins, is a pharmaceutical preparation containing a mixture of gonadotropins extracted from the urine of postmenopausal women. It is standardized to contain equal amounts of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) activity, typically 75 IU of each per vial. HMG is FDA-approved for specific indications related to fertility treatment in women and men. In women, it is used for ovarian stimulation in anovulatory infertility and for multiple follicular development in assisted reproductive technologies (ART). In men, it is FDA-approved for the stimulation of spermatogenesis in cases of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Research protocols extend to investigating its role in various aspects of reproductive endocrinology.

Key Benefits

  • FSH and LH activity
  • Fertility support
  • Spermatogenesis research

🐾 Griffin Says...

HMG is an approved fertility drug with solid controlled human data behind it, mainly for ovulation induction and spermatogenesis. It is FSH plus LH activity in one vial, which means real monitoring — this is not something to freestyle. Expensive, cold-chain sensitive, and firmly in the medically supervised category.

Molecular Information

Molecular weight

Approximately 30,000 Da (FSH) and 30,000 Da (LH)

Length

196 amino acids (FSH alpha and beta subunits) and 209 amino acids (LH alpha and beta subunits)

Type

Glycoprotein Hormone

Amino acid sequence

HMG is a mixture of glycoproteins, primarily Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH). The alpha subunits of FSH and LH are identical (92 amino acids: APDVQDCPEECTLQELLRFACSYCPLARPVANHTACHCGPKCDSDSTPMTLPLLKEK), while the beta subunits are distinct. FSH beta (111 amino acids: NCTLTVEKEEGFCSFCICNMSYKAVALQKGCRDLKCDPETCPPMRVQSPCACTLDELTYPKECHSI NLMQEEWECKEELYLKYYSM) and LH beta (112 amino acids: SREPLRPWCHPINAI LAWEPGCPGVCNRMVLQAVLPPLPQLQVVSFSPVAI LGSPCALQARPLCRPMCGPCGRVSQPLRPCT I NCKRVPISK).

HMG is a naturally derived product from the urine of postmenopausal women, containing a mixture of gonadotropins, primarily FSH and LH, as well as other urinary proteins. The sequences provided are for the recombinant human FSH and LH, which serve as models for the active components in HMG.

Pharmacokinetics

Time to peak

4-24 hours for FSH, 6-48 hours for LH, depending on route of administration (IM vs. SC) and specific formulation.

Half-life

12 h

DoseEstimated plasma concentration72 h

Based on FDA-approved labeling and pharmacokinetic studies of menotropins. E.g., 'Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Menotropin in Healthy Volunteers. Fertil Steril. 2007; 87(5):1093-1101.'

Research Indications

  • Anovulatory Infertility

    FDA-approved for induction of ovulation and pregnancy in anovulatory women in whom the cause of infertility is functional and not due to primary ovarian failure. Evidence is from registered human trials and clinical use.

  • Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)

    FDA-approved for stimulation of multiple follicular development in ovulatory women undergoing ART, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Evidence is from registered human trials and clinical use.

Research Protocols

GoalDoseFrequencyRoute
Ovarian Stimulation in Female Research Models (e.g., ART)Typically 75-450 IU FSH/LH activity per dayDailySubcutaneous or Intramuscular
Ovulation Induction in Anovulatory Female Research ModelsStarting at 75 IU FSH/LH activity per day, adjusted based on responseDailySubcutaneous or Intramuscular
Spermatogenesis Induction in Male Hypogonadotropic Research ModelsTypically 75 IU FSH/LH activity 3 times per week, often preceded or co-administered with hCG (e.g., 1500-2000 IU hCG 2-3 times per week)Three times per weekIntramuscular
Acute Gonadotropin Response Studies (In-vitro/Animal)Highly variable, dependent on species and cell type; typically nM to µM concentrations in-vitro or µg/kg in animals.Single administration or short-term exposureIn-vitro or species-specific (e.g., intraperitoneal, subcutaneous)

Dosing should ideally occur at a consistent time each day. For research protocols involving controlled ovarian stimulation, timing may be critical relative to other medications or procedures.

Peptide Interactions

  • hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

    Often co-administered with HMG in both male and female fertility protocols to mimic the natural LH surge (in females for final oocyte maturation) or to stimulate Leydig cell function and testosterone production (in males for spermatogenesis).

    Synergistic
  • GnRH Agonists/Antagonists

    Frequently used in conjunction with GnRH agonists or antagonists in ART protocols to prevent premature LH surges and allow for controlled ovarian stimulation. The specific protocol (e.g., 'long protocol,' 'short protocol,' 'antagonist protocol') dictates the timing and interaction.

    Compatible
  • Clomiphene Citrate

    While sometimes used sequentially in fertility treatments, combining clomiphene with HMG requires careful monitoring due to potential for additive ovarian stimulation effects and increased risk of OHSS.

    Monitor Combination
  • Corticosteroids

    No direct interaction with HMG. However, corticosteroids may be used in certain fertility protocols (e.g., immunological factors) and their systemic effects should be considered in overall subject management.

    Monitor Combination
  • Other Hormonal Preparations (e.g., Estrogens, Androgens)

    The effects of HMG on reproductive hormones can be significantly altered by concomitant administration of other sex steroids. Careful consideration and monitoring are required to avoid counteracting or over-stimulating effects.

    Use Caution

How to Reconstitute

  1. 1Assemble all materials: vial of lyophilized HMG, bacteriostatic water for injection, sterile syringe(s) with needles, alcohol wipes.
  2. 2Inspect the HMG vial for any damage or discoloration of the powder. Inspect the bacteriostatic water vial to ensure clarity and absence of particulate matter.
  3. 3Clean the rubber stopper of both the HMG vial and the bacteriostatic water vial with alcohol wipes and allow to air dry.
  4. 4Draw the desired amount of bacteriostatic water (e.g., 1mL per 75 IU/75 IU vial) into a sterile syringe.
  5. 5Inject the bacteriostatic water slowly into the HMG vial, aiming the stream against the side of the vial to prevent foaming.
  6. 6Gently swirl the vial to dissolve the powder completely. Do not shake vigorously, as this can denature the peptide. The solution should be clear and colorless.
  7. 7Once dissolved, the solution is ready for administration. Withdraw the desired dose into a new sterile syringe.

Lyophilized powder should be reconstituted with bacteriostatic water for injection. The specific volume of diluent will depend on the desired concentration for administration and the total IU content per vial. Always follow manufacturer's instructions if available for specific products.

What to Expect

  • In female research models, expect evidence of follicular growth and maturation, detectable via ultrasound and estradiol levels, within 5-12 days of initiation.
  • In male research models with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, expect gradual improvements in spermatogenesis, with sperm count increases potentially requiring several weeks to months of sustained administration.
  • Some localized irritation, redness, or swelling at the injection site is common due to the injection process.
  • Systemic effects, such as headache or abdominal discomfort, may be reported in some research subjects, particularly at higher doses.
  • For human subjects, careful monitoring by a qualified research professional is essential to assess response and manage potential side effects.

Side Effects & Safety

  • HMG is an FDA-approved drug with a known safety profile; however, all uses outside of approved indications are considered off-label and should be conducted under strict research protocols.
  • Risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is a serious concern in female subjects undergoing ovarian stimulation, ranging from mild to severe, and requiring careful monitoring.
  • Risk of multiple gestations (e.g., twins, triplets) exists if used in human female reproductive research where pregnancy is an outcome.
  • Potential for allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, although rare, due to the protein content.
  • As HMG is derived from human urine, there is a theoretical, albeit extremely low, risk of transmission of infectious agents, though modern purification processes significantly mitigate this.
  • Proper sterile technique must be maintained during reconstitution and administration to prevent infection.

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Peptides discussed here are for research purposes only. Nothing on this page is medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making health decisions.