Overview
Overview
Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (HMG) is a purified gonadotropin preparation containing equal amounts of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) activity[1][2]. In males, HMG is used alongside hCG to stimulate spermatogenesis in cases of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism or infertility[3][4]. This educational protocol presents a thrice-weekly subcutaneous approach for male fertility support. Reconstitute: Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water → 25 IU/mL concentration. Typical protoc
- Category
- Fertility
- Routes
- subcutaneous
Mechanism
HMG
Mechanism of action
Mechanism of action
HMG provides both FSH and LH activity in a 1:1 ratio, derived from purified human menopausal urine [1] [2] . In males with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, FSH stimulation is essential for spermatogenesis (sperm production) [3] . When hCG alone fails to induce adequate sperm production, adding HMG provides the necessary FSH activity to support testicular function and fertility [5] [6] . Clinical studies demonstrate that HMG combined with hCG significantly improves sperm parameters including motility, morphology, and concentration, with enhanced pregnancy rates in treated couples [7] [12] .
Key research findings
- 01
Not a single peptide but a purified gonadotropin preparation, classically extracted from the urine of postmenopausal women, supplying both follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) activity (established biochemistry).
- 02
Standardized by bioassay in international units (IU) of FSH and LH rather than by mass, reflecting its origin as a biological extract (established pharmacology).
- 03
FSH activity acts on gonadal FSH receptors to support follicular development/gametogenesis while LH activity supports steroidogenesis; the combined action is well studied in reproductive medicine (human study).
- 04
Some preparations include added hCG to standardize LH-like activity, because hCG and LH act on the same receptor (established formulation science).
- 05
As a biologically sourced product, its composition and purity depend on the manufacturing process; highly purified and recombinant gonadotropins have been developed and compared against urinary HMG in reproductive research (human study).
Primary source: HMG has a long, mature clinical-research history in reproductive medicine as a combined FSH/LH preparation, with extensive human study of gonadal stimulation. Because it is a urine-derived biological extract rather than a defined synthetic peptide, its characterization centers on standardized bioactivity; on this platform it is handled strictly as a research material.
Protocol Reference
Protocol reference
Commonly cited research range: 75–75 mcg, daily_for_cycles.
Reference figures reported in the research literature — not a dosing recommendation. For interactive vial math and scheduling, see the Calculator and Schedule tabs.
Cited protocol & reconstitution guide
Source-backed reference fields by phase, including any volume fields authored in the cited guide.
Weeks 1–12
75 IU (0.15 mg)
Weeks 13–16 (optional extension)
75 IU (0.15 mg)
| Phase | Reference amount | Units / volume |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–12 | 75 IU (0.15 mg) | 3.0 mL (300 units) |
| Weeks 13–16 (optional extension) | 75 IU (0.15 mg) | 3.0 mL (300 units) |
Storage & Handling
Storage requirements(typical for most peptides)
Can be stored for extended periods. Protect from moisture.
Store in refrigerator door. Never freeze after reconstitution.
Label vials with reconstitution date. Discard if cloudy.
Reconstitution steps
- 01🌡️Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile 3 mL syringe.
- 02🧴Inject slowly down the vial wall to avoid foaming.
- 03💉Gently swirl or roll the vial until fully dissolved (do not shake).
- 04💧Label with date and time; refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), protected from light.
- 05🔄For optimal potency, use reconstituted solution promptly or within a few days[9].
- 06🏷️Important: This guide is for therapeutic educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For research use only.
Additional storage notes
Store at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) away from light; stable at controlled room temperature up to 25 °C (77 °F) [9] .
Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); for best potency use promptly (official guidance recommends immediate use with plain diluent) [9] .
With bacteriostatic water, reconstituted solution may be refrigerated and used within a few days.
Protect from light at all times; discard any unused solution if not used within recommended timeframe.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical evidence
Well studied in reproductive-medicine research for stimulation of gonadal function.
HMG has a long, mature clinical-research history in reproductive medicine as a combined FSH/LH preparation, with extensive human study of gonadal stimulation. Because it is a urine-derived biological extract rather than a defined synthetic peptide, its characterization centers on standardized bioactivity; on this platform it is handled strictly as a research material.
- 01Not a single peptide but a purified gonadotropin preparation, classically extracted from the urine of postmenopausal women, supplying both follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) activity (established biochemistry).
- 02Standardized by bioassay in international units (IU) of FSH and LH rather than by mass, reflecting its origin as a biological extract (established pharmacology).
- 03FSH activity acts on gonadal FSH receptors to support follicular development/gametogenesis while LH activity supports steroidogenesis; the combined action is well studied in reproductive medicine (human study).
- 04Some preparations include added hCG to standardize LH-like activity, because hCG and LH act on the same receptor (established formulation science).
- 05As a biologically sourced product, its composition and purity depend on the manufacturing process; highly purified and recombinant gonadotropins have been developed and compared against urinary HMG in reproductive research (human study).
Evidence maturity varies by compound; much peptide research is preclinical (in vitro or animal-model). Where human data are limited, findings should be read as research observations, not clinical conclusions.
References
Literature references
Published research articles and sources related to HMG.
- 01Metrovan Urology – hMG (Menotropin) Overview — hMG composition: 1:1 blend of FSH and LH derived from postmenopausal urine; standard preparations provide 75 IU FSH + 75 IU LH per vial View Source
- 02Menopur® (Menotropins) Product Monograph — Human menopausal gonadotropin for subcutaneous administration; each vial contains 75 IU FSH + 75 IU LH activity View Source
- 03ASRM Practice Committee 2020 – Gonadotropin Use for Ovulation Induction — Clinical guidance on gonadotropin therapy; low-dose protocols (37.5–75 IU) with careful monitoring View Sourceet al. (2020)
- 04ASRM Patient Fact Sheet – Medications for Inducing Ovulation — Typical gonadotropin protocols: 75–150 IU injected daily for approximately 7–12 days; course may extend if ovaries respond slowly View Source
- 05Metrovan Urology – Hormones and Male Infertility Treatment — In hypogonadal men, hMG added at 75–150 IU three times weekly if hCG alone insufficient for spermatogenesis View Source
- 06Metrovan Urology – Combined hCG and hMG Therapy — hCG given 2–3 times weekly stimulates testosterone; hMG provides FSH activity to stimulate sperm production when FSH deficient View Source
- 07International Journal of Reproductive BioMedicine (Iran JRM, 2014) — Randomized trial: HMG 75 IU subcutaneously three times weekly for 3 months significantly improved sperm motility and morphology; pregnancy rate 57% vs. control View Sourceet al. (2014)
- 08Menopur® Monograph – Administration and Reconstitution — Subcutaneous administration for follicular stimulation; each 75 IU vial typically reconstituted in 1 mL diluent for 75 IU/mL concentration View Source
- 09Menopur® Monograph – Stability and Storage — Lyophilized menotropin stable at room temperature (15–25 °C) away from light; reconstituted solution should be used immediately to ensure potency and sterility View Source
- 10MedlinePlus – Subcutaneous Injection Instructions — Use short, thin needle for SC injections; insert at 90° angle into pinched fatty tissue (45° if limited subcutaneous fat); do not reuse needles View Source
- 11MedlinePlus – Injection Site Rotation — Maintain skin health by alternating injection sites at least one inch apart; avoid areas with irritation, scars, or bruises View Source
- 12Reproductive Medicine and Biology (2018) – Gonadotropin Therapy for Male Infertility — Review of hCG and hMG combination therapy for hypogonadotropic hypogonadism; FSH supplementation critical for spermatogenesis when hCG monotherapy inadequate View Sourceet al. (2018)
- 13Pure Lab Peptides — HMG 75 IU product page with quality documentation and batch testing information View Source
Research Considerations
Research considerations
Research Use Only - not for human or veterinary therapeutic use. Has been studied in clinical research; on this platform it is handled strictly as a research material. Consult a licensed healthcare professional for any clinical decisions.
Factors noted in the research literature; not patient-specific medical advice.
Regulatory Status
Regulatory status
RUO
Comparisons
Comparisons
| Compound | Mechanism | Route | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMGthis | A purified gonadotropin preparation providing combined FSH and LH activity, acting on gonadal receptors to support gametogenesis and steroidogenesis. | subcutaneous | Investigational / RUO |
| Oxytocin | A nonapeptide hormone acting on oxytocin receptors; studied for roles in uterine contraction, lactation, and central modulation of social and affiliative behavior. | subcutaneous | Investigational / RUO |
| Gonadorelin | A synthetic form of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) acting on pituitary GnRH receptors to stimulate luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) release, supporting the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. | subcutaneous | Investigational / RUO |
| HCG | A glycoprotein hormone that binds LH receptors in the gonads, mimicking luteinizing hormone with a substantially longer half-life to stimulate gonadal steroidogenesis. | subcutaneous | Investigational / RUO |
| IGF-1 LR3 | A modified analog of insulin-like growth factor-1 with reduced binding to IGF-binding proteins, giving a markedly extended half-life and prolonged activation of IGF-1 receptor anabolic signaling. | subcutaneous | Investigational / RUO |
| Ipamorelin | Binds to ghrelin receptors to stimulate pituitary gland to release growth hormone. Highly selective with minimal side effects. | subcutaneous | Investigational / RUO |
| Kisspeptin | A neuroendocrine peptide that activates KISS1R (GPR54) on GnRH neurons to stimulate gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion, a key upstream regulator of the reproductive axis. | subcutaneous | Investigational / RUO |
Attributes shown for research comparison only; not a statement of efficacy or therapeutic equivalence.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Identity - human menopausal gonadotropin (menotropin), a purified preparation that supplies both FSH and LH activity. It is classically extracted and purified from the urine of postmenopausal women, so it is a biological mixture rather than a single synthetic peptide.
Mechanism - the FSH component acts on FSH receptors to support follicular development/gametogenesis, and the LH component acts on LH receptors to support steroidogenesis. The combined gonadotropin activity is the focus of reproductive-medicine research.
Identity/standardization - because it is a biological extract, HMG is standardized by bioactivity in international units (IU) of FSH and LH, not by peptide mass.
Research status - HMG has a long clinical-research record in reproductive medicine and has been compared with highly purified and recombinant gonadotropins. On this platform it is handled only as a research material.
No human dosing guidance is provided on this platform. Research-reported amounts vary; see the protocol reference for calculation support only. This is not medical advice.
Handling/storage - practices vary by product. Follow the supplier's documentation and certificate of analysis, keeping lyophilized material cold and using reconstituted material within the recommended window.
Regulatory - Research Use Only; not for human or veterinary therapeutic use. Consult a licensed healthcare professional for any clinical decisions.
Research-use notice
Research Use Only. This educational content and calculation support is intended for private research documentation. It does not provide medical advice, human-use directions, or claims of safety or effectiveness.