Sex

HMG (Human Menopausal Gonadotropin)

Glycoprotein · FSH/LH mixture · Urinary-derived

FDA · APPROVED (MENOPUR)

Half-life

~1 days

Long

minsdays

Route

SubQ injection

Evidence

Approved therapeutic

Risk

Moderate

Overview

Known for

Contains both FSH and LH. Used in fertility treatments. Directly stimulates ovaries (women) or testes (men) for sperm/egg production. More complete gonadotropin profile than HCG alone.

Mechanism

Purified FSH + LH from postmenopausal urine. Stimulates follicle development (FSH) and ovulation/testosterone production (LH). Gold standard for fertility.

Key facts

Format
Lyophilized powder
Mechanism targets
Classification
Authoritative
Supply & nature
ExogenousExogenous
FDA category
Approved (Menopur)

Evidence & standing

Evidence base
Approved therapeutic
Risk level
Moderate
Best studies
5 references
  • FDA Approved: Menopur, Repronex for infertility
  • Contains both FSH + LH activity (urinary-derived)
  • Standard fertility treatment for 40+ years
  • Lunenfeld (2004) Reprod Biomed Online 9:680-91 — Historical review
  • Gold standard for gonadotropin replacement in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

Dosage & protocol

Typical dose
75-150 IU
Research range
75–150 IU
Cycle
Per fertility protocol
Onset
21 days first effects
Full effect
135 days
Half-life
~24–37h
FSH component: ~37hrs | LH component: ~24hrs
Protocol

75-150 IU IM 2-3x per week. Used under medical supervision for fertility.

Time to effects

EARLY: 2-4 weeks

FULL: 3-6 months

Week 2-4: FSH/LH levels rise. Testosterone production increasing.

Month 1-2: Hormonal improvements noticeable — energy, mood, libido.

Month 3-4: Semen analysis shows improved sperm count and motility (one full spermatogenesis cycle = 74 days).

Month 4-6: Full fertility benefit realised.

For fertility: MINIMUM 3 months commitment (one sperm cycle). Many fertility clinics run 6-month protocols. Semen analysis at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months.

Recommended vial
  • 75 IU (only size)

Single-use vial at standard dose. Use immediately. No shelf life concern.

Reference figures only

Dosing reflects published laboratory protocols and is not guidance for use in any living subject.

Safety

Reversibility
Fully Reversible
Side effects

Injection site pain, OHSS (women — serious: 1-5%), multiple pregnancy risk (20-30% twins), headache, bloating

Interactions

GnRH agonists/antagonists (protocol-dependent), clomiphene, aromatase inhibitors

Handle with research caution

  • Caution combining with HCG (overlapping gonadotropin stimulation — combined doses may overstimulate)
  • Females: risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) — medical supervision required

Storage & handling

Lyophilised
12–24 months
2–8°C
Reconstituted
1–2 weeks
2–8°C

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