HMG
Also known as Menotropins, Menotrophin, hMG
A gonadotropin preparation purified from the urine of postmenopausal women, containing both follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormone activity. It is approved for ovarian stimulation in fertility treatment and is compared with recombinant FSH in trials.
Approved drug substance
Size
1 option- Catalog no.
- —
- Specification
- 75 IU*10vials
- Per kit
- 10 vials
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or animal consumption. Buyers must be 21 or older.
Overview
Human menopausal gonadotropin (menotropins) is extracted from the urine of postmenopausal women, whose gonadotropin levels are high after ovarian function declines. It provides FSH and LH bioactivity in a single preparation. Developed in the mid-twentieth century, it was among the first gonadotropins used to treat infertility, and highly purified versions remain in use for ovarian stimulation in IVF and for inducing spermatogenesis in men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Much current research compares it with recombinant FSH, focusing on pregnancy rates, oocyte and embryo quality, and risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
Class: Urinary gonadotropin preparation (FSH and LH activity)
Mechanism of action
How the compound acts, as described in the literature.
Its FSH component binds FSH receptors on ovarian granulosa cells and testicular Sertoli cells, promoting follicle growth and aromatase expression in women and supporting spermatogenesis in men.
Its LH activity binds LH/choriogonadotropin receptors on theca and Leydig cells, stimulating androgen production; in the ovary, theca-cell androgens serve as substrate for granulosa-cell estradiol synthesis.
Trials comparing it with recombinant FSH report differences in follicular development, endocrine profiles, and embryo quality, which are attributed partly to its LH activity.
Published research
Selected studies, each linked to its PubMed record. Summaries describe what the studies reported.
2004
Historical review
PMID 15388674Historical perspectives in gonadotrophin therapy.
Lunenfeld B. · Hum Reprod Update
Traces gonadotropin therapy from early animal and human hormone extracts in the 1930s through purified urinary and recombinant preparations, describing efforts to improve the safety and efficacy of hormones used in infertility.
2006
RCT
PMID 16873892Clinical outcome following stimulation with highly purified hMG or recombinant FSH in patients undergoing IVF: a randomized assessor-blind controlled trial.
Andersen AN, et al. · Hum Reprod
In 731 women undergoing IVF, highly purified hMG yielded fewer oocytes but a higher proportion of top-quality embryos than recombinant FSH; ongoing pregnancy rates were 27% versus 22%, establishing non-inferiority but not superiority.
2026
Cochrane systematic review
PMID 42445958Recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (rFSH) versus other recombinant or urinary gonadotropins for ovarian stimulation in assisted reproductive technology cycles.
Berkhout RP, et al. · Cochrane Database Syst Rev
Across 59 trials (18,119 women), live birth and clinical pregnancy were probably lower, and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome probably higher, with recombinant FSH than with hMG or highly purified hMG (moderate-certainty evidence).
Evidence & safety
What the research does not show, and the adverse events and regulatory status it reports.
Ovarian stimulation with hMG carries recognized risks of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and multiple pregnancy. The 2026 Cochrane review rated its main evidence moderate certainty, cited risk of bias, and noted that many trials were industry-sponsored; the Andersen 2006 trial showed non-inferiority, not superiority, versus recombinant FSH.
Specifications
All sizes, exactly as catalogued.
| Catalog no. | Product | Specification | Vials per kit |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | HMG | 75 IU*10vials | 10 |
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or animal consumption. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Research summaries are provided for educational purposes and do not describe this product’s use.