HMG

A purified preparation of FSH and LH activity derived from urine of postmenopausal women. FDA-approved as Menopur (BLA 021663, 2004) and historically as Repronex (NDA 021047, 1999, now discontinued). Initial menotropin approval dates to 1975 (Pergonal). Used in assisted reproduction for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.

Strong evidence FDA Approved Gonadotropin

Written by WhatPeptide Editorial Team · Last updated 2026-03-18

Half-life

FSH component: 11-13 hours (multiple-dose SC/IM, Menopur US PI). LH component half-life not reported in Menopur PI; endogenous LH t½ estimated at 0.5-4 hours.

Dosage range

Starting dose: 225 IU daily SC/IM. Maximum: 450 IU/day for up to 20 days. Ovulation trigger: hCG 5,000-10,000 IU after adequate follicular response.

Administration

Intramuscular injection

Research level

Strong

How HMG works

Provides exogenous FSH and LH activity. FSH stimulates follicular development by acting on ovarian granulosa cells. LH activity (primarily from hCG in modern preparations) stimulates thecal androgen production and supports follicular maturation. Together they enable multi-follicular development for IVF.

Also known as: Menotropins, hMG, Human Menopausal Gonadotropin, Menopur, Repronex, Pergonal

Research relevance

Sexual Health

Moderate relevance 55

Side effects & safety

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) — potentially life-threatening Injection-site reactions Headache Abdominal pain/bloating Multiple pregnancy (35.3% of pregnancies in Menopur trials were multiples, ~8% of stimulated cycles) Gynecomastia (men, off-label use)

Contraindications

High FSH indicating primary gonadal failure

Uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction

Sex hormone-dependent tumors

Abnormal uterine bleeding of undetermined origin

Ovarian cyst or enlargement not due to PCOS

Pregnancy

Consult a healthcare provider before use if any of these apply to you.

FAQ

What is HMG? +

What is HMG researched for? +

HMG has the strongest research relevance for Sexual Health. Evidence is supported by robust clinical evidence.

What are the side effects of HMG? +

Reported side effects include Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) — potentially life-threatening, Injection-site reactions, Headache, Abdominal pain/bloating, Multiple pregnancy (35.3% of pregnancies in Menopur trials were multiples, ~8% of stimulated cycles), Gynecomastia (men, off-label use). Key contraindications: High FSH indicating primary gonadal failure; Uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction; Sex hormone-dependent tumors; Abnormal uterine bleeding of undetermined origin; Ovarian cyst or enlargement not due to PCOS; Pregnancy.

Is HMG FDA approved? +

Yes, HMG has FDA approval for specific indications. Always consult a healthcare provider for appropriate use.

How is HMG administered? +

HMG is typically administered via intramuscular route. Researched dosage range: Starting dose: 225 IU daily SC/IM. Maximum: 450 IU/day for up to 20 days. Ovulation trigger: hCG 5,000-10,000 IU after adequate follicular response.. Half-life: FSH component: 11-13 hours (multiple-dose SC/IM, Menopur US PI). LH component half-life not reported in Menopur PI; endogenous LH t½ estimated at 0.5-4 hours..

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