HMG (Menotropin)
Human Menopausal Gonadotropin · Menotropin · Menopur
Human menopausal gonadotropin providing FSH and LH activity; used in PCT and fertility protocols.
Key takeaways
- Approved fertility drug (Menopur) providing both FSH and LH activity from urinary extract.
- Label dosing for IVF starts at 150 IU SubQ daily; decades of randomized trials behind it.
- In men, HMG plus hCG is standard care for hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
- PCT use is off-label and extrapolated from fertility data, never tested in that setting.
Overview
What it is
HMG (human menopausal gonadotropin, menotropin; brand Menopur) is a preparation extracted from the urine of postmenopausal women that supplies both FSH and LH activity. It's an FDA-approved fertility drug: the label indication is stimulating multiple follicle development in ovulatory women undergoing assisted reproduction.
Pharmacokinetics
The plotter approximates the half-life from FSH pharmacokinetics at about 36 hours with 45% subcutaneous bioavailability, both research estimates rather than direct HMG measurements. Gonadotropin effects outlast plasma levels because they act through follicle and Leydig-cell stimulation.
What the evidence says
The evidence base is strong for the labeled use, with decades of IVF trials comparing menotropins to recombinant FSH. In men, HMG plus hCG is standard clinical practice for hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. The popular PCT use borrows that male-fertility rationale, but it's off-label and never been tested in the post-steroid population.
Reported dosing protocols
Protocols reported in research literature and clinic/community use — informational context, not a dosing recommendation.
| Use case | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assisted reproduction (Menopur label) | 150 IU start (max 450 IU/day) | SubQ | Once daily | Stimulation phase of one cycle |
| Male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (clinical practice) | 75–150 IU | SubQ or IM | 3× weekly, combined with hCG | Months (until spermatogenesis) |
| Post-cycle recovery (community) | 75–150 IU | SubQ | 2–3× weekly | 2–4 weeks |
Pharmacokinetic summary
- Model tier
- Simple (t½ + F, Tmax estimated)
- Half-life
- 36 hours
- Bioavailability
- 45%
- Typical dose
- 0.075–0.3 mg
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between HMG and hCG?
hCG mimics LH alone, stimulating testosterone production but doing little for sperm. HMG supplies both FSH and LH activity, so it supports spermatogenesis as well. Male fertility protocols typically combine them.
Is HMG FDA-approved?
Yes, as Menopur for stimulating multiple follicle development in ovulatory women undergoing assisted reproduction. Use in men for fertility or post-cycle recovery is off-label, even though male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is established endocrine practice.
Why is the plotter half-life an estimate?
HMG is a mixture, so its kinetics get approximated from its FSH component, which has a roughly one- to two-day elimination half-life. The 36-hour figure in the plotter is that approximation, not a direct measurement of the preparation.
References
- Estimated (FSH/LH PK) — Contains FSH + LH activity; half-life approximated from FSH (~1–2 days).
- Menopur (menotropins for injection) FDA prescribing information, 2014 — Label indication, dosing schedule, and monitoring requirements.
Related compounds
HCG
Human chorionic gonadotropin; mimics LH, used on-cycle and in PCT to preserve testicular function.
Gonadorelin Acetate
Native gonadotropin-releasing hormone; stimulates LH/FSH release. Pulsatile (not continuous) use matters.
Kisspeptin
Neuropeptide that drives GnRH release upstream of the HPG axis; researched for hormone restoration.
Comments
Loading comments…