- For in vitro testing and laboratory use only.
- Not for human or animal consumption.
- Bodily introduction is illegal.
- Handle only by licensed professionals.
- Not a drug, food, or cosmetic.
- Educational use only.
Quick take on HMG
HMG (Human Menopausal Gonadotropin), sold under brand names like Menopur and Pergonal, is a hormone preparation extracted and purified from the urine of postmenopausal women. It contains roughly equal amounts of FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) — the two pituitary hormones that drive reproductive function in both men and women. It's been in clinical medicine since the 1950s, primarily for fertility treatment.
Mechanism in plain English
HMG provides both gonadotropic signals at once. In women, FSH stimulates ovarian follicle development while LH supports ovulation. In men, LH tells the Leydig cells to produce testosterone (same mechanism HCG exploits), while FSH stimulates the Sertoli cells to support sperm production. The dual action is what separates HMG from HCG — HCG covers only the LH side.
What it's used for
People take it for two main reasons:
- Female fertility, primarily in IVF protocols where controlled ovarian stimulation is needed.
- Male fertility restoration after long-term testosterone or suppressive anabolic protocols, especially in cases where HCG alone didn't restore sperm production — because HCG can rescue testosterone but often leaves the FSH-driven spermatogenesis pathway impaired.
Upsides and downsides
Main upside — HMG is the only accessible tool that directly addresses the FSH side of the HPG axis. For men who ran suppressive cycles and are struggling to restart sperm production, HMG often works where HCG alone plateaus.
Main downside — it's expensive, fragile, and complicated. Urine-derived origin means batch-to-batch variability, strict refrigeration requirements, and costs that can run several times higher than HCG. Side effects mirror other gonadotropins: estrogen elevation, acne, mood shifts, and in women, ovarian hyperstimulation risk.
Typical protocol
For male fertility restoration: 75-150 IU subcutaneously 2-3 times per week, often stacked with HCG for full signal coverage, over 3-6 months. Female IVF protocols are entirely physician-directed and vary by cycle protocol.
Who should skip it
- Anyone with active hormone-sensitive cancers.
- Anyone with uncontrolled thyroid disease.
- Anyone with an untreated pituitary tumor.
Regulatory status
Banned by WADA under category S2 — detectable and tested for. Legally prescribable in most countries for its approved fertility indications.
In 1949, an Italian pharmacologist named Piero Donini figured out how to purify hormones from urine. Specifically, he discovered that the urine of postmenopausal women contained surprisingly high concentrations of gonadotropins — the pituitary hormones that control ovaries and testicles. This makes biological sense in hindsight: after menopause, the ovaries stop responding to these hormones, so the pituitary cranks them out in ever-larger quantities, and the excess spills into urine. What looked like waste was actually a concentrated source of one of the most clinically valuable hormone mixtures in medicine.
Twelve years later, in 1961, an Israeli endocrinologist named Bruno Lunenfeld used a purified version of this extract to treat a woman with infertility. She conceived. That extract became the first commercial product named Pergonal — short for "per-gonad" — and modern fertility medicine had its foundational drug.
HMG is what that drug is still called today. And while most people know it as a women's fertility medication, it has a second, much quieter role in men's health that's worth understanding.
HMG: what it is and how it works in a nutshell
HMG (human menopausal gonadotropin, also called menotropin) is a hormonal preparation containing a roughly 1:1 ratio of FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) — the two pituitary gonadotropins that control the gonads in both sexes [1]. Traditional HMG is extracted and purified from the urine of postmenopausal women. Modern preparations are highly purified; some newer formulations are partially or fully recombinant.
The two hormones in HMG do very different jobs:
- FSH — stimulates follicle development in women, supports sperm production in men via Sertoli cells
- LH — triggers ovulation in women, stimulates testosterone production in men via Leydig cells
HMG is FDA-approved for controlled ovarian stimulation in fertility treatments, treatment of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in both sexes, and restoration of spermatogenesis in men with specific forms of infertility. Common brand names include Menopur, Pergonal (older), and Repronex.
HMG mechanism of action: what it actually does in the body
The reproductive system runs on a command chain from the brain:
- Hypothalamus releases GnRH in pulses
- Pituitary responds with LH and FSH
- LH and FSH travel to the gonads
- Gonads produce sex hormones and gametes (eggs or sperm)
HMG bypasses steps 1 and 2 entirely by delivering FSH and LH directly to the bloodstream. Whatever the hypothalamus or pituitary is doing (or not doing) becomes irrelevant — the gonads get their signal either way.
In women undergoing fertility treatment:
- FSH component stimulates multiple ovarian follicles to grow simultaneously
- LH component supports the follicles and the steroid hormone environment
- Once follicles mature, HCG (or recombinant LH) is given as a "trigger shot" to induce ovulation
In men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism:
- LH component activates Leydig cells to produce testosterone
- FSH component activates Sertoli cells, which support spermatogenesis directly
- This is the key clinical advantage of HMG over HCG alone in male fertility protocols
That last point is the one most relevant to the TRT and post-cycle world. HCG alone replaces the LH signal, driving testosterone production, but it does nothing for FSH. Sertoli cell support for spermatogenesis gets partially restored via intratesticular testosterone, but full sperm production recovery often requires FSH as well. HMG fills that gap [2].
Who uses HMG and what for
- Women undergoing IVF or IUI — the primary clinical use. HMG is given daily during controlled ovarian stimulation to grow multiple follicles before egg retrieval or insemination.
- Women with anovulatory infertility — particularly those who haven't responded to first-line treatments like clomiphene citrate.
- Men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) — congenital or acquired conditions where the pituitary doesn't produce gonadotropins. HMG restores both testosterone production and fertility.
- Men recovering fertility after TRT or anabolic steroid cycles — typically used alongside HCG when HCG alone doesn't produce adequate sperm recovery. This is where HMG enters the bodybuilding/men's health conversation.
- Men with non-obstructive azoospermia — in specific clinical contexts, where FSH support may stimulate residual spermatogenesis.
Realistic expectations for men using HMG in fertility restoration contexts: measurable sperm return typically takes 3-6 months of combined HCG + HMG therapy, sometimes longer. The full FSH + LH approach is more reliable than HCG alone for sperm recovery but significantly more expensive and requires more injections.
What WON'T happen: quick fertility restoration (it's a months-long process), weight loss (common myth), any performance enhancement value beyond the fertility context, benefit to men with obstructive azoospermia or primary testicular failure (where the testicles themselves can't respond).
What HMG stacks with: popular combinations
HMG has specific, well-defined stacking roles — it's not a general-purpose peptide.
- HMG + HCG — the classic male fertility restoration protocol. HCG provides LH-like signaling for testosterone; HMG adds the FSH component for spermatogenesis support. Used post-TRT or post-cycle when sperm recovery is the goal.
- HMG + Recombinant FSH (follitropin) — in IVF protocols, sometimes combined to tune the FSH/LH ratio for specific patients. Mostly clinician territory.
- HMG + Clomiphene or Enclomiphene — occasionally layered for men who need both pituitary stimulation (from the SERM) and direct gonadal support (from HMG).
- HMG + Anastrozole — controls estradiol, which can rise when testicular activity is restored. Particularly relevant for men on combined HCG + HMG protocols.
HMG side effects and risks
HMG has a well-understood safety profile from 60+ years of clinical use, but the risks are more serious than most peptides covered on this blog.
In women:
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) — the most serious risk. Ovaries become excessively enlarged in response to HMG, potentially causing severe abdominal pain, fluid buildup, and in rare severe cases, life-threatening complications [3]. This is why ultrasound monitoring is mandatory during HMG cycles.
- Multiple pregnancies — 10-20% of HMG pregnancies result in twins or higher-order multiples [3].
- Injection site reactions — common and mild.
In men:
- Gynecomastia — the most common issue. HMG-driven testicular activity produces testosterone and estradiol. Some men experience uncomfortable estrogen elevation and breast tissue sensitivity.
- Acne, oily skin — from testosterone restoration.
- Mood changes — irritability or emotional sensitivity.
- Testicular discomfort — as the testicles rapidly scale up production.
Also occasionally reported: headaches, mild fluid retention, fatigue.
Who should be cautious or avoid:
- Anyone with primary gonadal failure (testicles or ovaries that can't respond)
- Men with prostate or breast cancer (hormone-sensitive tumors)
- Women with unexplained vaginal bleeding, ovarian cysts, or pituitary tumors
- Pregnant women (HMG is not used during pregnancy)
- Anyone with hypersensitivity to urinary-derived proteins
- Competitive athletes — HMG is on the WADA Prohibited List (S2) [4]
How to use and store HMG
HMG is administered via subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. Subcutaneous is standard for fertility protocols due to comfort and ease of self-administration.
Typical protocols:
For women (IVF/ovarian stimulation): 75-225 IU daily, typically for 7-12 days, with dose adjustment based on follicular response monitored by ultrasound and bloodwork.
For men (HH treatment or fertility restoration): 75-150 IU two to three times per week, usually combined with HCG. Courses typically run 3-6 months minimum, with semen analysis every 3 months.
Reconstitution: HMG typically comes as a lyophilized powder in a vial paired with saline diluent. Standard vials contain 75 IU of FSH and 75 IU of LH activity each. Reconstitute immediately before use.
Storage: unreconstituted vials should be stored refrigerated per manufacturer instructions (some formulations allow room temperature). Once reconstituted, use immediately — unlike many peptides, reconstituted HMG is not meant for extended storage.
Labs and monitoring during HMG use
Monitoring is more intensive with HMG than with most peptides, and for good reason — the risks are real and dose adjustment matters.
For men on HMG + HCG fertility protocols:
- Before: total testosterone, estradiol, LH, FSH, SHBG, semen analysis, hematocrit, PSA (if over 40).
- During (every 4-6 weeks): testosterone, estradiol, semen analysis at 3-month intervals.
- Follow-up: continue until sperm parameters reach target range or plateau.
Estradiol often needs particular attention — it can climb sharply during gonadotropin therapy and is the most common reason men discontinue HMG.
HMG vs alternatives: what's different
- HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) — mimics LH only. Simpler, cheaper, suitable for testicular volume preservation and testosterone production. Doesn't cover the FSH requirement for full spermatogenesis.
- Recombinant FSH (follitropin alfa/beta) — pure FSH without LH. More expensive but eliminates risk from urinary-derived proteins. Typically used in women's fertility protocols; less common in men.
- Recombinant LH (lutropin alfa) — pure LH. Rarely used alone; typically combined with recombinant FSH in specific protocols.
- Clomiphene/Enclomiphene — SERMs that stimulate the pituitary to release its own LH and FSH. Oral, cheaper, but requires a functioning pituitary to work.
- Direct testosterone replacement — simplest approach, but shuts down spermatogenesis entirely. Opposite goal from HMG protocols.
HMG's distinguishing feature: the only widely available preparation that delivers both LH and FSH activity in a single injection. For full spermatogenesis support in men or controlled ovarian stimulation in women, this dual action is either essential or highly useful depending on the context.
Myths about HMG
- "HMG is basically the same as HCG." Not the same at all. Both are gonadotropins, but they do different things. HCG only mimics LH (drives testosterone and testicular volume). HMG contains both FSH and LH (drives testosterone and supports spermatogenesis). Men trying to recover fertility often need HMG added when HCG alone isn't enough. Conflating them leads to failed fertility protocols.
- "HMG is dangerous because it comes from urine." The urinary extraction process has been used safely for decades. Modern purification removes essentially all non-gonadotropin proteins, and no cases of pathogen transmission from HMG have been documented. That said, recombinant alternatives do exist for people who prefer to avoid urinary-derived products, at significantly higher cost.
Sources
- Lunenfeld, B. (2004). Historical perspectives in gonadotrophin therapy. Human Reproduction Update, 10(6), 453-467. — comprehensive historical review of HMG development by the clinician who pioneered its use.
- Rastrelli, G., Corona, G., Mannucci, E., & Maggi, M. (2014). Factors affecting spermatogenesis upon gonadotropin-replacement therapy: a meta-analytic study. Andrology, 2(6), 794-808. — meta-analysis of gonadotropin protocols for male fertility restoration, including HCG + HMG combinations.
- Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (2020). Prevention and treatment of moderate and severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: a guideline. Fertility and Sterility, 113(5), 913-927. — clinical guidelines on OHSS, the primary risk of HMG in women.
- World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Prohibited List — Section S2: Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics. https://www.wada-ama.org — HMG classification in competitive sport.
- Weinbauer, G. F., & Nieschlag, E. (1996). Gonadotrophin control of testicular germ cell development. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 377, 55-65. — covers the distinct roles of FSH and LH in spermatogenesis, relevant to HMG's dual-hormone advantage.
- Coviello, A. D., Matsumoto, A. M., Bremner, W. J., et al. (2005). Low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin maintains intratesticular testosterone in normal men with testosterone-induced gonadotropin suppression. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 90(5), 2595-2602. — foundational data on gonadotropin therapy in men with suppressed HPG axis.
HMG (Menotropin) Dosage Guide
HMG (human menopausal gonadotropin, also marketed as Menopur, Pergonal, Repronex, Menogon) is a urine-derived gonadotropin containing a 1:1 ratio of FSH and LH activity, used clinically for ovulation induction in women and spermatogenesis stimulation in men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. This guide is aimed at men recovering fertility after anabolic steroid use or prolonged TRT, men with secondary hypogonadism seeking to restart spermatogenesis, and women undergoing ovulation induction or IVF stimulation. Dosing below combines the American Society for Reproductive Medicine guidelines, the standard Pergonal/Menopur clinical protocols, and published HMG+hCG combination data for male fertility restoration.
Real-World Dosage Protocols by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male fertility maintenance | 75 IU | 2–3 times weekly, SC | Combined with hCG when hCG alone insufficient |
| Male fertility standard | 150 IU | 3 times weekly, SC | Added to hCG for azoospermia/severe oligospermia |
| Female IVF (no GnRH co-treatment) | 150 IU | Once daily, SC | Initial dose for ovarian stimulation |
| Female IVF (with GnRH agonist) | 225 IU | Once daily, SC | Higher start dose needed with pituitary suppression |
| Female low-dose / ovulation induction | 75 IU | Once daily, SC | PCOS or mild anovulation protocols |
| High-responder escalation | Up to 450 IU | Once daily, SC | Only for documented poor ovarian response |
Doses also shift depending on the specific goal. The same compound used for male fertility restart versus female IVF stimulation follows very different protocols.
Dosage by Goal
| Goal | Recommended Dose | Frequency | Cycle Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male fertility after AAS / TRT | 75–150 IU + hCG 1500–5000 IU | 3 times weekly, SC | 6+ months; sperm maturation takes 70–80 days |
| Male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism | 75–150 IU + hCG | 3 times weekly, SC | 12+ months for optimal sperm response |
| Female ovulation induction | 75–150 IU | Once daily, SC | 7–12 days until follicles mature |
| Female IVF stimulation | 150–225 IU | Once daily, SC | 8–12 days until trigger |
| PCOS anovulation (with letrozole) | 75 IU | Daily from cycle day 8, SC | Until mature follicle (up to 10 days) |
| Premature ovarian insufficiency stim | 150 IU HP-hMG | Once daily, SC | Until trigger criteria met |
Do not self-administer HMG without physician supervision and ultrasound/bloodwork monitoring — unlike most peptides in the research space, this is a prescription fertility drug with genuine risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in women and multiple pregnancy if dose-response isn't tracked properly. For men restoring fertility after TRT or AAS use, HMG is added only when hCG monotherapy at 1500–3000 IU every other day fails to restore sperm parameters after 3+ months; adding HMG without that trial is premature and unnecessarily expensive. Reconstituted HMG is less stable than lyophilized — use within days of mixing, store refrigerated, and never freeze the reconstituted solution.
HMG Storage Guide: How to Keep Your Medication Stable and Effective
HMG (Human Menopausal Gonadotropin, or menotropins) ships as a sterile white lyophilized powder in a sealed glass vial, freeze-dried to preserve the FSH and LH glycoprotein activity and extend its shelf life. With a few simple habits — cool, dark, dry — the sealed vial stays in perfect condition until the expiration date printed on the label. Here's exactly how to store it.
Lyophilized Powder (Unreconstituted)
| Parameter | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Temperature | Refrigerated at 2–8°C (36–46°F) or at controlled room temperature up to 25°C (77°F) until the printed expiration date, typically 18–24 months from manufacture. | A cool, dark cabinet works; the fridge is a safer default if your room runs warm. |
| Light Sensitivity | Yes — protect from direct light to prevent hormone degradation. | Keep in the original box or carton until ready to reconstitute. |
| Freezing | Not recommended for the unreconstituted vial. Freezing the lyophilized powder may damage the glycoprotein activity (FSH/LH), and reconstituted solution must never be frozen. | Stick to the fridge or a cool room — no freezer needed or advised. |
| Signs of Degradation | Healthy powder is white, dry, and loose or cake-like. Watch for yellowing, browning, clumping, visible moisture, or a sticky texture. | Any color change, clumping, or moisture = discard the vial. |
| Common Mistakes | Storing near a heat source (stove, radiator, sunny windowsill), keeping in a humid bathroom cabinet, or opening a cold vial and letting condensation form inside. | Keep in a cool, dark spot, and let refrigerated vials warm to room temperature before opening. |
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Shipping Times
| Destination | Delivery Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
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Outer packaging is neutral and does not display product details on the exterior — a common approach to protect shipments from damage, tampering, and unnecessary exposure during delivery.
What to Expect
- Orders are processed after payment confirmation
- USA domestic shipping is typically faster when local stock is selected
- International orders include tracking, though update frequency may vary by destination
- Multiple warehouses may result in separate shipments when applicable
Authenticity & Verified Supply
Every order includes full authenticity assurance: official Generic Peptides presentation, batch-linked lab documentation, and sealed original packaging — giving customers confidence in every purchase.
| Authenticity Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Packaging | Original manufacturer packaging — sealed and unaltered |
| Lab Documentation | Batch-linked certificate of analysis available on request |
| Supply Chain | Sourced exclusively through official Generic Peptides distribution |
Shipping & Returns
Based on 1 reviews
5.0
Second order. First time was a test run to verify quality — everything checked out so committed to a full protocol. The FSH component makes a noticeable difference for full recovery compared to HCG-only approaches. Arrived cold-packed and sealed properly. Exactly the standard you need for this kind of compound.
HMG, or human menopausal gonadotropin (also called menotropin), is an injectable fertility medication containing roughly equal amounts of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). It is extracted and purified from the urine of postmenopausal women, whose bodies naturally produce high levels of these hormones. HMG has been used in fertility clinics since the 1960s and remains a core treatment in assisted reproduction today, sold under brand names like Menopur, Menogon, and Pergonal
HMG works by directly stimulating the ovaries (in women) or the testes (in men). The FSH component encourages the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles, each of which contains an egg, while the LH component supports final egg maturation and hormone production. In men, FSH stimulates sperm production and LH triggers the testes to make testosterone. Because HMG bypasses the brain's own hormonal signaling, it allows doctors to control follicle development precisely during fertility cycles.
The main use of HMG is to induce ovulation in women who do not ovulate on their own, and to stimulate the development of multiple eggs in women undergoing IVF or IUI. It is often prescribed when simpler treatments like clomiphene (Clomid) have failed. HMG is also used in men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism — a condition where the pituitary gland does not produce enough signaling hormones — to restore sperm production and fertility.
HMG and HCG are both injectable fertility drugs, but they do different jobs in the same cycle. HMG contains FSH and LH and is used over several days to grow and mature the follicles. HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) mimics a natural LH surge and is given as a single "trigger shot" once the follicles are ready, prompting the final release of the mature egg. In short: HMG grows the eggs, HCG releases them.
Dosing is highly individualized and always set by a fertility specialist, but a common starting dose is 75 to 150 IU per day by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection, usually given in the evening. The dose is adjusted based on blood estrogen levels and ultrasound monitoring of follicle growth, with most cycles lasting 7 to 12 days of injections. Self-adjusting the dose is dangerous because too much HMG can trigger ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
The most common side effects are mild and include injection-site reactions, headaches, bloating, breast tenderness, mood swings, and fatigue. The two more serious risks are ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) — where the ovaries swell and fluid leaks into the abdomen — and multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, or more). Severe OHSS occurs in roughly 1% of cycles and can require hospitalization, which is why close monitoring during HMG treatment is non-negotiable.
Success depends heavily on age, the cause of infertility, and the treatment protocol used. Studies suggest up to 90% of women treated with HMG will ovulate, and 60–80% of women with ovulation disorders will become pregnant within six months of treatment. The per-cycle pregnancy rate is typically around 20–25% for ovulation induction. In IVF cycles, outcomes vary more widely and are affected by egg quality and embryo transfer factors.
No. HMG is purified from urine and contains both FSH and LH activity in a roughly 1:1 ratio, while recombinant FSH (like Gonal-F or Puregon) is made in the lab via genetic engineering and contains only FSH. Large analyses, including Cochrane reviews, show the two produce broadly similar pregnancy rates. Some studies suggest HMG may offer a small advantage in live birth rates for certain patient groups — especially older women or those with low LH — while recombinant FSH offers more consistent batch-to-batch purity.
HMG commonly stimulates more than one follicle per cycle, so the risk of multiples is real and must be taken seriously. With careful ultrasound and hormone monitoring, about 10–20% of HMG pregnancies are multiples, and around 75% of those are twins. Triplets or higher-order pregnancies are rare but do occur, and they carry significantly higher risks for both the pregnant person and the babies.
HMG is not appropriate for people with primary ovarian failure, uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal disorders, hormone-sensitive cancers (breast, ovarian, uterine), unexplained vaginal bleeding, or pre-existing large ovarian cysts not related to polycystic ovary syndrome. Pregnant women should not use HMG, and it is contraindicated in anyone with a known allergy to urinary-derived gonadotropin products. A fertility specialist will review your full medical history and hormone workup before prescribing.
