HMG (Menotropins)
Also called Human menopausal gonadotropin; Menopur
A prescription fertility medicine that supplies both FSH and LH activity. It has a defined role in assisted reproduction; a research vial is not equivalent to the approved product.
Overview
What it is
A purified glycoprotein preparation from the urine of postmenopausal women. It is different from hCG (LH-like) and from HGH (growth hormone).
How it works
FSH drives follicle (egg) development, and LH supports hormone production in the ovary. In men, gonadotropins support sperm production when the brain's signals are too low.
What the research shows
In 749 women in an antagonist IVF protocol, ongoing pregnancy was 29% with highly purified hMG versus 27% with recombinant FSH, meeting non-inferiority. A pooled analysis of 986 women in a different IVF protocol found live birth in 26.5% versus 20.8%. In men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, guidelines describe hCG with FSH added when needed.
Studied for
- Follicle development in assisted reproductionapproved
- Male hypogonadotropic hypogonadismspecialist use with hCG
Safety and regulatory status
Safety and side effects
Reported effects include headache, cramping, dizziness and breast tenderness. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is the main serious risk; severe pelvic pain, swelling, reduced urination or trouble breathing need prompt care. Ultrasound and blood monitoring are part of treatment.
Regulatory status
FDA approved (Menopur) for follicle development in women undergoing assisted reproduction.
Mixing and dosing reference
Reference information only. Read before using this section.
HMG (0.15 mg / 75 IU Vial) Dosage Protocol
- Vial
- 75 IU / 0.15 mg HMG
- Add diluent
- 1 mL
- Concentration
- 75 IU/mL
- 1 unit (U-100)
- 0.75 IU in 0.01 mL
- Route
- Subcutaneous
- How often
- Subcutaneous injections three times weekly for minimum 12 weeks (extend to 16 weeks if needed).
- Cycle length
- Minimum 12 weeks; may extend to 16 weeks based on response.
- Full vial amount
- 75 IU in 1.0 mL HMG potency IU are distinct from U-100 syringe markings
Male Fertility Protocol
| Week/Phase | Dose per Injection | Volume per Injection |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–12 | 75 IU (0.15 mg) | 1.0 mL |
| Weeks 13–16 (optional extension) | 75 IU (0.15 mg) | 1.0 mL |
How to mix
- Confirm the correct HMG vial and supplied sterile 0.9% Sodium Chloride, USP; clean the vial stopper.
- Draw 1.0 mL of the sterile diluent and add it slowly down the vial wall.
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved; do not shake. Inspect the solution before use.
- Use the reconstituted solution immediately and discard any unused portion, following the product labeling.
Dosing details
- Standard male fertility support approach.
- Dose: 75 IU three times per week (e.g., Monday, Wednesday, Friday).
- Combination Therapy: Usually administered alongside hCG (2–3 times weekly) to support testosterone and maximize spermatogenesis.
- Cycle Length: Minimum 12 weeks; may extend to 16 weeks based on response.
- Route: Subcutaneous injection into fatty tissue (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm).
- Timing: Maintain consistent injection days; rotate sites with each injection.
Storage
- Lyophilized (unopened): Store at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) away from light; stable at controlled room temperature up to 25 °C (77 °F).
- Reconstituted: Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); for best potency use promptly (official guidance recommends immediate use with plain diluent).
- Protect from light at all times; discard any unused solution if not used within recommended timeframe.
Administration technique
- Proper subcutaneous injection technique for HMG administration.
- Wash hands thoroughly and gather supplies on a clean surface.
- Clean the vial stopper with an alcohol swab and allow to dry.
- Draw up the prescribed dose using a sterile syringe (1 mL capacity for the full 75 IU dose).
- Select an injection site with adequate subcutaneous fat (lower abdomen at least 2 inches from navel, outer thigh, or upper arm).
- Clean the injection site with a fresh alcohol swab; let dry completely.
- Pinch about an inch of skin to create a fold of subcutaneous tissue.
- Insert needle at a 90° angle (or 45° if very little subcutaneous fat) into the tissue.
- Release the pinch and slowly inject the medication over several seconds.
- Withdraw the needle smoothly and apply gentle pressure with sterile gauze (do not rub the site).
- Dispose of used syringe immediately in a sharps container.
- Rotate injection sites with each administration, maintaining at least 1 inch spacing from previous sites.
Important notes
- HMG therapy typically requires concurrent hCG administration for optimal results in males.
- Use new sterile syringes for each injection; dispose in a sharps container.
- Rotate injection sites (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) at least 1 inch apart to prevent lipohypertrophy or irritation.
- Monitor semen parameters and hormone levels throughout therapy to assess response.
- Clinical response typically requires at least 12 weeks; spermatogenesis may take 3–6 months to fully develop.
Protocol source: PeptideDosages.com
Common questions
Is HMG the same as HGH?
No. HMG is a fertility hormone; HGH is growth hormone.
What does 75 IU mean?
A Menopur vial has 75 IU of FSH and 75 IU of LH activity, not 150 IU of FSH.
Is a research vial equivalent to Menopur?
No. A shared name does not mean matching quality or activity.
Related in Hormones and Reproductive Health
Sources and further reading (5)
- DailyMed. Menopur prescribing information.
- AUA/ASRM. Diagnosis and treatment of infertility in men, Part II.
- Highly purified hMG vs recombinant FSH in antagonist IVF, 2012.
- ASRM. Prevention of moderate and severe OHSS guideline.
- Source summary: PeptideDosages.com research overview (rewritten for NVO).