Menotropin (hMG)
Menotropin (human menopausal gonadotropin, hMG) is a purified urinary preparation containing both FSH and LH activity, used to stimulate follicle development in fertility treatment and to induce spermatogenesis in hypogonadotropic men. It supplies the gonadotropins the pituitary would normally secrete.
01 Overview
Menotropin is extracted from the urine of postmenopausal women and standardised to contain roughly equal FSH and LH bioactivity (the LH activity is often supplied partly by added hCG). It directly drives the ovary or testis, bypassing the pituitary.
In women it is used for controlled ovarian stimulation in IVF and for ovulation induction. In men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism it restores spermatogenesis, often after or alongside hCG. It is sometimes discussed in fertility-focused post-cycle protocols in the steroid-using community.
02 Mechanism
Provides exogenous FSH and LH bioactivity that directly stimulate ovarian follicular growth or testicular Sertoli/Leydig cell function.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male spermatogenesis | 75–150 IU | SubQ | 75-150 IU three times weekly, usually with hCG |
| Ovarian stimulation | 75–300 IU/day | SubQ | Individualised, typically 75-300 IU daily titrated by response |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Follicular growth / ovulation inductionStimulates multiple follicle development for IVF or restores ovulation. | Clinical | ||
| Restored spermatogenesisCombined with hCG, induces sperm production in hypogonadotropic men. | Clinical |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)Enlarged ovaries, fluid shifts, and in severe cases thromboembolism from an exaggerated response. | Severe | Uncommon | Clinical | |
| Multiple pregnancyMultiple follicle recruitment increases twin/higher-order pregnancy rates. | Moderate | Common with ovulation induction | Clinical |