Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (HMG) is a purified hormonal preparation containing both follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in approximately equal ratios. Originally extracted from the urine of postmenopausal women, modern preparations (e.g., Menopur) use highly purified or recombinant forms. HMG is a cornerstone of fertility medicine, used for controlled ovarian stimulation in IVF and treatment of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. In the performance enhancement community, it is used for post-cycle therapy and testicular recovery.
1 independent Janoshik purity test cover HMG across 1 vendor.
Category: Reproductive / Hormone Support. Evidence rating: A (strong human clinical data).
Clinical status: FDA-approved (Menopur) for controlled ovarian stimulation and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
FSH component binds to FSH receptors on Sertoli cells (males) and granulosa cells (females), promoting spermatogenesis and follicular development respectively. LH component binds to LH receptors on Leydig cells (males) to stimulate testosterone production and on theca cells (females) to produce…
Safety considerations: Injection site reactions: redness, swelling, pain; Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in female users, potentially life-threatening; Estrogen fluctuations leading to bloating, gynecomastia, and nipple sensitivity in males.
Reviewed by the PeptideAtlas Editorial Team.
| Molecular weight | ~30,000 g/mol (FSH); ~30,000 g/mol (LH) |
|---|---|
| Half-life | FSH: ~3-4 hours; LH: ~20 minutes |
| Production method | bioactive |
| Anti-doping status | Prohibited in sport (WADA) |
| US regulatory status | FDA-approved (Menopur by Ferring Pharmaceuticals) for fertility treatment. |
| Vendor | Best tested purity |
|---|
HMG contains both FSH and LH, stimulating both Sertoli and Leydig cells. hCG mimics LH only, stimulating testosterone production but not directly supporting spermatogenesis. HMG provides more comprehensive gonadal support.
Yes. In the performance enhancement community, HMG is used alongside or instead of hCG for post-cycle therapy because its FSH component helps restore spermatogenesis, which hCG alone may not adequately support.
For fertility: 75-150 IU 2-3 times weekly. For PCT: often combined with 500-1000 IU hCG. Cycles typically run 3-6 weeks depending on the degree of hormonal suppression.