HMG (Menotropin)

Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (HMG) is a hormonal medication used in reproductive medicine. It is not a single peptide but a purified preparation that contains a combination of two key gonadotropin hormones: Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH).

Historically and currently, HMG is derived from the urine of postmenopausal women. During menopause, the pituitary gland produces high levels of FSH and LH due to the lack of negative feedback from the ovaries, making urine a viable source for these hormones.

The mechanism of action involves the direct stimulation of the gonads (ovaries or testes). In women, the FSH component promotes the growth and development of multiple ovarian follicles, while the LH component aids in follicular maturation. In men, FSH is essential for stimulating sperm production (spermatogenesis), and LH acts on the Leydig cells to produce testosterone. Its primary clinical use is to treat certain types of infertility, either by stimulating ovulation in women or by promoting sperm development in men.