Scientific Reference
HMG
Evidence profile: Controlled human evidence
Human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) is a urinary extract containing two glycoprotein hormones, FSH and LH. The source is urine from women after the menopause, when pituitary secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH) runs high because ovarian feedback has fallen away. Both hormones are heterodimers that share an alpha subunit with hCG and thyroid-stimulating hormone, while each has its own beta subunit that decides which receptor it activates. As a biological extract rather than a defined molecule, its balance of FSH and LH activity, its glycoform profile and its content of other urinary proteins vary between preparations, so no single sequence, formula or molecular weight applies. It has been studied within reproductive endocrinology, including cell, tissue and animal work on gonadal function.
Mechanism of Action
The two components act on different receptors in different cells. FSH binds the FSH receptor, a G protein-coupled receptor on granulosa cells of the ovary and Sertoli cells of the testis. LH binds the LH/choriogonadotropin receptor on theca cells and Leydig cells. Both receptors signal chiefly through Gs and cyclic AMP. In granulosa cell studies, FSH signalling has been reported to induce aromatase, which converts androgens to oestrogens, while LH signalling in theca and Leydig cells is linked to androgen synthesis. This split between two hormones and two cell types is the basis of the long-standing two-cell model of ovarian steroid production.
Molecular Information
- Type: Glycoprotein hormone mixture
Published Research
Human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG) combined different doses of letrozole for treating anovulatory infertility in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled trial
Li J et al. · Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics · 2025 · Clinical
PMID 40193016 — View on PubMedRandomized, assessor-blinded trial comparing highly purified human menotropin and recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone in high responders undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection
Witz CA et al. · Fertility and sterility · 2020 · Clinical
PMID 32416978 — View on PubMedSubcutaneous human menopausal gonadotropin administration for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with intrauterine insemination cycles
Kaplan PF et al. · American journal of obstetrics and gynecology · 2000 · Clinical
PMID 10871458 — View on PubMedProspective randomized study of human menotropin versus a follicular and a luteal phase gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog-human menotropin stimulation protocols for in vitro fertilization
Maroulis GB et al. · Fertility and sterility · 1991 · Clinical
PMID 1903732 — View on PubMedEquivalency of human menopausal gonadotropin and follicle-stimulating hormone stimulation after gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist suppression
Edelstein MC et al. · Fertility and sterility · 1990 · Clinical
PMID 2104806 — View on PubMedComparative Effectiveness of Recombinant Human Follicle-Stimulating Hormone:Recombinant Human Luteinizing Hormone in a 2:1 Ratio versus Highly Purified Human Menopausal Gonadotropin Alone in Ovarian Stimulation for Medically Assisted Reproduction Treatment Using in vitro Fertilization/Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Dahan MH et al. · Gynecologic and obstetric investigation · 2026 · Review
PMID 41729769 — View on PubMed