All information below describes the compound's chemical identity, laboratory handling, and the published research literature. It describes molecular targets and results in laboratory and animal models only — not effects in humans — and is not evidence of any human benefit.
What Is HMG?
HMG (human menopausal gonadotropin), also written as hMG or menotropin, is a gonadotropin preparation derived from the urine of postmenopausal women. It is not a single defined molecule but a heterogeneous mixture of glycoprotein hormones carrying both follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) activity, standardized by bioassay to an approximately 1:1 FSH-to-LH ratio and identified by CAS number 9002-68-0. Because it is a mixture of glycoforms rather than one chemical entity, it has no single molecular formula, molecular weight, or amino-acid sequence.
It is supplied as a reference preparation for in vitro and animal research use only. The sections below summarize its chemical identity, laboratory handling, the molecular targets and model systems examined in the published literature, and the primary references — without describing outcomes, efficacy, or effects in humans.
Research Targets & Pathways
Published literature has examined HMG in relation to several molecular systems. These are pathway associations reported in laboratory and animal models; refer to the cited studies for methods and findings.
- FSH receptor (FSHR) signaling — examined in relation to follicle-stimulating-hormone receptor activation and its downstream cAMP cascade.
- LH receptor (LHCGR) signaling — examined in relation to luteinizing-hormone receptor engagement and steroidogenic signaling.
- Hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis — studied in relation to gonadotropin-dependent regulation of the reproductive endocrine axis.
- Folliculogenesis pathways — investigated in relation to follicular development and controlled ovarian stimulation contexts.
- Gametogenesis / spermatogenesis signaling — examined in relation to gonadotropin-dependent gamete-development pathways in male reproductive research settings.
- Steroidogenic output (estradiol) — examined in relation to gonadotropin-driven estradiol production in ovarian cell systems.
Model Systems Studied
HMG has been used as a test article across a range of published model systems, spanning in vitro cell assays and clinical reproductive research contexts. Refer to the cited literature for study designs, endpoints, and findings.
- Granulosa cell assays — FSH-mediated cAMP and estradiol production assay systems.
- Sertoli cell assays — FSH-driven Sertoli-cell stimulation model systems.
- Receptor-binding / glycoform characterization — in vitro comparison of urinary-derived and recombinant FSH/LH glycoform profiles and receptor-binding affinity.
- Controlled ovarian stimulation — IVF and ICSI cycle research contexts, including hypo-responder and advanced-maternal-age cohorts.
- Male reproductive research settings — congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, Kallmann syndrome, and non-obstructive azoospermia study cohorts.
Note: HMG is a urine-derived biological preparation subject to batch-to-batch glycoform variability; cross-trial comparisons in the literature are limited by patient-selection and endpoint heterogeneity.
Molecular & Technical Profile
No single molecular formula | Heterogeneous urine-derived glycoprotein preparation (FSH + LH activity) | CAS 9002-68-0 | No single amino-acid sequence
Storage, Reconstitution & Working Concentrations
Storage, reconstitution, and working-concentration values are general laboratory guidance for in vitro and animal research; always confirm against the lot-specific Certificate of Analysis. HMG is a urine-derived preparation with recognized batch-to-batch glycoform variability.
Current Research Status
Menotropin (hMG) preparations are approved as prescription drug products in reproductive medicine, including contexts of ovarian stimulation and male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. The research-grade HMG supplied by Explicit Research is not that drug product; it is a reference preparation supplied for laboratory research use only and is not for human consumption. The literature summarized here spans in vitro receptor and cell-signaling assays alongside clinical reproductive research; ongoing work continues to characterize FSH/LH receptor pharmacology, glycoform composition, and comparisons between urinary-derived and recombinant gonadotropin preparations.
Research FAQ
Is HMG approved for human use?
Menotropin (hMG) preparations are approved as prescription drug products in reproductive medicine. The research-grade HMG supplied by Explicit Research is not that drug product — it is a reference preparation for laboratory research use only and is not for human consumption.
What is HMG's molecular formula and sequence?
HMG is not a single defined molecule. It is a heterogeneous urine-derived gonadotropin preparation with FSH and LH glycoprotein activity (approximately 1:1 by bioassay), CAS 9002-68-0, and has no single molecular formula, molecular weight, or amino-acid sequence.
How is HMG stored and reconstituted?
Store lyophilized at −20°C, protected from light. Reconstitute in sterile water for injection or bacteriostatic water; store the reconstituted solution at 2–8°C, use within ~28 days, and avoid repeated freeze–thaw. Add solvent slowly down the vial wall and swirl — do not vortex.
What targets and model systems has HMG been studied in?
Published work has examined FSH- and LH-receptor signaling, cAMP and steroidogenic pathways, and the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis, using granulosa-cell and Sertoli-cell assays, controlled ovarian stimulation contexts, and male reproductive research settings.
Selected References
- Burgon et al. — Biochemical characterization of FSH and LH isoforms extracted from human menopausal gonadotropin preparations. J Endocrinol, 1996.
- Stokman et al. — Comparison of urinary-derived and recombinant FSH glycoform profiles and receptor-binding affinity in vitro. Hum Reprod, 2003.
- Giudice et al. — Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 reduction in follicular fluid measured in spontaneous and gonadotropin-stimulated cycles. Fertil Steril, 1998.
- Zeleznik et al. — FSH receptor signaling cascade and downstream cAMP-mediated follicle maturation assessed in granulosa cell models. Endocrinology, 1999.
- Al-Inany et al. — Optimizing mature oocyte yield in IVF: clinical comparison of r-hFSH+r-hLH and HMG in women requiring stimulation dosage of at least 300 IU of gonadotropins. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne), 2026.
- Arabian Gulf Delphi Group — FSH/LH co-stimulation protocols assessed in advanced maternal age and hypo-responder patient cohorts. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne), 2024.
- Revelli et al. — Follicular response and cycle outcomes measured across minimal stimulation versus conventional GnRH antagonist protocols in 10,769 IVF/ICSI cycles. Minerva Obstet Gynecol, 2026.
- Expert Panel — Gonadotropin dosing strategies and follicular development endpoints in women with hypothalamic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Reprod Biol Endocrinol, 2026.
- Platteau et al. — Cumulative oocyte yield and embryo quality compared between HMG and recombinant FSH in normogonadotropic women undergoing IVF. Hum Reprod, 2006.
- Lehert et al. — Meta-analysis of HMG versus recombinant FSH measuring live birth rate as the primary endpoint across randomized controlled trials. Hum Reprod, 2016.
- Bosch et al. — Oocyte competence and clinical pregnancy rates assessed in a randomized trial of HMG versus recombinant FSH in long GnRH agonist protocols. Fertil Steril, 2008.
- Filicori et al. — LH bioactivity contribution of hCG component in HMG measured via steroidogenesis assay in luteinizing granulosa cells. J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2002.
- Andersen et al. — Serum FSH and LH pharmacokinetics compared between urinary HMG and recombinant gonadotropin preparations in a crossover study. Fertil Steril, 2004.
- Sullivan et al. — Dose-response relationship between exogenous FSH/LH and estradiol output measured in ovarian stimulation cycles. J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 1999.
- Zhang et al. — Sperm count, testosterone levels, and virilization endpoints measured in triple therapy versus conventional hCG/HMG treatment of congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne), 2026.
- Marconi et al. — Testosterone-to-FSH ratio used to predict sperm retrieval success in men with idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia. Fertil Steril, 2026.
- Raivio et al. — Spermatogenesis induction rates and time-to-first-sperm measured in Kallmann syndrome patients treated with gonadotropin therapy. J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2007.
- Bouloux et al. — Seminal parameters and testicular volume changes assessed during FSH plus hCG stimulation in men with isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Hum Reprod, 1999.
- Miyagawa et al. — FSH-driven Sertoli cell proliferation and sperm output quantified during gonadotropin replacement in azoospermic men. Fertil Steril, 2011.
- Levy et al. — Cost-per-live-birth ratios and treatment resource utilization compared across gonadotropin types using French nationwide claims database (SNDS). Gynecol Obstet Invest, 2025.
- Calhaz-Jorge et al. — Gonadotropin utilization patterns and IVF outcome metrics analyzed across European ART registry data. Hum Reprod, 2018.
- Delvigne et al. — Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome incidence, severity grading, and risk factor profiling measured in large gonadotropin stimulation cohorts. Hum Reprod Update, 2002.
- Siristatidis et al. — Mild versus conventional ovarian stimulation safety endpoints including OHSS rate and embryo quality assessed in a Cochrane systematic review. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2016.
- Fauser et al. — Clinical and endocrine safety parameters of urinary gonadotropin preparations reviewed with reference to batch-to-batch variability and immunogenic potential. Fertil Steril, 2009.
- Kolibianakis et al. — Limitations of cross-trial comparisons in gonadotropin research discussed with respect to patient selection bias and endpoint heterogeneity. Hum Reprod, 2015.