Two Hormones in One Vial
Your gonads need two signals to work properly: FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone). Most research compounds provide one or the other — HCG for LH activity, recombinant FSH for FSH activity. HMG provides both, simultaneously, from a single preparation.
Human Menopausal Gonadotropin is extracted from the urine of postmenopausal women — whose pituitary glands are pumping out massive amounts of both FSH and LH because the ovaries are no longer providing feedback to shut them off. First used in research in the 1960s, HMG remains the go-to preparation when you need the complete gonadotropin stimulus.
This compound is supplied exclusively for in vitro and preclinical research. It is not intended for human consumption, therapeutic application, or diagnostic use.
Why Both Hormones Matter
FSH and LH have distinct but complementary roles in gonadal function:
In Testicular Research
- LH → Leydig cells → Testosterone: LH activates LHCGR receptors on Leydig cells, triggering the steroidogenic cascade. This is the testosterone production pathway.
- FSH → Sertoli cells → Spermatogenesis support: FSH activates FSHR on Sertoli cells, which provide the nutritional and structural support that developing sperm cells require.
- The catch: You need BOTH for complete spermatogenesis. Testosterone alone drives some sperm production, but FSH is required for full quantitative and qualitative sperm output. This is why HCG alone (LH-like activity only) is often insufficient for complete gonadal function studies.
In Ovarian Research
- FSH → Granulosa cells → Follicular development: FSH drives follicle growth and maturation, estrogen production, and granulosa cell proliferation.
- LH → Theca cells → Androgen substrate: LH stimulates theca cell androgen production, which granulosa cells then convert to estrogen (the two-cell, two-gonadotropin model).
- LH surge → Ovulation: The final maturation and release of the oocyte requires a surge of LH activity.
HMG provides both signals in a physiological ratio, making it the most complete gonadotropin stimulus available for research.
HMG Composition
Standard HMG preparations contain approximately equal activity of FSH and LH, measured in International Units (IU). Each vial typically provides 75 IU FSH + 75 IU LH. The ratio isn’t always exactly 1:1 — urinary extraction yields some batch-to-batch variation — but the dual activity is the defining characteristic.
It’s worth noting that the “LH activity” in HMG preparations may come from actual LH, residual HCG (which has LH-like activity), or both, depending on the extraction and purification process.
When to Use HMG vs HCG vs Recombinant FSH
- HMG (FSH + LH): When you need the complete gonadotropin picture — spermatogenesis studies, follicular development protocols, anything where both signals are required.
- HCG (LH-like only): When you need sustained LH-receptor stimulation — Leydig cell studies, testosterone production, ovulation triggering. No FSH component.
- Recombinant FSH (FSH only): When you need isolated FSH stimulation without LH. Useful for studying FSH-dependent processes independent of LH effects.
Product Specifications
- Type: Urinary gonadotropin preparation (FSH + LH)
- Activity: 75 IU FSH + 75 IU LH per vial
- Physical Form: Sterile lyophilized powder
- Reconstitution: Bacteriostatic water or provided diluent
- Storage: 2-8°C reconstituted; room temperature lyophilized
Key References
- Lunenfeld B. Historical perspectives in gonadotropin therapy. Hum Reprod Update. 2004;10(6):453-467.
- Bouloux PM, et al. FSH and LH requirements for spermatogenesis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2003.
- Hillier SG. Gonadotropic control of ovarian follicular growth and development. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2001.
Browse HMG 75 IU with verified testing at Janoshik Analytical. For LH-specific stimulation, see HCG 5000 IU. Explore our Reproductive Research category.