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 endocrine signaling models:
LH/FSH Pathway Research
nn
- n
- LH pathway: LH activates LHCGR receptors in receptor-signaling models, triggering downstream steroidogenic markers.
- FSH pathway: FSH activates FSHR in complementary cell-support models used to study gonadotropin signaling.
- Model design: Dual-pathway studies may include both LH-like and FSH-like activity when a broader gonadotropin signaling model is needed.
n
n
n
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 a study needs both gonadotropin signaling pathways represented in one model.
- HCG (LH-like only): When a study needs sustained LH-receptor signaling without an 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
- 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 in gonadotropin research. 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.