FSH + LH CombinationMenotropinFollicle StimulationSpermatogenesisFertility Research
HMG (human menopausal gonadotropin, menotropin) is a combination of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH) extracted from the urine of postmenopausal women — or produced as recombinant preparations. It provides both gonadotropin activities simultaneously: FSH stimulates follicular development (female) or Sertoli cell spermatogenesis (male); LH drives ovarian steroidogenesis and Leydig cell testosterone synthesis. In research, HMG pairs with HCG (LH receptor agonist) and kisspeptin-10 (GnRH stimulator) to provide complete HPG axis research coverage — allowing dissection of FSH-specific vs LH-specific vs combined gonadotropin effects.
Two-cell model (female): LH on theca cells → androgens → FSH on granulosa cells → aromatase → oestradiol. HMG provides both gonadotropins for this model
Spermatogenesis (male): FSH component supports Sertoli cells independently of LH/testosterone axis — relevant when studying FSH vs LH contributions to spermatogenesis
HMG vs HCG — when to use which
HCG is a pure LH receptor agonist — stimulates Leydig cells and testosterone. HMG provides both FSH and LH — necessary when FSH-dependent Sertoli cell function and spermatogenesis are the research focus. HMG + HCG is the standard combination for complete gonadotropin-dependent fertility restoration protocols.
Key Research Studies & Data
Study
Model
Finding
Burgues & Calderon 1997 (Eur J Endocrinol)
Men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism — HMG + HCG
Spermatogenesis and testosterone restored in majority of patients
FSH+LH combination required for complete spermatogenesis; LH alone insufficient
Huhtaniemi et al. FSHR knockout
FSHR knockout mouse
Follicular development arrested at primary follicle — established FSH requirement for antral follicle progression
Research Protocols — HMG
Protocol 1: Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism male fertility
HMG 75 IU IM 3x/week + HCG 1500 IU SC 3x/week × 6 months in GnRH-deficient male rats. Serum FSH/LH/testosterone (ELISA), testicular volume, spermatogenesis (histology — tubular diameter, germ cell counts), sperm output and motility.
Protocol 2: Two-cell granulosa/theca model (in vitro)
HMG (FSH+LH) in co-culture of primary murine granulosa + theca cells. Oestradiol, progesterone, androstenedione by ELISA (24/48hr). Aromatase (CYP19A1) mRNA and protein. Maps two-cell model with both gonadotropins simultaneously.
Protocol 3: FSH vs LH spermatogenesis dissection
HMG vs recombinant FSH alone vs HCG alone in hypophysectomised rat. Testicular histology, ITT, sperm count/motility, Sertoli cell count, Leydig cell morphology. Isolates FSH-specific vs LH-specific spermatogenic contributions.
HMG is a combination of FSH and LH activity extracted from postmenopausal urine or produced recombinantly. It provides both gonadotropin receptor stimulations: FSH for follicular development and spermatogenesis; LH for steroidogenesis.
How does HMG differ from HCG?
HCG is a pure LH receptor agonist. HMG contains both FSH and LH activities. HCG alone stimulates Leydig cell testosterone but cannot fully support spermatogenesis (which requires FSH for Sertoli cell function). HMG + HCG is standard for complete gonadotropin-dependent fertility restoration.
What is the two-cell model of oestradiol synthesis?
In the ovarian follicle, LH stimulates theca cells to produce androgens. FSH stimulates granulosa cells to aromatise those androgens to oestradiol. Both gonadotropins are required for the full oestrogenic output of the follicle. HMG provides both FSH and LH for this model.
Can HMG restore spermatogenesis in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism?
In men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, HCG alone can restore testosterone but often incompletely restores spermatogenesis. Adding FSH via HMG provides the Sertoli cell support required for complete spermatogenesis in the majority of patients.
What formats does QSC supply HMG in?
QSC supplies HMG as lyophilised research vials, ≥99% purity HPLC verified with Janoshik COA. Ships from domestic warehouses in USA, EU, UK, Canada, and Australia.
