HMG Peptide: Dosage, Half-Life & How It Works

HMG (Human Menopausal Gonadotropin) is a fertility medication that contains two naturally occurring pituitary hormones: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). These are the two gonadotropins — hormones that regulate reproductive function in both sexes. HMG is extracted and purified from the urine of postmenopausal women, who produce high levels of these hormones because they are no longer being suppressed by ovarian feedback.

HMG has been used in clinical medicine since the 1960s and has an extensive safety record in fertility treatment. Brand names include Menopur, Pergonal, Repronex, and Menogon. It is a prescription medication in most countries.

HMG contains two hormone components with slightly different half-lives:

FSH component: approximately 30 hours. This longer half-life means FSH levels build up over several days of consecutive dosing, which is important for sustained follicle development in women and spermatogenesis in men.

LH component: approximately 24 hours. LH clears slightly faster than FSH but still provides sustained stimulation of Leydig cells (testosterone production in men) and theca cells (estrogen production in women).

The combined pharmacokinetic profile means that once-daily dosing is sufficient for both fertility treatment and PCT applications. Steady-state levels are reached after approximately 3-5 days of daily injections.

The primary benefit of HMG for men is its dual stimulation of both testosterone production and sperm production. This is fundamentally different from HCG, which provides only LH-like activity.

Testosterone restoration: The LH component stimulates Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone. This is similar to what HCG does.

Sperm production: The FSH component stimulates Sertoli cells, which are essential for spermatogenesis. This is what makes HMG uniquely valuable — HCG alone cannot adequately stimulate sperm production because it lacks FSH activity.

Post-cycle therapy (PCT): After anabolic steroid use, both LH and FSH are suppressed. HMG restores both simultaneously. Standard PCT dosing is 75-150 IU every other day for 1-2 weeks, often combined with a SERM (selective estrogen receptor modulator) like Clomiphene or Tamoxifen.

Male infertility: For men with low sperm counts due to hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, HMG combined with HCG is the standard medical treatment with well-documented efficacy.

In women, HMG is used as part of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for IVF (in vitro fertilization) and IUI (intrauterine insemination). The FSH component stimulates multiple ovarian follicles to grow simultaneously, while the LH component supports follicle maturation and estrogen production.

Standard fertility dosing is 75-150 IU intramuscularly or subcutaneously once daily, beginning on day 2-3 of the menstrual cycle and continuing for 7-12 days under careful monitoring with ultrasound and blood work. Doses are adjusted based on follicular response.

HMG carries a risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which is why it must be used under medical supervision with regular monitoring. The risk is higher at higher doses and in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Female fertility (IVF/IUI): 75-150 IU intramuscularly or subcutaneously once daily, physician-directed with ultrasound monitoring. Duration: 7-12 days per cycle.

Male fertility (hypogonadotropic hypogonadism): 75-150 IU intramuscularly three times weekly, combined with HCG 1000-2000 IU two to three times weekly. Duration: 3-6 months minimum for sperm production to respond.

PCT (bodybuilding): 75-150 IU intramuscularly or subcutaneously every other day for 1-2 weeks. Often started after HCG and combined with a SERM.

All dosing should be supervised by a physician. HMG is a potent hormonal medication with real risks when used improperly.

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) mimics LH only. It stimulates testosterone production in men and triggers ovulation in women, but it does not provide FSH activity.

HMG provides both FSH and LH. This makes it more complete for fertility applications, particularly when sperm production needs to be restored alongside testosterone.

For PCT: HCG is typically used first (to rapidly restore testicular volume and testosterone), followed by HMG (to restore both testosterone and sperm production via FSH). Using both sequentially provides more complete recovery than either alone.

For female fertility: HMG is used for follicle development (requires FSH). HCG is used as a trigger shot to induce final egg maturation and ovulation once follicles have reached the correct size.

Cost: HMG is significantly more expensive than HCG due to the complex extraction and purification process.