HMG (Human Menopausal Gonadotropin): Fertility and Hormonal Restoration Agent

Active Substance: Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (HMG)

Manufacturer: Deus Medical

Pack: 1 Vial x 0.15 mg (Likely packaged as $75 \text{ IU}$ or $150 \text{ IU}$)

Form: Injectable

What Is HMG?

HMG (Human Menopausal Gonadotropin) is a medication derived from the urine of postmenopausal women.¹ It is a potent hormonal preparation consisting of a combination of the two primary gonadotropins: Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH), typically in equal amounts.²

HMG is a prescription drug primarily used in fertility therapy to treat conditions like hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, where the pituitary gland fails to produce adequate ³$\text{FSH}$ and ⁴$\text{LH}$.⁵

Core Functions and Mechanism

HMG acts directly on the testes to reverse the effects of hormonal suppression:⁶

• Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Function: The ⁷$\text{LH}$ component (or ⁸$\text{hCG}$ analogue often included in pharmaceutical ⁹$\text{hMG}$ products) stimulates the Leydig cells in the testes to produce Testosterone.¹⁰

• Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Function: The ¹¹$\text{FSH}$ component acts on the Sertoli cells to stimulate spermatogenesis (sperm production).¹²

HMG provides a crucial, direct signal to the testes that fertility agents like ¹³$\text{hCG}$ alone cannot fully achieve, making it highly effective for inducing sperm production.¹⁴

 Role in Bodybuilding (Misuse)

HMG is misused by some athletes primarily for hormonal restoration after anabolic steroid use, specifically targeting the reversal of fertility issues.

• Testicular Atrophy/Infertility Reversal: Anabolic steroids suppress the ¹⁵$\text{HPG}$ axis, leading to testicular atrophy and azoospermia (lack of sperm).¹⁶ HMG's combination of $\text{LH}$ and $\text{FSH}$ is considered the most reliable alternative to $\text{TRT}$ for men seeking to maintain or restore fertility and testicular volume.

• Testosterone Boost: The $\text{LH}$ activity indirectly boosts testosterone levels, which assists muscle development and repair.

• Weight Loss: HMG has no direct role in weight loss, but improved hormone balance indirectly contributes to metabolic health.

Side Effects and Warnings

Misuse of HMG for bodybuilding or weight reduction is strongly not advised due to severe health risks and high cost.

• Estrogen Conversion: Stimulating testosterone production via $\text{HMG}$ and $\text{hCG}$ increases the risk of gynecomastia due to $\text{LH}$ stimulation of the aromatase enzyme, leading to increased Estradiol ($\text{E}2$).

• Common Side Effects: Headaches, nausea, stomach pain, hormonal imbalance, and mood swings.

• OHSS (In Women): In women, the most severe risk is Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome ($\text{OHSS}$).

• Contraindications: Should be avoided by individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions like breast cancer or prostate cancer.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How does HMG differ from hCG and SERMs (like Clomid/Nolvadex) for testosterone restoration?

• HMG: Contains ¹⁷$\text{FSH}$ and ¹⁸$\text{LH}$.¹⁹ It is the only option that directly stimulates both testosterone production ($\text{LH}$) and sperm production ($\text{FSH}$), making it superior for fertility restoration.

• hCG: Is an analogue of ²⁰$\text{LH}$.²¹ It only stimulates testosterone production by Leydig cells.²²

• SERMs: Block estrogen receptors in the pituitary to force the release of natural ²³$\text{LH}$ and ²⁴$\text{FSH}$.²⁵

2. Is HMG used during Post Cycle Therapy (PCT)?

Yes, HMG is often included in advanced PCT protocols, particularly when fertility preservation or reversal of severe testicular atrophy is a primary goal. However, due to its high cost and complexity, simple SERMs (Clomid/Nolvadex) are often used for basic testosterone level recovery.

3. Does HMG help restore the size of suppressed testicles?

Yes. By directly providing the signals (²⁶$\text{FSH}$ and ²⁷$\text{LH}$/²⁸$\text{hCG}$) that the testes require, HMG helps stimulate testicular steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis, which leads to a marked and continuous increase in testicular volume.²⁹

4. What is the proper dosage regimen for HMG?

In clinical settings, a typical dosage regimen is often ³⁰$75 \text{ IU}$ to ³¹$150 \text{ IU}$ three times per week, usually in combination with ³²$\text{hCG}$ to prepare the testes for the ³³$\text{FSH}$ component.³⁴ Dosages for misuse vary widely and are strongly discouraged without expert medical monitoring.