What is HMG?
HMG (human menopausal gonadotropin, menotropin) contains both LH and FSH activity. That is the difference from HCG: HCG covers only the LH signal (testosterone in the testes), HMG additionally the FSH signal that matters for actual sperm maturation.
That makes HMG the more complete tool for full testicular function, but also pricier and more delicate to handle.
How it works
The LH part of HMG, like HCG, drives the Leydig cells to produce testosterone. The FSH part acts on the Sertoli cells responsible for sperm maturation. Together they cover both signals the pituitary normally sends.
For pure testicular maintenance HCG often suffices, for full sperm production the FSH part of HMG is the decisive addition.
What you need
- The HMG vial (lyophilized powder, labeled in IU).
- Bacteriostatic water, U-100 insulin syringes, alcohol swabs.
Mixing and units
HMG is given in IU, not in mg. Vials are often labeled 75 or 150 IU.
- Example: a 75 IU vial with 1ml bacteriostatic water gives 75 IU per ml, that is the whole syringe (100 units on U-100 equals the ml).
- For partial amounts, draw up correspondingly less.
Just add the water and let it dissolve.
Dosing (in IU)
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Injection
Subcutaneous into the subcutaneous fat. Disinfect the site, pinch a skin fold, inject slowly, rotate sites.
What the research shows
Gonadotropin therapy, which includes hMG, triggers sperm production in a large share of men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (Zhang, 2019, comparing different therapies). The FSH component is decisive for sperm maturation.
Side effects
- As with HCG, a possible estrogen rise via more testosterone.
- Local reactions at the injection site.
- Headache, rarely swelling.
Practice
- For pure testicular maintenance HCG usually suffices, HMG adds the FSH signal for sperm production.
- Use sparingly and usually in combination.
- Banned in official competition for men (WADA S2).
Storage
Before mixing the powder is robust, normal room temperature (around 20 to 25 degrees) is fine, ideally kept in the dark. After mixing, keep in the fridge (2 to 8 degrees), do not freeze. It stays good there for at least 8 to 10 weeks with barely any loss of potency, in practice considerably longer. Swirl or shake to mix, both are fine.