menotropine

Menotropin, also known as human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG), is a fertility drug derived from the urine of postmenopausal women. It is a preparation that provides both follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) activity, with the ratio and potency varying by product. The preparation is measured in international units and is distinct from recombinant gonadotropins that contain only FSH or LH activity.

Medical uses include induction of ovulation and stimulation of follicular development in women with infertility due to anovulation, as part of assisted reproductive technology (ART) protocols, and in some cases to stimulate spermatogenesis in men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. In ART, menotropins are typically used in combination with an ovulation trigger such as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or with a GnRH agonist/antagonist protocol to achieve controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.

Administration and dosing involve intramuscular or subcutaneous injections under medical supervision. Regimens vary, but cycles generally include daily injections over several days with ultrasound and serum estradiol monitoring to assess follicular development. When follicles reach an appropriate size, an ovulation trigger is given, followed by timing of intercourse or ART procedures.

Safety considerations include the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), multiple gestations, abdominal pain, nausea, edema, and injection-site reactions. In men, adverse effects may include gynecomastia and other gonadal symptoms. Contraindications include pregnancy, known hypersensitivity to gonadotropins, ovarian dysfunction of unknown etiology, pregnancy of unknown location, and certain hormone-sensitive conditions. as with all gonadotropin therapies, treatment should be guided by specialist oversight and individualized monitoring.