Human Menopausal Gonadotropin, commonly known as HMG, is a medication derived from the urine of postmenopausal women. It is a mixture of gonadotropins, which are hormones that play a role in regulating reproductive processes. This therapeutic agent is utilized in medical settings to stimulate the gonads in individuals seeking fertility assistance.
What is HMG Hormone and How It Works
HMG hormone contains both Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) activity. FSH is naturally responsible for the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles in women, and in men, it stimulates sperm production within the testes. LH is significant for triggering ovulation in women, which is the release of a mature egg from the ovary. In men, LH stimulates the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone, a hormone that supports male fertility. HMG works by mimicking these natural hormones, providing external sources of FSH and LH to stimulate the gonads. In women, this leads to the development of ovarian follicles, while in men, it promotes spermatogenesis.
Primary Medical Uses
HMG hormone is extensively used in fertility treatments for both women and men. For women, it induces ovulation in cases of anovulatory infertility, where the ovaries do not regularly release eggs. It also plays a role in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), by stimulating the development of multiple ovarian follicles.
For men, HMG is primarily used to address certain types of male infertility, specifically hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, a condition characterized by low levels of FSH and LH. By providing these hormones, HMG stimulates spermatogenesis, leading to increased sperm production. This treatment can improve sperm parameters and increase the chances of conception for men with hormonal deficiencies.
Administering HMG and Potential Considerations
HMG is administered through daily injections, either subcutaneously (under the skin) or intramuscularly (into a muscle), typically over a period of 7 to 14 days. Medical supervision is necessary throughout the treatment, involving regular monitoring through blood tests to check hormone levels and ultrasound scans to track the growth of ovarian follicles. This monitoring allows for dosage adjustments based on the individual’s response. When follicles reach an adequate size, an injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is often given to trigger ovulation.
Patients undergoing HMG treatment should be aware of potential considerations. Mild side effects can include injection site reactions, breast tenderness, mood swings, bloating, tiredness, and pelvic discomfort. More significant, though less common, risks include Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) in women. OHSS causes the ovaries to swell and become painful, potentially leading to symptoms like rapid weight gain, severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath in severe cases. Mild OHSS is observed in about 20-35% of women undergoing IVF and usually resolves within a week, but severe OHSS is rare, affecting 1-3% of women.
There is also an increased chance of multiple pregnancies, with a rate of approximately 10-20% of pregnancies, predominantly twins.