Gonadotropins are hormones that tell the ovaries and testes to make sex cells and sex hormones. Clinically we use gonadotropin drugs—mainly FSH, LH, hCG, and combined products—to help people with fertility problems, delayed puberty, or certain hormonal disorders. They are powerful, so understanding how they work, how they are given, and what risks to expect matters.
FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) encourages follicle growth in ovaries and supports sperm production in men. LH (luteinizing hormone) triggers ovulation and helps the corpus luteum produce progesterone. hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is used like LH to trigger ovulation and to support early pregnancy hormones. hMG contains both FSH and LH activity and is used when combined stimulation is needed.
How doctors use gonadotropins depends on the goal. For women trying to conceive, low-dose injectable FSH or hMG can induce multiple follicles for timed intercourse or intrauterine insemination. In IVF cycles, a tailored mix suppresses the natural cycle, stimulates multiple follicles, and then a final hCG or GnRH agonist trigger releases eggs for retrieval. For men with low sperm production due to pituitary problems, long-term FSH and hCG injections can restore spermatogenesis. Teenagers with delayed puberty might receive gonadotropins to start sexual development when appropriate.
Gonadotropin treatment is always monitored. Blood tests check estradiol or testosterone levels, and ultrasound measures follicle size. This monitoring reduces risks and lets clinicians adjust doses quickly. If you're self-administering injections, learn proper technique and storage: most products are refrigerated and used within a set window once mixed.
Side effects to watch for include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which can cause bloating, pain, and, rarely, serious fluid shifts. Multiple pregnancies are a common risk because gonadotropins can cause more than one egg to release. Injection site soreness, mood swings, and headaches are common but usually mild. Always report sudden abdominal pain, shortness of breath, or heavy swelling to your clinic right away.
Not everyone is a candidate. Active breast, ovarian, or uterine cancer, uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal disease, and certain pituitary tumors usually rule out gonadotropin therapy. Your clinic will review medical history and may run imaging and blood work first.
Cost and access vary. Gonadotropins are more expensive than oral fertility drugs, and dosing schedules can be complex. If you shop online, verify the pharmacy is licensed and that products are stored correctly during shipping.
If you're considering gonadotropins, ask these questions: What is the exact drug and dose? How will you be monitored and how often? What are the signs of OHSS and how do I contact the clinic? Who will teach me injections? Clear answers make treatment safer and less stressful.
Most gonadotropins are injected under the skin or into muscle. Clinics teach injection steps, dose timing, and safe disposal. Keep a treatment diary to track doses and symptoms.
Start with the lowest effective dose, follow your clinic's monitoring plan, avoid alcohol and recreational drugs during treatment, and ask about emergency contacts before you begin. Bring a support person to appointments when possible.
A significant study funded by NICHD compared the effectiveness of letrozole, clomiphene, and gonadotropins in treating unexplained infertility among 900 couples. The findings indicated that letrozole, often a breast cancer drug, outperformed clomiphene, especially for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Conception rates with gonadotropins were higher but had greater risks, including multiple pregnancies.
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