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Gonadotropin Treatment for Infertility
| Generic Name | Brand Name |
|---|---|
| human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) | Ovidrel (prescription), Pregnyl (prescription) |
| human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) | Bravelle (prescription), Repronex (prescription) |
| recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (rFSH) | Follistim (prescription), Gonal-F (prescription) |
The body produces two types of gonadotropins: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). After they are produced by the pituitary gland, gonadotropins trigger production of other sex hormones. Gonadotropins therefore play a part in egg and sperm production, as well as female and male physical traits such as voice, muscle, hair, and breast development.
Human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) and recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (rFSH) are gonadotropin fertility drugs.
- hMG contains natural FSH and LH, purified from urine from postmenopausal women. (After menopause, women produce high levels of gonadotropins, which are excreted in their urine.)
- rFSH is genetically synthesized in the laboratory.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is similar to LH. It contains equal amounts of LH and FSH. These hormones play a central role in egg production.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: March 19, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Sarah Anne Marshall, MD - Family Medicine Femi Olatunbosun, MB, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology | |
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