Menotropin (Menopur)
Overview
Menotropin is a purified preparation of human menopausal gonadotropins extracted from the urine of postmenopausal women, containing both follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone activity in approximately equal proportions. The combination of FSH and LH bioactivity stimulates follicular recruitment, granulosa cell proliferation, and steroidogenesis in ovarian theca cells. It is indicated for ovulation induction in anovulatory infertility and controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in assisted reproduction.
Key Research Findings
FDA approval was granted decades ago based on clinical experience demonstrating effective ovulation induction and pregnancy outcomes in infertile women. Comparative studies published in Human Reproduction and other journals have shown similar efficacy to recombinant FSH, with some data suggesting benefits in specific patient subgroups such as poor responders. The agent remains widely used despite the availability of recombinant alternatives.
Subcutaneous injection, Intramuscular injection
FDA Approved
Interested in Menotropin (Menopur)?
Find a verified provider experienced with Menotropin (Menopur) protocols in your area. All providers are credentialed and use compliant sourcing.
Find a Menotropin (Menopur) ProviderRelated Peptides
Leuprolide (Lupron)
FDA ApprovedA synthetic nonapeptide GnRH agonist approximately 15-fold more potent than native GnRH. After an initial stimulatory phase (flare effect) lasting 1-2 weeks, chronic leuprolide administration downregulates pituitary GnRH receptors, resulting in profound suppression of LH, FSH, and downstream sex steroids. This chemical castration effect is exploited in treating hormone-sensitive cancers, endometriosis, and precocious puberty.
Goserelin (Zoladex)
FDA ApprovedA synthetic decapeptide GnRH agonist administered as a biodegradable subcutaneous implant that provides sustained drug release over 1 or 3 months. Like other GnRH agonists, goserelin initially stimulates and then suppresses the HPG axis, reducing sex hormone production to castrate or postmenopausal levels. The implant formulation eliminates the need for repeated injections and ensures compliance.
Cetrorelix (Cetrotide)
FDA ApprovedA synthetic decapeptide GnRH antagonist that competitively blocks pituitary GnRH receptors, producing immediate and dose-dependent suppression of LH and FSH without the initial flare effect seen with GnRH agonists. Cetrorelix prevents premature LH surges during controlled ovarian stimulation in IVF, allowing precise timing of oocyte maturation and retrieval.
Ganirelix
FDA ApprovedA synthetic decapeptide GnRH antagonist that competitively and reversibly blocks GnRH receptors on pituitary gonadotroph cells. Ganirelix rapidly suppresses LH secretion within hours of administration, preventing premature ovulation during assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles. Its mechanism provides immediate suppression without the flare phase associated with GnRH agonists.