Definition: A gonadotropin is a hormone that acts on the ovaries or testes. The NCI says the pituitary gland makes two, LH and FSH, which tell the testicles to make testosterone and the ovaries to make estrogen and progesterone. Fertility products such as Menopur, Gonal-f and Novarel are gonadotropins.
| Product | Contains | Labeled uses include |
|---|---|---|
| Menopur (menotropins) | FSH and LH activity | Developing multiple follicles in an ART cycle |
| Gonal-f RFF Redi-ject (follitropin alfa) | FSH | Ovulation induction; multiple follicles in ART |
| Follistim AQ (follitropin beta) | FSH | Ovulation induction; IVF or ICSI; sperm production in some men |
| Novarel (chorionic gonadotropin) | hCG | Ovulation induction after menotropins; some cases of low testosterone from a pituitary cause |
The NCI says the brain's hypothalamus makes gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which tells the pituitary to make LH and FSH. GnRH agonists and antagonists act on that signal; the NCI says they stop the testicles making testosterone and the ovaries making estrogen and progesterone.
The Menopur and Follistim labels say multiple pregnancies and births have been reported with all gonadotropins, and that serious lung problems and blood clots, with or without OHSS, have been reported. The Novarel label says hCG has not been shown to work for treating obesity.
Gonadotropin cycles involve daily shots with changing doses and timed trigger shots. A log with the time of each dose and each monitoring visit keeps the cycle easy to follow.
Read more on Dose Track: Menopur vs Gonal-f · Follistim vs Gonal-f · Pregnyl vs Novarel · Female fertility