What it does
Menotropin is a medication used to help with fertility treatments.
Commonly used for: infertility, ovarian stimulation
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Source: Food and Drugs Authority · fetched 2026-04-18 08:33:00 · updated 2026-09-15 04:00:13
About this medicine
Menotropin is a medication used to help with fertility treatments.
What it treats
- infertility
- ovarian stimulation
How it works
Menotropin contains hormones that stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs.
Who it's for
This medication is for women who are having difficulty getting pregnant.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: menotropin
Menotropin is a medication that is a mixture of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) derived from the urine of postmenopausal women. It is used primarily in assisted reproductive technology to stimulate ovarian follicle development. Menotropin plays a crucial role in the induction of ovulation and the management of infertility in both women and men.
Indications
- Female infertility
- Ovarian stimulation in assisted reproductive technology
- Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in males
Dosage
Children: Not applicable, as menotropin is not indicated for paediatric use.
Adults: Refer to specific guidelines for dosing, as it varies based on the indication and patient response.
Mechanism of action
Menotropin exerts its effects by binding to the FSH and LH receptors on ovarian follicles. This binding activates signaling pathways that promote follicular development and ovulation. The presence of both FSH and LH in menotropin is necessary for the stimulation of the ovaries, leading to increased estrogen production and maturation of the oocytes.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamic effects of menotropin include the stimulation of ovarian follicle growth and maturation, which is essential for ovulation. In women, the administration of menotropin increases serum estradiol levels, leading to the development of multiple follicles. In men, it can help in the stimulation of spermatogenesis by acting on Leydig cells and Sertoli cells.
Pharmacokinetics
Menotropin is administered via subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. It has a bioavailability that is not fully characterized due to its protein nature. The elimination half-life of menotropin is variable and depends on the dose and individual patient factors. It is metabolized by the liver and excreted in urine. The pharmacokinetics may be influenced by the presence of other medications, overall health, and hormonal status.
Contra-indications
- Hypersensitivity to menotropins or any of the excipients
- Pregnancy
- Ovarian cysts or enlarged ovaries not due to polycystic ovary syndrome
- Primary ovarian insufficiency
- Uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction
- Tumors of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus
- Sex hormone-dependent tumors
Adverse effects
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
- Multiple pregnancies
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Headache
- Injection site reactions
- Breast tenderness
- Mood changes
Interactions
- Caution with other hormonal therapies due to risk of OHSS
- Concurrent use with GnRH analogs may require dose adjustments
Precautions
- Monitor for signs of OHSS during treatment
- Evaluate ovarian response to stimulation
- Consider patient’s medical history and current medications
- Use with caution in patients with a history of thromboembolic disorders
Pregnancy
Menotropins are contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus.
Breast-feeding
It is unknown whether menotropins are excreted in human milk. Caution is advised.
Storage
Store in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze. Protect from light.
Formulations
- Injection solution
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.