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# Gonadotropins

Injected FSH- and LH-like hormones that make ovarian follicles grow and trigger ovulation, or drive testicular function. Used in infertility.

Updated Nov 1, 2026

## What they are

Glycoprotein hormones that act on the gonads: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which acts on the LH receptor. Older products were purified from urine (menotropins from postmenopausal women, hCG from pregnant women); newer ones are made by recombinant DNA technology. They are used for ovulation induction and ovarian stimulation for assisted reproduction, for hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in men, and hCG for prepubertal cryptorchidism.

## Mechanism of action

FSH binds FSH receptors on granulosa cells (and Sertoli cells in men), making follicles grow and mature. LH and hCG bind the LH/choriogonadotropin receptor on theca, luteinised and Leydig cells, stimulating sex steroid production and, in a single larger exposure, final oocyte maturation and ovulation. Both are G protein-coupled receptors that raise cAMP.

Target: FSH receptor and LH/choriogonadotropin receptor (G protein-coupled receptors on gonadal cells)

## Key points

- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is the key serious risk: enlarged ovaries, ascites and, in severe cases, pleural effusion and thrombosis.
- Multiple pregnancy is more common after gonadotropin treatment.
- hCG works through the LH receptor and is used to trigger ovulation once follicles are mature.
- Treatment is monitored with ultrasound of the follicles and oestradiol levels.
- hCG has no proven role in weight loss.

## Drugs in this class

- [**Chorionic gonadotrophin** The pregnancy hormone hCG, given by injection. It acts like LH: it triggers ovulation and stimulates testosterone… Luteinising hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/chorionic-gonadotrophin/)
- [**Follitropin alfa** Recombinant human FSH, injected under the skin. It makes ovarian follicles grow for ovulation induction and IVF. Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/follitropin-alfa/)

## Others in the class

- Menotropins (human menopausal gonadotrophin)
- Urofollitropin
- Follitropin beta
- Follitropin delta
- Corifollitropin alfa
- Lutropin alfa
- Choriogonadotropin alfa

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## Which receptor does hCG use?

The LH/choriogonadotropin receptor, so hCG mimics the LH surge and also stimulates Leydig cells.

## What is the most important serious risk of ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins?

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: enlarged ovaries, fluid shift to the abdomen and chest, and risk of thrombosis.

## How do recombinant gonadotropins differ from urinary ones?

They are produced by recombinant DNA technology, so they are purer and more consistent from batch to batch than hormones extracted from urine.

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Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.

Sources: [DailyMed - CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN kit](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=f93b2baa-03ac-4650-b35a-20b818d712d6) (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); [ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index](https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=G03GA) (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/gonadotropins/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/gonadotropins/