Gonadotropin treatments are injectable hormonal therapies containing FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and/or LH (luteinizing hormone). They can be used to induce ovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who do not respond to clomiphene citrate. They are also a first-line treatment for ovulatory disorders related to hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, a condition where the body does not produce enough FSH and LH. Additionally, gonadotropins are used for ovarian stimulation in women undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) protocols.  

 What Is a GnRH or LHRH Pump?  

This is a treatment for ovulatory disorders related to hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. In this condition, the hypothalamus, a small region in the brain, fails to produce GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone). As a result, the pituitary gland is not stimulated, meaning FSH and LH are not produced, preventing ovulation.  

GnRH therapy restores ovulation by delivering small doses of GnRH through a subcutaneous pump that the patient wears continuously. This method is highly effective in inducing ovulation and achieving pregnancy when the infertility is solely due to an ovulation issue. However, due to its high cost, GnRH pumps are rarely used, and gonadotropin injections are often preferred because they offer similar success rates, despite requiring daily injections.  

 How Do Gonadotropin Treatments Differ?  

Gonadotropins are either extracted from the urine of postmenopausal women or produced through genetic engineering (recombinant technology):  

- Highly purified urinary-derived gonadotropins (contain both FSH & LH):  

  - Menopur (FSH + LH)  

  - Fertistartkit (FSH + LH from placental extract)  

  - Fostimon (FSH only)  

- Recombinant gonadotropins (lab-produced, high purity):  

  - FSH-only: Gonal-F, Puregon, Elonva, Rekovelle, Ovaleap, Bemfola  

  - LH-only: Luveris  

  - FSH + LH combination: Pergoveris