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Gonadotropins
Gonadotropins are hormones that stimulate the testicles or ovaries. Also called sex hormones, they include follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). Females also produce additional gonadotropins, such as human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG). These hormones, which are secreted by the pituitary gland and regulated by the hypothalamus, affect the production of sperm and the menstrual cycle. If the pituitary or the hypothalamus or both do not work properly, gonadotropins may not be produced in correct amounts or at proper times. For men, testosterone levels and sperm production both may be low. For women, possible results may be amenorrhea (the absence of menstrual periods), anovulation (the absence of ovulation), or both.
Using drugs to increase levels of these hormones may increase sperm production for men and induce (stimulate) ovulation for women. When infertility is due to low production of natural gonadotropin by the man, treatment with a gonadotropin drug results in pregnancy for 30% to 50% of couples. Most often, however, gonadotropins are given to infertile women.
Another hormone in this class, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) often is used in combination with another gonadotropin or an estrogen agonist-antagonist to increase the chances that sperm production will increase or that ovulation will occur. Generally, pregnancy rates as high as 80% may result from the use of HCG plus gonadotropin replacement therapy by women who do not produce enough natural gonadotropins. The chance of a pregnancy declines for women who are older than 35 years of age.
Drugs in the class
Follitropin (Follistim)
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) (A.P.L., Chorex-10, Chorex-5, Choron-10, Gonic, Novarel, Ovidrel, Pregnyl, Profasi)
Urofollitropin (Bravelle, Fertinex)
Menotropins (Humegon, Pergonal, Repronex) |
