Gonadotrophins

Gonadotrophins are hormone medicines used to encourage follicle development during fertility treatment.

They act like hormones involved in ovarian function and are used under clinical supervision. A follicle is a fluid-filled structure in the ovary that may contain an egg. The medicine is prescribed as part of a specific plan, not as a general supplement.

Different gonadotrophin preparations provide follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone activity, or a combination. The aim is to support development of follicles and help the team plan the next treatment step. Response differs between patients, so doses can be adjusted after ultrasound scans and hormone monitoring.

Gonadotrophins can be part of ovarian stimulation for egg collection or other fertility plans chosen by a specialist. In IVF, they help the team develop multiple follicles before collection. See [IVF](/treatments/fertility-and-assisted-reproduction/ivf/) and [Ovarian Stimulation](/treatments/fertility-and-assisted-reproduction/ovarian-stimulation/) for the wider treatment context.

Depending on the treatment goal, a clinician may recommend tablets, a different injectable hormone preparation, or no ovarian stimulation. The decision reflects ovarian reserve, scan findings, hormone results, previous response, and whether egg collection is planned. Medicines are not interchangeable by name or dose.

Most plans involve injections at home with appointments to check follicle growth. Bloating, pelvic heaviness, breast tenderness, headache, or injection-site discomfort may occur. Tell the clinic about worsening abdominal swelling, severe pain, vomiting, breathing difficulty, dizziness, or passing much less urine. These symptoms need prompt clinical advice during stimulation.

Gonadotrophins are usually prescribed for a defined part of a monitored fertility cycle. They require individual dosing because too much ovarian response can cause complications. Follow the clinic’s injection, storage, and appointment instructions, and report symptoms early. Never increase, combine, or continue them beyond the prescribed plan without medical advice.