Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Brand names: Gonal-F (follitropin alfa), Menopur (menotrophin), Bemfola, Ovaleap
Follicle-stimulating hormone is a gonadotrophin used in assisted reproduction and infertility treatment to stimulate follicular development in women and spermatogenesis in men.
ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.
Clinical monograph
How it works
It acts on FSH receptors in the ovarian granulosa cells (and testicular Sertoli cells) to promote follicular growth and gametogenesis.
Prescribing in practice
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is the key risk and can be serious; treatment requires specialist supervision with careful response monitoring.
- Multiple pregnancy risk is increased and must be discussed and managed during ovarian stimulation.
- Exclude untreated endocrine disorders and gonadal or pituitary tumours before use, and individualise dosing to response.
Monitoring
Monitor ovarian response with ultrasound follicle tracking and oestradiol levels to guide dosing and reduce hyperstimulation risk.
Counselling the patient
- Treatment is closely monitored with scans and blood tests.
- Report abdominal swelling, pain, breathlessness or marked weight gain, which may indicate ovarian hyperstimulation.
- There is an increased chance of multiple pregnancy.
Evidence & guidelines
Use of gonadotrophins for ovulation induction and assisted conception is supported by NICE fertility guidance.
Reference: ESHRE Stimulation Guidelines; NICE CG156 Fertility; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).