Causes & Treatment
Meet your meds, with the IVF support app to know – Part 2: Menopur
Emma Harpham in partnership with Pixel Care | 21 Apr 2025
Looking for help with Menopur? You’ve landed in part 2 of our IVF med mini-series, where we break down what each drug does, and how to feel more confident using it.
Menopur is a key player in IVF, so we’re back with the brilliant pharmacists and nurses at Pixel Care to bring you expert-backed tips to help you get to grips with it.
The Pixel Care app is packed with free support to help you stay on top of your injections, track your doses, and feel more in control every step of the way. Download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store – and don’t forget to use code TRB for a free fertility coaching session.
Missed part 1? Read up here for all things Follistim.
Over to the Pixel Care team for your Menopur mini-Q&A.
Menopur Q&A
1. What is Menopur, and what’s it used for in IVF?
Menopur is a medication used to stimulate your ovaries during IVF. Each vial contains 75 IU of FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and 75 IU of LH (luteinizing hormone).
Your ovaries respond to these hormones by growing multiple follicles – and with both FSH and LH on board, the eggs inside those follicles can mature properly, which is key to a successful retrieval.
2. How much Menopur is a high dose?
Menopur comes in powder form and is measured in vials. A starting dose is often 1 to 2 vials, but your fertility team may increase it to 3 or even 4 vials depending on how your body responds.
3. How do Menopur and Follistim work together?
Most IVF protocols use Menopur and Follistim together. Follistim is pure FSH, while Menopur offers a blend of FSH and LH – giving your body the full hormonal support needed to grow and mature multiple follicles.
Your fertility doctor will adjust the exact mix based on your blood work and ultrasound results throughout your cycle.
4. What are the side effects of Menopur?
The side effects of Menopur are very similar to those of Follistim – read up on our mini-Q&A for the details here.
Menopur side effects you might experience include:
- Headache
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Mood changes
- Nausea
- Injection site discomfort
There’s also a small risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), especially if your estradiol levels rise too quickly. Your clinic will monitor you closely here.
5. Does Menopur stop your period?
Nope, menopur doesn’t stop your period. In fact, you’ll often start taking it while you’re still bleeding, depending on your specific protocol. It’s perfectly normal to continue it after your period ends, too.
6. What are the signs Menopur is working?
You won’t necessarily “feel” Menopur working – but your doctor will see the results at your monitoring appointments. As your follicles grow, they’ll appear on ultrasound and your estradiol levels will start to rise. These are the clearest signs that Menopur is doing its job.
7. Does Menopur need to be refrigerated?
Yes – keep it in the fridge when you can. Menopur can be stored at room temperature (up to 77°F), but refrigeration is best to ensure it stays stable.
8. Any tips for mixing and injecting Menopur?
Mixing Menopur is a little more hands-on than using a pre-filled pen – but don’t worry, you’ve got this.
Here are our favorite pro tips:
- Give yourself time – this is not a med to rush!
- Think of it as “doing chemistry.”
- Use Qcaps to mix, and always follow your instructions.
Here’s a quick step-by-step:
- Draw up 1ml of liquid (diluent).
- Inject into your first vial of Menopur powder.
- Swirl gently to dissolve – don’t shake.
- Draw the mixed liquid back into the syringe.
- If using more than one vial, repeat steps 2–4 until all powder is dissolved using that same 1ml.
- Carefully remove the Qcap – hang on tight, because vials can fly off!
- Attach your 27g ½ inch needle, and you’re ready to inject.
And remember – the Pixel Care app has a video tutorial that walks you through every step, so you’re never on your own.
Menopur made easy
Menopur can feel intimidating at first, especially with the mixing element. But, as TRB Founder Eloise can attest to, with a little practice (and a lot of support) you’ll become a pro in no time.
Download the Pixel Care app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for:
- Built-in video tutorials for every medication in your IVF protocol
- The ability to track each dose and see how much you have left
- Live 1:1 video calls with fertility nurses or pharmacists for personalised help
- A free fertility coaching session when you sign up with code TRB
Next up and closing out this series is part 3, and it’s all about Ganirelix – what it does, when you take it, and why it matters for timing ovulation just right.
