Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Updated:Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is a crucial reproductive hormone produced by the pituitary gland in both males and females. In females, LH plays a key role in regulating the menstrual cycle and triggering ovulation. It stimulates the ovaries to produce estrogen and progesterone, and causes the release of a mature egg during ovulation. In males, LH stimulates the testes to produce testosterone, which is essential for sperm production and male sexual characteristics.
Additional Information
LH works in conjunction with Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) to regulate reproductive functions. In females, LH levels surge just before ovulation, which is often used as a marker in fertility tracking. In males, LH is part of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, which regulates testicular function throughout life.
LH levels can be measured through blood tests and are often used to diagnose various reproductive issues, including infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and hypogonadism.
Examples
A woman using an ovulation predictor kit to detect her LH surge and determine her most fertile days
A doctor ordering an LH test for a male patient to investigate low testosterone levels