lab metric
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Table of contents
Description
LH (luteinizing hormone) is produced by the pituitary gland and regulates gonadal hormone production in both sexes. In females, LH surges mid-cycle to trigger ovulation. In males, LH stimulates Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone.
Why it matters
LH helps identify whether a hormone issue is more likely coming from the gonads (ovaries/testes) or from the hypothalamus/pituitary. It’s typically interpreted with FSH and sex hormones (estradiol and progesterone in females; testosterone in males).
Interpreting LH (general education)
Higher LH (female): can occur around ovulation (normal), in menopausal transition, or in patterns like PCOS (often with higher LH:FSH ratio).
Higher LH (male): can suggest primary testicular dysfunction (the pituitary is “turning up the signal”).
Lower LH: can be seen with hypothalamic/pituitary suppression (stress, under-fueling, illness) or exogenous hormone use in some contexts.
Context matters
In cycling females, timing in the menstrual cycle changes interpretation dramatically. In any person, acute illness, medications, and energy availability can affect gonadotropins.
Educational only, not medical advice. Hormone interpretation should be individualized and reviewed with a clinician.
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