Lutenizing Hormone (LH)

Serum

Other names: Luteinizing Hormone(LH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Luteinising Hormone (Serum)

check icon Optimal Result: 0.7 - 12.5 IU/L.

Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a pituitary hormone that is essential for sexual development and reproduction in both men and women. LH is regulated by GnRH from the hypothalamus which is sensitive to circulating levels of sex hormones.  LH interacts with receptors on ovarian follicles and promotes their maturation. In the middle of the menstrual cycle, a surge of LH triggers ovulation and production of progesterone by the corpus luteum that is necessary for the maturation of the uterine endometrium for implantation of the fertilized egg. In males, LH stimulates production of testosterone by the testes. 

Reference ranges (IU/L):

- Follicular phase: 1.9 to 12.5 IU/L
- Peak of the menstrual cycle: 8.7 to 76.3 IU/L
- Luteal phase: 0.5 to 16.9 IU/L
- Pregnant women: less than 1.5 IU/L
- Past menopause: 15.9 to 54.0 IU/L
- Using contraceptives: 0.7 to 5.6 IU/L
- Men between the ages of 20 and 70: 0.7 to 7.9 IU/L
- Men over 70: 3.1 to 34.0 IU/L

What does it mean if your Lutenizing Hormone (LH) result is too high?

Please refer to these gender and age specific reference ranges:

Reference ranges (IU/L):

- Follicular phase: 1.9 to 12.5 IU/L
- Peak of the menstrual cycle: 8.7 to 76.3 IU/L
- Luteal phase: 0.5 to 16.9 IU/L
- Pregnant women: less than 1.5 IU/L
- Past menopause: 15.9 to 54.0 IU/L
- Using contraceptives: 0.7 to 5.6 IU/L
- Men between the ages of 20 and 70: 0.7 to 7.9 IU/L
- Men over 70: 3.1 to 34.0 IU/L

---

If you’re a man:

Elevated levels of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) in a man can indicate a variety of health conditions, all of which stem from how LH works within the body. LH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, playing a critical role in regulating the reproductive system. In men, it stimulates the production of testosterone and supports the development of sperm. When LH levels are higher than normal, it could signify that the testes are not responding properly to the hormone due to a condition called primary testicular failure. This condition can be the result of various factors, including genetic abnormalities, infections, or damage from surgery or radiation. High LH levels might also indicate a compensatory response to low testosterone levels, where the body increases LH production in an attempt to stimulate more testosterone production. In some cases, it could be linked to issues with the pituitary gland itself, such as a tumor or other abnormalities affecting hormone production. Understanding the precise cause requires further medical evaluation, as elevated LH is more like a symptom pointing to underlying issues rather than a standalone condition.

If you’re a woman:

Increased levels of LH and FSH can indicate a problem with your ovaries. This is known as primary ovarian failure. Some causes of primary ovarian failure can include:

- ovaries that are not properly developed
- genetic abnormalities, such as Turner syndrome
- exposure to radiation
- history of taking chemotherapy drugs
- autoimmune disorders
- ovarian tumor
- thyroid or adrenal disease
- polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

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What does it mean if your Lutenizing Hormone (LH) result is too low?

Please refer to these gender and age specific reference ranges:

Reference ranges (IU/L):

- Follicular phase: 1.9 to 12.5 IU/L
- Peak of the menstrual cycle: 8.7 to 76.3 IU/L
- Luteal phase: 0.5 to 16.9 IU/L
- Pregnant women: less than 1.5 IU/L
- Past menopause: 15.9 to 54.0 IU/L
- Using contraceptives: 0.7 to 5.6 IU/L
- Men between the ages of 20 and 70: 0.7 to 7.9 IU/L
- Men over 70: 3.1 to 34.0 IU/L

---

If you’re a man: 

Low luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in men can indicate an imbalance in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, which plays a critical role in regulating testosterone production and overall reproductive health. LH is secreted by the pituitary gland and stimulates the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone, a hormone essential for sperm production, libido, and secondary male characteristics. When LH levels are abnormally low, it can lead to symptoms such as reduced testosterone levels (hypogonadism), decreased muscle mass, fatigue, low libido, and infertility. Causes of low LH levels may include pituitary disorders, chronic stress, significant weight changes, excessive exercise, or conditions such as Kallmann syndrome.

If luteinizing hormone (LH) levels are low in a man, but testosterone levels are normal or elevated, it suggests a potential disruption in the feedback loop of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. This condition may indicate secondary hypogonadism with compensatory mechanisms or an exogenous source of testosterone, such as testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) or anabolic steroid use, which can suppress LH production through negative feedback on the pituitary gland.

In some cases, normal or high testosterone with low LH can also occur in certain tumors (e.g., Leydig cell tumors) that produce testosterone independently of pituitary regulation. Other possibilities include rare genetic conditions or functional disorders where the pituitary's LH secretion is reduced, but testicular function remains intact.

A thorough evaluation of clinical symptoms, medical history, and additional hormone levels such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, and prolactin, alongside imaging if necessary, is crucial to pinpoint the underlying cause and determine appropriate management.

If you’re a woman: 

Low luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in women can disrupt the delicate hormonal balance necessary for regular menstrual cycles, ovulation, and fertility. LH, produced by the pituitary gland, triggers the release of an egg from the ovary during ovulation and supports the production of progesterone in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. When LH levels are abnormally low, ovulation may not occur (anovulation), leading to irregular or absent menstrual periods (amenorrhea) and difficulty conceiving.Causes of low LH can include hypothalamic or pituitary dysfunction, stress, excessive exercise, low body weight, or certain medical conditions like hypothalamic amenorrhea or hypopituitarism. Additionally, low LH can result from certain medications, dietary factors (such as high consumption of soy products), or recent infections like meningitis. While polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is often associated with elevated LH levels, some cases may present with low LH due to complex hormonal imbalances.Diagnosing and treating the underlying cause often involves a comprehensive approach. This may include addressing lifestyle factors such as stress reduction and maintaining a healthy body weight, nutritional support, and hormonal therapies. In some cases, targeted interventions like gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) therapy or pulsatile LH administration may be necessary to restore normal ovulatory function and reproductive health. Treatment plans are typically tailored to the individual's specific situation and underlying cause of low LH.

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