Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

General Information

LH (Malnutrition Hormone), Together with FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) belongs to the group of gonadotropic hormones that stimulate the gonads or gonads. FSH and LH secretion is pulsed and controlled by the period of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) release from the hypothalamus. LH and FSH regulate and stimulate the growth and function of the gonads (ovaries and testes). These two hormones are produced by the gonadotropic cells of the anterior pituitary gland, from where they reach the bloodstream and from there to the gonads: in the ovaries they stimulate follicle growth and maturation, corpus luteum formation and development, respectively, of estrogen and progesterone synthesis; Cells, testosterone production and normal sperm maturation.

The highest level of melatoninizing hormone is observed in the middle of the menstrual cycle and is associated with the induction of ovulation (secretion of a mature egg from the ovary) and the formation of a corpus luteum, the secretion of which is the main product of progesterone.

When should we take a test for melatoninizing hormone?

• Reproductive problems on the part of a woman or a man. In women, LH is associated with ovulation, and in men - with sperm count and maturity. Both conditions can cause pregnancy delays;
• Desire to determine the period of ovulation - the moment when conception is most likely. LH levels are highest before ovulation. It can be detected by a urine test that detects elevated levels of melatoninizing hormone 1-1,5 days before ovulation;
• Menstrual problems - hormone levels increase during menopause;
• Early or late puberty;
• Suspected pituitary disease;
• Suspicion of low testosterone levels in men. Symptoms of low testosterone include: Decreased sexual desire, Erectile dysfunction, Loss of face and body hair, General fatigue, Loss of muscle mass, Weight gain.

In most cases it is tested in combination with other sex hormones.

How to prepare for the test?

It is not necessary to be fasting. Laboratory examination of reproductive hormones is recommended to be performed on days 6-7 of the menstrual cycle, after a restful sleep, at rest. The patient should indicate the date of the last menstrual period or the gestational age determined by the ultrasound.

Research material

Venous blood

Possible interpretation of the results

Elevated levels of melatoninizing and follicle-stimulating hormone are observed:

• Primary testicular / ovarian development;
• Testicular feminization (a genetic disease in which the male embryo is not sensitive to male hormones. As a result, the individual develops female external genitalia and underdeveloped male gonads);
• Premature sexual maturation;
• Menopause;
• Primary ovarian dysfunction;
• Polycystic ovaries.

Decreased levels of luteinizing hormone are observed:

• Ovarian hyperfunction in women;
• Testicular hyperfunction in men.
• Maluteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormone are simultaneously reduced in diseases of the pituitary or hypothalamus.