About Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is a glycoprotein hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland. In women, it triggers ovulation and stimulates the production of estrogen and progesterone from the ovaries. In men, LH stimulates the production of testosterone from the Leydig cells in the testes.
Reference Values
Optimal Range
2.0 - 5.0 IU/L
Women's Optimal Range
2.0 - 80.0 IU/L
Elite Value
3.0 IU/L
Health Implications
High
Elevated levels may indicate conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or certain pituitary disorders, potentially leading to fertility issues.
Low
Low levels may be associated with hypogonadism, where the gonads produce insufficient sex hormones, possibly resulting in delayed puberty or infertility.
Symptoms
High
May include fatigue, irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes, infertility, or headaches.
Low
Can include fatigue, decreased libido, mood changes, or weight fluctuations.
Lifestyle Factors
Specimen Type
Testing Methods
Also Known As
Scientific Sources
- 1. Bhasin, S., Brito, J. P., Cunningham, G. R., Hayes, F. J., Hodis, H. N., Matsumoto, A. M., Snyder, P. J., Swerdloff, R. S., & Wu, F. C. (2018). Testosterone therapy in men with hypogonadism: An Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. *The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism*, 103(5), 1715–1744. 2. Rosenfield, R. L., & Ehrmann, D. A. (2016). The pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): The hypothesis of PCOS as functional ovarian hyperandrogenism revisited. *Endocrine Reviews*, 37(5), 467–520. 3. Harrison, R. F., & Barry-Kinsella, C. (2017). Luteinizing hormone and human chorionic gonadotropin: Their contrasting roles in human fertility regulation. *Human Reproduction Update*, 23(5), 620–637. 4. Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (2019). Role of luteinizing hormone in ovarian function during assisted reproductive technologies: A committee opinion. *Fertility and Sterility*, 112(6), 1025–1032. 5. Gromoll, J., & Simoni, M. (2020). Genetic complexity of FSH receptor function. *Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism*, 31(1), 1–3.