LH
What is Luteinizing Hormone?
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is a crucial hormone that plays a pivotal role in reproductive health. It is responsible for stimulating ovulation in females and testosterone production in males. By triggering the release of eggs from the ovaries and promoting the development of the corpus luteum, LH contributes to the menstrual cycle and fertility in women. In men, LH stimulates the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone, an essential hormone for male reproductive function.
Why is it included in Hormone+?
LH is included in both male and female SiPhox Hormone+ tests because of its importance to reproductive health. In both males and females, abnormal LH levels may be indicative of pituitary gland disorders. Some symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, weakness, and a decreased appetite.
For males, the stimulation of testosterone by LH allows for the production of sperm. Infertility, low libido, and low sperm count are a few reasons for testing LH. High LH levels may be indicative of testicular damage or Klinefelter's syndrome while low LH could point to pituitary or hypothalamic issues.
For females, LH tests are often used to determine the cause of infertility, predict ovulation, and confirm the onset of menopause. LH tests should not, however, be used as a birth control method. High LH may be indicative of PCOS or Turner syndrome. Apart from a pituitary gland disorder, low LH could point to malnutrition or an eating disorder.
How can I better understand my results?
LH tests should be taken on day 3 of your menstrual cycle. To better interpret your results, the American Board of Internal Medicine has released reference ranges that are included below. For post-menopausal females and males, LH does not typically fluctuate much. However, menstruating females can expect dynamic levels depending on the phase of their cycle.
Male
- Normal: 2 - 9 mIU/mL
Female
- Follicular phase of menstrual cycle: 1.68 to 15 mIU/mL
- Midcycle peak: 21.9 to 56.6 mIU/mL
- Luteal phase: 0.61 to 16.3 mIU/mL
- Postmenopausal: 14.2 to 52.3 mIU/mL
If your LH levels are higher than normal, you can try:
- Regularly engaging in yoga
- Following a vegetarian diet
- Increasing fiber intake
- Supplementing with vitamin E
- Quitting cigarette smoking
If your LH levels are lower than normal, you can try:
- Increasing soybean oil intake
- Healthy weight loss and/or calorie restriction if you are obese
Where can I learn more?
MedlinePlus.gov - LH Levels Test
University of Rochester's Encyclopedia
DISCLAIMER: IF YOU ARE CONCERNED WITH ANY OF YOUR RESULTS, PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN.