LH
Luteinizing hormone (LH) is produced by the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. In women, an LH surge mid-cycle triggers ovulation. In men, LH signals the testes to make testosterone. Levels also vary across menstrual phases and life stages.
Why it matters: LH is reported alongside FSH for reproductive-axis assessment. Patterns of LH and FSH together can give context on ovulation cycles, menopausal transition, or testicular function — interpreted with sex, age, and cycle phase in mind.
May increase with:
May decrease with:
What is LH?
Luteinizing hormone (LH) is produced by the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. In women, an LH surge mid-cycle triggers ovulation. In men, LH signals the testes to make testosterone. Levels also vary across menstrual phases and life stages.
What might a high or low LH mean?
LH is reported alongside FSH for reproductive-axis assessment. Patterns of LH and FSH together can give context on ovulation cycles, menopausal transition, or testicular function — interpreted with sex, age, and cycle phase in mind.
What is the typical reference range for LH?
The general-population reference range shown here is 1.7 – 8.6 mIU/mL. Reference ranges describe the general population and are not a personal target — discuss your results with your physician.
What can affect LH?
It may be higher with: Primary hypogonadism, Menopause, PCOS. It may be lower with: Pituitary disorders, Anabolic steroids, Hypothalamic dysfunction.