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Blutwerte · Marker

LH

Luteinisierendes Hormon · Luteinizing Hormone · LH

Hormone — ReproduktionsachseZeitabhängig
Einheit:
IU/L

Luteinizing Hormone test quantifies the level of LH in the blood, reflecting pituitary gland function and gonadal activity.

Reference Ranges

Reference
120IU/L
1
20
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Unit · IU/L

Ranges vary by sex and menstrual cycle phase. Higher during mid-cycle in females.

Overview

Übersicht

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is a glycoprotein hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland. It plays a crucial role in regulating the reproductive system by stimulating the gonads: the ovaries in females and the testes in males. In women, LH is responsible for triggering ovulation and the development of the corpus luteum, while in men, it stimulates the production of testosterone. Clinically, LH levels are important for diagnosing and managing reproductive and endocrine disorders. Elevated LH levels can indicate conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or primary gonadal failure, while low levels may suggest pituitary or hypothalamic dysfunction. In the context of athletic performance and biohacking, LH is relevant due to its role in regulating testosterone production, which can influence muscle mass, strength, and recovery. Biohackers may monitor LH to optimize hormonal balance and reproductive health. However, LH levels can be influenced by various factors, including the menstrual cycle, time of day, and stress levels. Researchers found that LH surges are critical for ovulation timing, and its measurement is useful in fertility assessments. Accurate interpretation requires consideration of these confounding factors, and testing should ideally be conducted at consistent times and under controlled conditions.

Klinische Bedeutung

Elevated LH levels may indicate conditions such as PCOS, menopause, or primary gonadal failure. Reduced LH levels can suggest pituitary or hypothalamic disorders, potentially impacting fertility.

Dynamics

Trend Interpretation

Rising Values

Progressively rising LH values may indicate ovarian or testicular dysfunction. Re-test in 4 weeks if levels remain elevated.

Falling Values

Falling LH values could suggest improving pituitary function or response to treatment.

Re-test Interval

4 weeks if outside optimal range

Etiology

Causes — High & Low

Cause

Elevated Levels

  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Menopause
  • Primary ovarian insufficiency
  • Testicular failure
  • Turner syndrome
Cause

Low Levels

  • Hypothalamic dysfunction
  • Pituitary insufficiency
  • Hyperprolactinemia
  • Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
  • Severe stress
Protocol

How to Optimize

Lever

Lifestyle

  • Regular exercise
  • Stress management
  • Adequate sleep
Lever

Nutrition

  • Balanced diet with adequate protein
  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Zinc-rich foods
Lever

Supplementation

  • Vitamin D
  • Zinc
  • Omega-3 fatty acids

Note:

Consult a healthcare provider for personalized interventions, especially if hormonal imbalances are suspected.

Testing Guidelines

Fasting Not Required
🕐Time-Sensitive

LH levels can vary throughout the day; testing should be consistent in timing.

Testing Frequency

As needed for fertility assessments or hormonal evaluations.

Interfering Factors

  • Recent intense exercise
  • Stress
  • Medications affecting hormone levels

Related Peptides & Hormones

Fsh

Correlated with

hormone

Open Research Questions

Current research suggests that robust reference intervals for luteinizing hormone (LH) in women, particularly during the menstrual cycle and in the context of hormone therapy, remain incomplete. Researchers have not yet established optimal targets for LH measurement in various clinical scenarios, including ovulation prediction and menopausal symptom management. Additionally, unanswered clinical questions include the impact of confounding factors on LH levels and the effectiveness of emerging point-of-care testing methods in diverse populations.

19 Research Publications

117

Total Citations

9

Human/RCT

1.5

Avg. Influence

2024

Latest

Sort
Filter
#01

Ovulation timing. Concepts and controversies.

AnimalInfluence2.0
29
Researchers found that the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge is crucial for ovulation timing in dogs, and recent advancements allow for its identification through in-clinic assays. This development enables veterinary practitioners to predict ovulation with high accuracy, improving reproductive management in canine patients.
View on PubMed
#02

A Comprehensive Review of Estradiol, Progesterone, Luteinizing Hormone, and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone in the Context of Laboratory Medicine to Support Women's Health.

Review
15
This study examined the roles of estradiol, progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in women's health. Researchers found that robust reference intervals for these hormones are lacking, which complicates care for women experiencing menopausal symptoms. The study emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts to define therapeutic or reference intervals for these hormones.
View on PubMed
#03

Testosterone to Luteinizing Hormone Ratio as a Potential Predictor of Sperm Retrieval in Non-Obstructive Azoospermia Patients.

HumanInfluence2.0
13
This study assessed predictors of sperm retrieval in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia. Researchers found that a higher testosterone to luteinizing hormone (T/LH) ratio and larger testicular volumes were associated with successful sperm extraction.
View on PubMed
#04

Neurotransmitter regulation of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone neuronal function.

In VitroInfluence1.0
12
This study reviewed neurotransmitter regulation of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) neuronal function. Researchers observed that norepinephrine influences LH secretion, particularly during preovulatory surges, and identified complex interactions between neurotransmitters affecting LHRH and LH release.
View on PubMed
#05

FSH, LH, lipid and adipokines in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Clinical biochemistry insights for diagnosis and management.

Review
10
This review examined the roles of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Researchers found that elevated LH levels relative to FSH are common in PCOS, and biochemical markers are crucial for diagnosis and management.
View on PubMed
#06

Efficacy and Clinical Significance of the Zuogui Pill on Premature Ovarian Failure via the GDF-9/Smad2 Pathway.

Animal
9
Researchers investigated the effects of the Zuogui pill on premature ovarian failure (POF) in rat models. They observed decreased levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the treatment group, indicating a potential therapeutic effect.
View on PubMed
#07

Re-determination of upper reference range of follicular stimulating hormone in infertile men.

Ozkaya Muharrem, et al. · Systems biology in reproductive medicine · 2020

HumanInfluence1.0
8
Researchers examined the relationship between luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and male infertility, finding that LH levels above 4.8 IU/L were associated with abnormal sperm concentration. This suggests LH may serve as a useful indicator in infertility assessments.

Key findings

  1. 01Researchers observed that 62% of men with sperm concentration below 15 million/ml had FSH levels greater than 4.8 IU/L.
  2. 0259.7% of men with sperm counts below 39 million also had FSH levels above 4.8 IU/L.
  3. 03The study indicates that FSH values above 4.8 IU/L may signify abnormal conditions related to male infertility.
View on PubMed
#08

Laboratory hematology in the history of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine.

Review
7
This review provided an overview of the history of laboratory hematology (LH) in clinical chemistry. Researchers observed a significant increase in the publication of LH papers over the years, indicating the growing importance of this field within laboratory medicine.
View on PubMed
#09

Point-of-care impedimetric aptasensor to detect the luteinizing hormone.

In Vitro
6
Researchers developed a smartphone-enabled aptasensor for the rapid detection of luteinizing hormone (LH) in biological fluids. The new method provides a cost-effective and efficient way to measure LH levels, showing high correlation with standard laboratory assays.
View on PubMed
#10

Phenotypes and clinical laboratory data for polycystic ovary syndrome cases: A nationwide survey in Japan.

Human
4
This nationwide survey in Japan analyzed clinical data on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) cases. Researchers observed that elevated serum LH levels were significantly higher in non-obese PCOS patients compared to their obese counterparts.
View on PubMed

Clinical Trials (2)

2

Total Trials

81

Total Enrolled

Effect of Ovarian Stimulation With r-hLH/r-hFSH,r-hFSH and hMG in Reducing Apoptosis Rate in Cumulus Cells of Patients Undergoing ICSI

NCT01872247COMPLETED
Sponsor

Centro di Biologia della Riproduzione, Palermo, Italy

Enrollment

61

Started

2012

Primary outcome

apoptosis of cumulus cell

Infertility

Oral Androgens in Man-4: (Short Title: Oral T-4)

NCT00399165Phase 1/2COMPLETED
Sponsor

University of Washington

Enrollment

20

Started

2006

Primary outcome

Dutasteride can suppress the secretion of LH and FSH after four weeks of administration.

Contraception

Publication Trend

Research publications about LH over time

6total
1
'94
1
'01
1
'12
1
'23
2
'25

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