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LH

Luteinisierendes Hormon · Luteinizing Hormone · LH

Hormone — ReproduktionsachseZeitabhängig
Einheit:
IU/L

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) quantifies the level of this glycoprotein hormone in the blood, which is involved in regulating the reproductive system.

Reference Ranges

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

Ranges vary by sex and menstrual cycle phase; typically higher during the LH surge.

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 triggering ovulation and stimulating the production of sex hormones such as testosterone in males and estrogen in females. LH is a key component of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, which controls reproductive function. Clinically, LH is important for diagnosing and managing conditions related to reproductive health. Elevated LH levels can indicate conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or primary gonadal failure, while low levels may suggest secondary hypogonadism or pituitary disorders. In the context of athletic performance and biohacking, LH is relevant as it influences testosterone production, which is crucial for muscle growth and recovery. However, manipulating LH levels for performance enhancement should be approached with caution due to potential health risks. Researchers have found that LH levels can be affected by factors such as time of day, fasting status, and assay variability. It is important to consider these confounders when interpreting LH test results, and clinicians should collaborate with laboratory professionals to ensure accurate assessments.

Klinische Bedeutung

Elevated LH levels can indicate conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or primary gonadal failure. Reduced LH levels may suggest secondary hypogonadism or pituitary disorders.

Dynamics

Trend Interpretation

Rising Values

Progressively rising LH values may suggest the onset of menopause or primary gonadal failure. Re-test in 4 weeks if outside optimal range.

Falling Values

Progressively falling LH values may indicate pituitary dysfunction or hypothalamic suppression.

Re-test Interval

4 weeks if outside optimal range

Etiology

Causes — High & Low

Cause

Elevated Levels

  • Polycystic ovary syndrome
  • Primary gonadal failure
  • Menopause
  • Turner syndrome
  • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Cause

Low Levels

  • Secondary hypogonadism
  • Pituitary disorders
  • Hypothalamic suppression
  • Severe stress
  • Malnutrition
Protocol

How to Optimize

Lever

Lifestyle

  • Regular exercise
  • Stress management techniques
  • Adequate sleep
Lever

Nutrition

  • Balanced diet rich in essential nutrients
  • Adequate protein intake
Lever

Supplementation

  • Vitamin D
  • Zinc
  • Omega-3 fatty acids

Note:

Consult a healthcare provider before making significant lifestyle changes, especially if underlying conditions are suspected.

Testing Guidelines

✓Fasting Not Required
🕐Time-Sensitive

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

Testing Frequency

Annually for routine check-ups, more frequently if monitoring reproductive health issues.

Interfering Factors

  • Recent intense exercise
  • Hormonal medications
  • Stress

Related Peptides & Hormones

hormone
Estradiol

Correlated with

hormone

Open Research Questions

Current research suggests that robust reference intervals for luteinizing hormone (LH) remain incomplete, particularly for diverse populations and clinical contexts. Researchers have not yet established optimal targets for LH in various conditions, such as hormone therapy or anorexia nervosa, where its levels may be confounded by other factors. Unanswered clinical questions include the implications of LH assay variability and the clinical significance of 'invisible LH' in patient management.

39 Research Publications

1,011

Total Citations

25

Human/RCT

4.1

Avg. Influence

2024

Latest

Sort
Filter
#01

Establishment of detailed reference values for luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, estradiol, and progesterone during different phases of the menstrual cycle on the Abbott ARCHITECT analyzer.

HumanInfluence28.0
385
This study established detailed reference values for luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, and progesterone throughout the menstrual cycle. Researchers found significant variations in hormone levels, emphasizing the importance of local reference values for accurate laboratory result interpretation.
View on PubMed
#02

Clinical and laboratory predictors of clomiphene response.

HumanInfluence2.0
155
View on PubMed
#03

A possible mechanism of action of danazol and an ethinylestradiol/norgestrel combination used as postcoital contraceptive agents.

Human
64
This study examined the effects of an ethinylestradiol/norgestrel combination and danazol on luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in women seeking postcoital contraception. Researchers found no consistent pattern of alteration in urinary steroids, indicating a heterogeneous effect on ovarian function, and no evidence of early pregnancy in successfully treated cases.
View on PubMed
#04

Urinary melatonin, LH, oestradiol, progesterone excretion during the menstrual cycle or in women taking oral contraceptives.

HumanInfluence1.0
58
This study measured nocturnal urinary excretion of melatonin, LH, progesterone, and oestradiol in women during their menstrual cycle. Researchers found that melatonin excretion significantly increased during the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase, suggesting a relationship between melatonin and progesterone.
View on PubMed
#05

Long-term intranasal luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist treatment for contraception in women.

Human
49
View on PubMed
#06

Laboratory parameters and appetite regulators in patients with anorexia nervosa.

HumanInfluence1.0
37
This study explored laboratory parameters in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). Researchers observed alterations in levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and other hormones, highlighting the complexity of laboratory findings in diagnosing AN.
View on PubMed
#07

Ovulation timing. Concepts and controversies.

ReviewInfluence2.0
31
Researchers examined the role of the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge in predicting ovulation timing in dogs. The study highlighted the development of in-clinic assays that allow for accurate identification of the LH surge, improving ovulation prediction in veterinary practice.
View on PubMed
#08

Basal serum luteinizing hormone value as the screening biomarker in female central precocious puberty.

HumanInfluence4.0
30
Researchers evaluated basal serum LH levels as a screening biomarker for central precocious puberty (CPP) in girls. They found that basal LH was the most sensitive marker for identifying CPP, with specific cutoff values for different age groups. The study highlights the potential for LH levels in early diagnosis.
View on PubMed
#09

Monitor of chemotherapy in gestational trophoblastic neoplasm by radioimmunoassay of the beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin.

Human
29
Researchers developed an assay based on the beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) to monitor patients undergoing chemotherapy for gestational trophoblastic disease. They found that this assay could differentiate tumor activity from normal pituitary LH levels, aiding in treatment decisions.
View on PubMed
#10

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

ReviewInfluence2.0
26
This study reviewed the roles of estradiol, progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in women's health. Researchers found that reference intervals for these hormones are incomplete, and collaborative efforts are needed to better define therapeutic or reference intervals to support women's health.
View on PubMed

Clinical Trials (10)

10

Total Trials

20,777

Total Enrolled

Evaluation of the Role of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) in Adult Patients Undergoing Assessment for Endocrine Disorders

NCT07824102RECRUITING
Sponsor

Martin Blomberg Jensen

Enrollment

20,000

Started

2026

Primary outcome

Association between serum LH and hCG and risk of major osteoporotic fracture (MOF)

OsteoporosisHypercalcemiaPrimary HyperparathyroidismAdrenal Gland DiseasePituitary DiseaseThyroid Diseases

Effects of Adding Quercetin or Alpha Lipoic Acid to Usual Care on Symptoms and Blood Markers in Iraqi Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

NCT07182526Phase 2RECRUITING
Sponsor

Al-Mustansiriyah University

Enrollment

150

Started

2025

Primary outcome

Change in Hormonal Profile (LH, FSH, Testosterone) from Baseline

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) of Bilateral Ovaries

A Study of Andecaliximab in Participants With Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP)

NCT06508021Phase 2/3ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
Sponsor

Ashibio Inc

Enrollment

92

Started

2024

Primary outcome

Number of New HO Lesions as Assessed by WBCT-LH [Whole body, Computerized Tomography (CT), not including the head (less head)]

Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva

Quantum Menstrual Health Monitoring Study

NCT05936840RECRUITING
Sponsor

Quanovate Tech Inc.

Enrollment

150

Started

2024

Primary outcome

The rise and fall of urine luteinizing hormone will predict of ovulation in all participants with confirmed ovulation

Menstrual Cycle AbnormalPolycystic Ovary SyndromeAthletes

LH/FSH, Testosterone, Prolactin, and Ferritin in PCOS Patients in Jordan

NCT07112768COMPLETED
Sponsor

Future University in Egypt

Enrollment

140

Started

2024

Primary outcome

Hormonal level

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

Overcoming Therapy Resistance in ER+ Breast Cancer Patients: a Translational Project (OVERTuRE)

Sponsor

Centro di Riferimento Oncologico - Aviano

Enrollment

74

Started

2023

Primary outcome

To identify potential biomarkers predictive of a clinical benefit in patients receiving a first line therapy with AI/fulvestrant (+/- LH-RH analogue) in association with a CDK4/6i for luminal-like ABC.

Breast Cancer

Rec-LH PD and Safety Profile in Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism Men

NCT04189133Phase 2UNKNOWN
Sponsor

Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena

Enrollment

32

Started

2022

Primary outcome

Testosterone

Acquired Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism

Efficacy of Pulsatile GnRH Therapy on Male Patients With Pituitary Stalk Interruption Syndrome

Sponsor

Peking Union Medical College Hospital

Enrollment

20

Started

2016

Primary outcome

Change of serum Luteinizing Hormone(LH) value

Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism

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

Pharmacodynamics of Lorelin Depot (Leuprorelin Acetate - Bergamo) Compared to Lupron Depot ® (Leuprorelin Acetate - Abbot)

NCT01071005Phase 1COMPLETED
Sponsor

Azidus Brasil

Enrollment

58

Started

2010

Primary outcome

Decrease of serum levels of luteinizing hormone, Testosterone and FSH

Healthy

Publication Trend

Research publications about LH over time

9total
1
'75
2
'82
1
'01
2
'06
1
'13
1
'19
1
'25

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