Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a hormone produced by cells in the anterior pituitary gland. Luteinizing hormone plays a crucial role in sexual development is also responsible for regulating key reproductive functions, such as controlling the menstrual cycle and triggering the release of an egg from the ovary. For people with sperm, LH regulates testosterone production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Luteinizing hormone (LH), also called interstitial cell stimulating hormone<\/a> or lutropin, is important for sexual development and reproduction. Luteinizing hormone is produced by the pituitary gland, located below your brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n LH is important for female fertility, and affects the length of the menstrual cycle, estrogen and progesterone<\/a> production, and readying the uterus for a fertilized egg. A surge of LH during the menstrual cycle is what prompts the ovaries to release an egg. Therefore, identifying when LH levels are elevated can indicate ovulation<\/a>, the most effective time to try to conceive. This can be done at home using a urine ovulation prediction kit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Balance is important. Research<\/a> indicates that excessively high LH levels may be linked to higher rates of miscarriage<\/a> and infertility. Elevated LH levels may also indicate polycystic ovary syndrome, which can result in infertility<\/a>. Insufficient LH may be caused by problems with the pituitary gland, and can affect fertility as well. This may be treated with estrogen replacement therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n LH prompts the Leydig cells in the testicles to release testosterone<\/a>, which is essential for sperm<\/a> production and fertility. Unusually high levels of LH combined with low testosterone may indicate damage to the testicles<\/a>, such as from chemotherapy. Elevated LH levels can also suggest that you have the genetic disorder Klinefelter\u2019s syndrome<\/a>, which can lead to infertility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Testing for the level of LH in your blood can help diagnose fertility issues. The test may be performed when:<\/p>\n\n\n\nLuteinizing hormone and female fertility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Luteinizing hormone and male fertility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Testing for luteinizing hormone<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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