Lutenizing Hormone (LH)

Serum

Other names: Luteinizing Hormone(LH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Luteinising Hormone (Serum)

check icon Optimal Result: 0.7 - 12.5 IU/L.

Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a gonadotropin hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland and plays a central role in sexual development and reproductive function in both females and males. LH secretion is regulated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus and is tightly controlled through feedback from circulating sex hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

In women, LH acts on ovarian follicles to support their maturation. Midway through the menstrual cycle, a surge in LH triggers ovulation—the release of a mature egg from the ovary. Following ovulation, LH stimulates the formation of the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone. Progesterone is essential for preparing the uterine lining (endometrium) for potential implantation of a fertilized egg and for supporting early pregnancy.

In men, LH stimulates Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone. Testosterone is critical for sperm production (spermatogenesis), maintenance of muscle mass and bone density, libido, and the development of secondary male sexual characteristics.

Because LH levels vary significantly based on sex, age, and (in women) menstrual cycle phase, results must always be interpreted within the appropriate clinical and physiological context and alongside related hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, testosterone, and prolactin.


Reference Ranges (IU/L)

(Ranges may vary slightly by laboratory)

  • Follicular phase: 1.9 – 12.5

  • Mid-cycle peak: 8.7 – 76.3

  • Luteal phase: 0.5 – 16.9

  • Pregnant women: < 1.5

  • Postmenopause: 15.9 – 54.0

  • Using hormonal contraceptives: 0.7 – 5.6

  • Men (20–70 years): 0.7 – 7.9

  • Men (>70 years): 3.1 – 34.0

What does it mean if your Lutenizing Hormone (LH) result is too high?

LH values should be interpreted using sex- and age-specific reference ranges and, in women, in relation to menstrual cycle phase (see ranges above).

If you’re a man

Elevated LH levels in men most commonly suggest reduced testicular responsiveness to LH, a condition known as primary hypogonadism or primary testicular failure. In this scenario, the pituitary gland increases LH production in an attempt to stimulate testosterone production that the testes can no longer adequately sustain.

Possible causes include genetic conditions, testicular injury, infections (such as mumps orchitis), radiation or chemotherapy exposure, autoimmune disorders, or age-related testicular decline. Elevated LH may also occur alongside low testosterone levels as part of a compensatory endocrine response.

In rarer cases, high LH may be associated with pituitary abnormalities. Clinical context and additional hormone testing are essential to determine the underlying cause.


If you’re a woman

Elevated LH levels in women may reflect ovarian dysfunction or altered ovarian-pituitary signaling. High LH—particularly when accompanied by elevated FSH—can indicate primary ovarian insufficiency or menopause.

Potential causes include:

  • Reduced or absent ovarian function

  • Genetic conditions (e.g., Turner syndrome)

  • Autoimmune ovarian disease

  • Prior chemotherapy or radiation exposure

  • Ovarian tumors

  • Thyroid or adrenal disorders

  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), where LH may be disproportionately elevated relative to FSH

Because LH levels fluctuate significantly throughout the menstrual cycle, timing of testing is critical. Interpretation should always consider cycle phase, symptoms, and related hormone levels.

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What does it mean if your Lutenizing Hormone (LH) result is too low?

LH results should always be interpreted using sex-, age-, and cycle-specific reference ranges (see above).

If you’re a man

Low luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in men may indicate dysfunction within the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which regulates testosterone production and male reproductive health. Since LH stimulates testosterone production in the testes, low LH can contribute to low testosterone (secondary hypogonadism), potentially leading to symptoms such as fatigue, reduced libido, infertility, loss of muscle mass, and mood changes.

Common causes of low LH in men include pituitary or hypothalamic disorders, chronic psychological or physical stress, significant weight loss or obesity, excessive endurance exercise, systemic illness, or congenital conditions such as Kallmann syndrome.

If LH is low while testosterone levels are normal or elevated, this may reflect suppression of LH due to external testosterone exposure (e.g., testosterone replacement therapy or anabolic steroid use) through negative feedback mechanisms. Less commonly, it may suggest testosterone-producing tumors or other rare endocrine conditions.

Further evaluation often includes assessment of FSH, total and free testosterone, estradiol, prolactin, and—when clinically indicated—pituitary imaging.


If you’re a woman

Low LH levels in women can interfere with ovulation, menstrual regularity, and fertility. Because LH is required for ovulation and progesterone production, insufficient LH may lead to anovulation, irregular menstrual cycles, or amenorrhea.

Potential causes include hypothalamic or pituitary dysfunction, chronic stress, excessive exercise, low body weight, energy deficiency, or conditions such as functional hypothalamic amenorrhea or hypopituitarism. Certain medications, hormonal contraceptives, and systemic illnesses can also suppress LH levels.

Although polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is often associated with elevated LH, some individuals with PCOS or mixed hormonal patterns may present with low or normal LH levels.

Management focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying cause and may involve lifestyle modifications, nutritional support, or targeted hormonal therapies depending on reproductive goals.

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