LH commonly refers to Luteinizing Hormone in biology or medicine. It's a hormone produced by the pituitary gland and plays a vital role in regulating the reproductive system for both men and women. Here's a detailed breakdown:
In Women
- Function: LH triggers ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovary. It also stimulates the production of progesterone by the corpus luteum, which is critical for maintaining a potential pregnancy.
- Clinical Importance:
- Measured to assess fertility issues, monitor ovulation, or diagnose conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or ovarian insufficiency.
- LH surges are often detected using ovulation predictor kits.
In Men
- Function: LH stimulates the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone, which is crucial for sperm production and male secondary sexual characteristics.
- Clinical Importance:
- Low levels might indicate issues like hypogonadism, while high levels could point to testicular failure or other disorders.
Normal Range
A normal luteinizing hormone (LH) level during pregnancy is less than 1.5 IU/L