Luteinizing hormone (LH): what it is, functions and normal values
The luteinizing hormone( LH), which is also known medically with the name oflutropin, is a gonadotropin hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland, specifically by the pituitary gland, which is located on the lower side of the brain. Its examination or analysis, therefore, is adequate to know the levels of this hormone in the blood, which allows to know if the woman is ovulating if the menopause has arrived. It is very useful when a woman has problems getting pregnant or when she has periods that are not regular.
In fact, this test is also useful in the case of men, when for example the couple has been trying to get pregnant for some time and the conception has not yet occurred (that is, if there are possible signs or signs of sterility), or feels that the libido is diminished.
What are the main functions of luteinizing hormone?
In women, when there is an increase in luteinizing hormone, ovulation appears. This occurs towards the end of the follicular phase, when the secretion of this hormone naturally increases, which tends to last for a few days (between one to two days).
It is at this time when ovulation begins; that is to say, the extraction of the oocyte from the ovary takes place, which in turn induces the secretion of other hormones (as is the case of progesterone) in order to prepare the endometrium for the possible implantation of the embryo, should it occur the conception and that therefore the ovum has been fertilized.
During the first 15 days after conception, luteinizing hormone is of vital importance, since it helps maintain the function of the corpus luteum, while the body begins to produce the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), traditional and usually known as the "pregnancy hormone", which in turn helps keep progesterone levels adequate during the first months of pregnancy, and will nourish the corpus luteum so that the woman's organism does not reject the fetus during pregnancy. first trimester of pregnancy.
What is the luteinizing hormone test and what is it for?
It is a useful blood test to know the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the blood, which is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, a gland that we find in the lower side of the brain.
Taking into account, as we mentioned, that LH is a hormone that begins to secrete in larger amounts towards the final stage of the follicular phase, starting ovulation, its examination allows to understand why a woman can have an absence of menstruation, or if there is a cause that is preventing pregnancy normally (sterility or hypogonadism).
That is to say, The luteinizing hormone test is very useful to know the status and functionality of the ovaries. And, in addition, it is also useful to discover if the man could also be suffering from a sterility problem.
Normal values of luteinizing hormone in women
Depending on the time of the period in which the woman is, the levels of luteinizing hormone tend to vary. Thus, the following reference values have been established:
| Before ovulation | 2-6 pcs. per liter of blood |
| During ovulation | 6-20 pcs. per liter of blood |
| After ovulation (luteal phase) | 3-8 pcs. per liter of blood |
| During menopause | more than 30 pcs. per liter of blood |
Normal values of luteinizing hormone in men
Since luteinizing hormone levels are also very useful in man, the following normal levels of LH have been established in man:
| Men over 18 years old | 1.8 to 8.6 IU / L |
Causes of abnormal luteinizing hormone (LH) values
Depending on whether the levels are not normal in men or women, their causes will obviously be different. Thus, for example, in women it could be due to the non-existence of ovulation, when there is an imbalance in the female sex hormones (very common in case of polycystic ovarian syndrome), during menopause, if there is ovarian hypofunction (the ovaries produce little or no hormones), and in the case of a genetic condition in which women do not have the normal pair of two X chromosomes (Turner syndrome).
In the case of the name, however, its causes are the following: absence of testes, testicles do not work (anorquia), hyperactive endocrine glands or presence of Klinefelter syndrome. This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor. ThemesBlood test
