What is Luteinizing Hormone?

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, playing a crucial role in the reproductive system for both men and women.‍In women, it helps regulate the menstrual cycle and triggers ovulation, while in men, it stimulates testosterone production, which is essential for sperm production.

What does it assess?

Luteinizing Hormone levels are often measured to assess reproductive health, fertility, and hormonal balance.‍Measuring LH can help evaluate menstrual irregularities, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), menopause, and infertility.

How do I optimize my Luteinizing Hormone levels?

Proper nutrition and regular exercise support overall hormone health, which can positively affect LH levels.‍Avoid extreme diets or overexercising, as these can disrupt the hormonal balance. Being significantly underweight or overweight can disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, leading to abnormal LH production.‍A healthy weight may improve hormonal function and balance. Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which can interfere with LH and other reproductive hormones.‍Regular relaxation practices such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can help support a healthy stress response and improve hormonal health.

What do high and low Luteinizing Hormone levels mean?

High LH may lead to symptoms like irregular periods, infertility, or hot flashes. In men, high LH levels may suggest testicular failure, where the testes are not responding adequately to hormonal signals, possibly leading to low testosterone and reduced fertility.‍Low LH levels in both men and women may suggest an issue with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, which regulates LH production.‍Low LH levels may also be related to chronic stress, eating disorders, or excessive physical training.