LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

Hormones

Female Hormones

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is a pituitary hormone that triggers ovulation in women and stimulates testosterone production in men. Its surge mid-cycle is what prompts the ovary to release an egg. Preventive practices track LH, often alongside FSH, to understand ovulatory function and pituitary-gonadal signaling.

What It Measures

Pituitary hormone triggering ovulation and testosterone production

Optimal vs. Lab Range

Longevity Optimal

Phase-dependent

Target range for optimal health and longevity based on research.

Standard Lab

2–15 IU/L (varies by cycle)

Population-based reference range from standard labs.

Why It Matters

LH is a central relay in the reproductive axis, so its level and its ratio to FSH carry meaning. An elevated LH-to-FSH ratio is a classic feature of PCOS, while high LH also accompanies menopause and can reflect a pituitary tumor. Low LH suggests pituitary dysfunction or hypothalamic amenorrhea, sometimes driven by stress or undernutrition. Because LH is cycle-dependent, interpretation depends heavily on timing and the accompanying hormones. Viewed with FSH, estradiol, and testosterone, it helps map the pituitary-gonadal system, informing both reproductive concerns and the broader hormonal balance that supports long-term health.

When Low

Pituitary dysfunction, hypothalamic amenorrhea, anorexia

When High

PCOS (elevated LH:FSH ratio), menopause, pituitary tumor

How to Optimize

LH is interpreted rather than directly targeted, and management focuses on the underlying imbalance it reveals. For PCOS-pattern findings, addressing insulin resistance and metabolic health is often central; for suppressed levels, restoring stress balance, nutrition, and energy availability matters. Any hormonal intervention is guided by the full clinical picture. Hormone testing and treatment must be individualized with your physician; this content is educational and not a substitute for medical advice.

Key Interventions & Linked Compounds

Strong evidence

Key Interventions

Address underlying hormonal imbalance

Linked Compounds & Supplements

Vitex

Maca

Curated from clinical literature. Individual results vary; consult a qualified clinician before changing a protocol.

Ordering Notes

Specimen

Serum; saliva for diurnal cortisol panels

Patient prep

No fasting required. Maintain usual diet and medications unless advised.

Recommended cadence

Semi-annual

Reporting unit

Confirm with the performing lab — units vary by region.

Pre-analytic notes

Standardize draw time of day, hydration, and recent exercise. Note any acute illness, supplements, or hormonal therapies on the requisition.

Recommended Follow-Up Actions

1
Confirm the result is reliable
Repeat abnormal values before acting — preferably from the same lab, same time of day, and under consistent prep. Rule out acute illness, recent intense exercise, or medication effects that can shift LH (Luteinizing Hormone).
2
Compare against optimal, not just lab range
Use the optimal window above as the target. Lab "normal" is built from the general population and often misses early dysfunction.
3
Pair with related markers
Order a complementary panel covering metabolic, inflammatory, and hormonal context to interpret this marker properly.
4
Discuss interventions with a clinician
Use the interpretation guidance above to frame the conversation. Bring trends, not just one datapoint, to your visit.
5
Re-test on a defined cadence
If a change is implemented, re-measure in 8–12 weeks for fast-moving markers, or 3–6 months for slower ones, to confirm response before escalating.