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LH (Luteinizing
Hormone) is a hormone, released from the anterior pituitary gland. It
is a gonadotropin, stimulating the ovary to produce hormones and
ovulate. LH stimulates ovum maturation and ovulation, estrogen
production, progesterone production, and supports the corpus luteum.
There is spike of FSH coincidental with the LH surge. These lead to
ovulation within a few hours.
Spot urine measurements of LH are available commercially in
over-the-counter "LH Surge" kits. A positive test normally
confirms ovulation either has just occurred or will occur within the next
few hours.
Elevations found in:
- Ovulation
- Ovarian failure
- Menopause
- Testicular Feminization Syndrome
Decreases found in:
|
Normal Values*
| Men |
7-24 mIU/ml |
|
Women
(Follicular Phase) |
6-30 mIU/ml |
Women
(Midcycle) |
>3x baseline |
Women
(Menopausal) |
>30 mIU/ml |
*These are general values taken from a variety of
sources. The actual normal values may vary from lab to lab and from one
type of testing protocol to another.
LH Levels in One Cycle
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Source:
Operational Medicine 2001, Health
Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau
of Medicine and Surgery, Department
of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300
OB-GYN 101:
Introductory Obstetrics & Gynecology
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Brookside Associates, LLC
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