Luteinizing Hormone (LH) LabCorp

The primary clinical use of a Luteinizing Hormone (LH) measurement is in the evaluation of the normalcy of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Measurement of serum gonadotropin levels will allow for distinguishing between primary gonadal failure and deficient gonadal stimulation. LH measurement may also be of clinical importance because growth hormone and LH are frequently the first hormones to be affected by pituitary disease. The serum analysis of LH has also been found to be very useful in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility in women. LH, and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) belong to the gonadotropin family. They both regulate and stimulate the growth and function of the gonads (ovaries and testes) synergistically. Both are produced by the brain in order to control the production and release of sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. FSH and LH regulate the development, growth, and reproductive processes of the body. In aging men and women, a rise in FSH and LH indicates the onset of menopause and/or andropause. In women that are still menstruating, low levels of FSH and LH may indicate excessive estrogen and may lead to estrogen dominance. In this hormonal state, there is an increased risk for disorder, such as polycystic ovarian disease and fibrocystic breast disease.