Luteinizing hormone in the blood
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Luteinizing hormone is the peptide hormone of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. Targets of luteinizing hormone in women include ovarian cells and the yellow body. Luteinizing hormone stimulates ovulation and activates in ovarian cells the synthesis of estrogens and progesterone. It activates the synthesis of testosterone in the cells of the Leidig testis in men.
Reference values (norm) of luteinizing hormone concentration in blood serum
Age |
LH, IU / L |
Children under 11 years of age |
0.03-3.9 |
Women: | |
Follicular phase |
1.68-15 |
Ovulation phase |
21.9-56.6 |
Luteal phase |
0.61-16.3 |
Menopause |
14.2-52.3 |
Men's |
1.24-7.8 |
During the menstrual cycle, the level of luteinizing hormone remains low, except for its rise in the middle of the cycle. Approximately 12 hours before the peak of the luteinizing hormone in the middle of the cycle is preceded by the preovulatory peak of estradiol, while ovulation itself occurs approximately 12-20 hours after reaching the maximum concentration of luteinizing hormone.