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Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Principle
LH is a dimeric glycoprotein hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary in response to hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Its α-subunit is common to other glycoprotein hormones, while its β-subunit—responsible for biological activity—shares partial homology with that of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).
During the menstrual cycle, FSH stimulates follicular development. When the follicle reaches maturity, ovulation occurs in response to a surge in LH (and to a lesser extent, FSH). Ovarian steroids serve as the primary negative feedback regulators of LH secretion.
At menopause, decreased ovarian steroid production leads to loss of negative feedback and a rise in LH concentrations. Elevated LH is also observed in premenopausal women with ovarian failure or incomplete ovarian maturation during puberty.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Collection
Processing
Storage and Transport
≤ –20 °C; avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles. For short-term storage (≤8 hours), keep samples at room temperature (15–30 °C); for up to 48 hours, refrigerate at 2–8 °C.
Unacceptable Specimens
Hemolyzed or unspun specimens (may yield inaccurate results)
Method
Enhanced chemiluminescence.
Normal Range
| Category | LH (mIU/mL) |
| Female, mid-follicular phase | 2.12–10.89 |
| Female, mid-cycle peak | 19.18–103.03 |
| Female, mid-luteal phase | 1.20–12.86 |
| Postmenopausal female | 10.87–58.64 |
| Male | 1.24–8.62 |
Turnaround Time
References
- Carlsen RB et al. Human chorionic gonadotrophin: linear amino acid sequence of the beta subunit. J Biol Chem. 248:6810–6827; 1973.
- Short RV. The control of menstruation. Br J Hosp Med. 7:552–555; 1972.
- Hillier SG. Current concepts of the roles of follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormone in folliculogenesis. Hum Reprod. 9:188–191; 1994.