What is Luteinizing Hormone (LH)?
Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. In women, LH plays a significant role in the menstrual cycle and ovulation.
What is the Role of LH in the Menstrual Cycle?
LH levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle:
- In the follicular phase, LH levels are relatively low.
- About midway through the cycle, LH surges, triggering ovulation.
- In the luteal phase, LH stimulates the corpus luteum (the remnant of the ovulated follicle) to produce progesterone.
How Can I Track LH Levels?
LH levels are often tracked through ovulation predictor kits (OPKs), which can detect the LH surge that precedes ovulation. A healthcare provider can also measure LH levels through a blood test.
What Happens When LH Levels are Imbalanced?
Imbalances in LH levels can lead to several symptoms and health issues:
- High LH levels can be a sign of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), menopause, or certain genetic disorders.
- Low LH levels can result in irregular or absent ovulation and menstruation, which can lead to fertility issues.
How Can LH Impact Emotional and Mental Health?
While LH itself doesn’t directly impact emotional and mental health, the conditions resulting from its imbalance (like PCOS or fertility issues) can cause emotional distress, anxiety, and depression.
Common Questions About LH
- What are the functions of LH? LH triggers ovulation and stimulates the production of progesterone in women. In men, it stimulates the production of testosterone.
- How can I balance my LH levels? The balance of LH is usually maintained by the body’s natural hormonal regulation. If imbalances occur, medical treatments may be needed, which should be guided by a healthcare provider.
Explore More About LH
For a more detailed understanding of LH, its role in the menstrual cycle, how to track it, manage its imbalances, and its potential impact on emotional health, refer to our Free Workbook – Guide to Tracking Your Menstrual Cycle and accompanying Cyclical Living Basics eBook.
