Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is produced in the anterior pituitary gland and plays a significant role in keeping your reproductive system healthy and functioning. LH is often measured when evaluating ovulation in women; when levels are high it can sometimes indicate infertility [1].
High LH levels are commonly seen in women who have [2]:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Menopause/Early menopause
See also: What causes infertility in women?
What is a normal LH level?
Although your LH levels vary depending on a variety of factors - where you currently are in your cycle included. The following are considered ‘normal’ ranges, anything above may be believed to be high [3].
-
Follicular phase of menstrual cycle: 1.68 to 15 IU/L
-
Midcycle peak: 21.9 to 56.6 IU/L
-
Luteal phase: 0.61 to 16.3 IU/L
-
Postmenopausal: 14.2 to 52.3 IU/L
See also: How to Naturally Increase Your Progesterone Levels Without Pills And Supplements
Risk factors of high LH levels
In women, LH stimulates the ovaries to produce oestradiol - the major female sex hormone primarily responsible for maintaining and maturing the reproductive system. If a woman's LH levels rise above average, and the woman isn’t currently in menopause, it’s sometimes a result of the following conditions.
See also: Can You Promote Hormone Balance?
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that can affect women of reproductive age. It’s common for women with PCOS to also experience high LH levels [4].
Though the underlying cause isn’t actually known, there are some indicators associated with PCOS, these include:
- Irregular periods
- Excess body hair
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Weight gain
- Thinning hair or hair loss
Early Menopause
Early menopause occurs when a woman’s periods stop before the age of 45. This can happen naturally if a woman’s ovaries stop producing normal levels of certain hormones - this can have an effect on LH levels [5].
The symptoms of early menopause are similar to typical menopause symptoms, these include:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex
- Difficulty sleeping
- Low mood or anxiety
See also: Follicle Stimulating Hormone And Your Fertility
If you are currently trying for a child or are curious about your fertility status, the best way to know more is by checking your hormone levels - this can be done by taking a visit to your doctor or from the comfort of your own home with an at-home Female Hormone Test.
LetsGetChecked’s Female Hormone Test offers a comprehensive picture of your fertility status by testing for Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Prolactin, Oestradiol, and Luteinizing Hormone (LH). Your test will be sent to the same labs used by doctors and hospitals with online results available within 5 days. Our dedicated medical team will be available to answer any questions you may have about your results.
References
- Society for Endocrinology. Luteinising hormone. Online: Yourhormones.info, 2018
- Society for Endocrinology. Luteinising hormone. Online: Yourhormones.info, 2018
- University of Rochester Medical Center. Online: Urmc.rochester.edu
4. Mayo Clinic. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Online: Mayoclinic.org, 2017 - NHS. Early menopause. Online: NHS.uk, 2017
