Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
ICSH; Lutropin; Interstitial Cell Stimulating Hormone
Luteinizing hormone (LH) is an important hormone of the reproductive system, which has found application in diagnosis and therapeutic medicine. It plays a vital role in the development and functioning of the reproductive system. Determination of LH concentration is important for detection of dysfunction of the pituitary variance axis, diagnosis of reproductive disorders, monitoring of antifertility programmes and in therapeutic preparations.
LH levels are normally low during childhood and, in women, high after menopause. As LH is secreted as pulses, it is necessary to follow its concentration over a sufficient period of time to get a proper information about its blood level.During the reproductive years typical levels are between 1-20 IU/L. Physiologic high LH levels are seen during the LH surge (v.s.); typically they last 48 hours.