Why is this test important? Hormones are a chemical substance secreted by one tissue and traveling to another to affect other tissues in your body. They act as chemical messengers. Maintaining proper balance of these important "messengers" is key to optimal health.
Estrogen is a group of hormones primarily responsible for the development of female sex organs and secondary sex characteristics and very important in determining fertility. In women, follicular stimulating hormone (FSH; produced by the pituitary gland) stimulates cells (follicles) surrounding the eggs in the ovaries, causing them to produce estrogen. When the estrogen levels reach a certain level, the pituitary produces a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH), which eventually causes the release of the egg, beginning the preparation for fertilization.
Women's menstrual cycles are divided into 2 phases, the follicular and luteal, by a mid-cycle surge of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and LH. The high level of LH (and FSH) at mid-cycle triggers ovulation. LH also stimulates the ovaries to produce steroids, primarily estradiol. Estradiol and other steroids help the pituitary to regulate the production of LH. At the time of menopause, the ovaries stop functioning and LH levels rise. It is recommended to have both LH and FSH tested at the same time.
In men, LH stimulates the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone. LH levels are relatively constant in men after puberty. Testosterone provides negative feedback to the pituitary and the hypothalamus, helping to regulate the amount of LH secreted.
What does the test include? The HealthCheckUSA Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Fertility Blood Test involves a blood draw by a qualified lab technician. The test includes:
In women and men, FSH and LH are ordered as part of the workup of infertility and pituitary or gonadal disorders. FSH may be ordered to determine if a woman has reached menopause.
To measure or monitor your hormone levels if you are a woman who has unexplained abnormal menstrual cycles, abnormal or heavy vaginal bleeding, infertility, symptoms of menopause, or any other hormonal alterations; fatigue, and moodiness. If you are not experiencing any symptoms it is still prudent to learn what your baseline is, or what is normal for you, for future health and wellness.
