Luteinizing hormone is by nature a glycoprotein. It is secreted by the pituitary gland located in the human brain. The regulation of the amount of this hormone in the blood is carried out by the so-called hypothalamic-pituitary system. In addition, there is an inverse relationship between the work of the pituitary gland and the amount of sex hormones in the human body.
Luteinizing hormone and its role in the human body . Luteinizing hormone belongs to the group of gonadotropic hormones and is important for the normal functioning of both male and female reproductive systems. In the male body, this hormone stimulates the release of testosterone in specialized testicular cells, which, in turn, leads to the complete maturation of spermatozoa.
As for the female body, here luteinizing hormone plays a very important role. He takes part in the synthesis of progesterone, stimulates the release of estrogen, and also takes part in the processes of formation of the corpus luteum.
The level of this hormone in women is constantly changing, and such fluctuations are directly related to the period of the menstrual cycle. The highest level of this hormone is observed during the period when the egg leaves the follicle. After this, the amount of LH usually decreases. That is why this hormone is so important in fertilization. For example, the test results can accurately determine the moment of ovulation, as well as identify some diseases that interfere with normal fertilization or the pregnancy process.
Who needs LH analysis? Luteinizing hormone is a very important substance that provides normal processes of ovulation, sperm maturation and fertilization. That is why, for some problems, patients are often prescribed special tests. For example, such a study is shown by a woman with infertility or insolvency to endure and give birth to a child.
In addition, such tests are carried out with suspected pituitary insufficiency, with ovarian failure, as well as with too early, or vice versa, too late puberty. The same study is shown with a strong inexplicable decrease in sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, growth retardation, anorexia.
Luteinizing hormone test - some rules . In men, blood samples can be taken at any convenient time. Women have a completely different picture, since everything here depends on the day of the monthly cycle. The most suitable days are 3 - 5 and 19 - 22 days. Strong physical activity is contraindicated for 3 to 4 days before blood sampling. Two hours before analysis, you can not smoke, and immediately before the procedure it is recommended to calm down. Blood is taken only on an empty stomach.
What do I testify to? Luteinizing hormone is elevated in women immediately before ovulation, as well as with uterine endometriosis and polycystic ovary. In addition, luteinizing hormone can increase with the so-called ovarian depletion syndrome.
There are several more diseases that can cause a sharp jump in the amount of this hormone in the blood. For example, it can be primary amenorrhea, dysgenesis of the seminiferous tubules, renal failure, as well as menopause, severe starvation and intense sports training. Sometimes an increase in the level of this hormone can signal atrophy of male gonads as a result of testicular inflammation during mumps or after gonorrhea.
Below normal luteinizing hormone is observed when smoking, as well as in obese people. In addition, low rates may indicate atypical polycystic ovary, secondary amenorrhea. On the other hand, such fluctuations in indicators can be caused by frequent stresses and emotional stress. In some cases, the amount of the hormone decreases after surgery.