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Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

By Rachel Gurevich, About.com

Updated July 29, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: LH is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland. It, along with FSH, helps a woman's egg mature and develop. There is a surge of LH right before ovulation that triggers the egg's release from the ovary, and this surge is what at-home ovulation predictor kits look for.

In men, LH is involved in the production of testosterone, which in turn affects sperm cell growth and development.

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