1. About.com
  2. Health
  3. Fertility

Discuss in my forum

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

By , About.com Guide

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.

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved. 

A part of The New York Times Company.

We comply with the HONcode standard
for trustworthy health
information: verify here.