Luteinizing hormone

Luteinizing hormone (lat. h. luteinisans) is a hormone produced by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. It stimulates the maturation of follicles in the ovaries and their production of estrogens. This hormone also causes ovulation and the formation of the corpus luteum in the ovaries.

Luteinizing hormone is secreted cyclically by cells of the anterior pituitary gland. In the first phase of the menstrual cycle, its level is low. Then, around the middle of the cycle, the concentration of luteinizing hormone increases sharply, leading to ovulation.

After ovulation, luteinizing hormone stimulates luteinization of the follicle, that is, its transformation into the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone. Thus, luteinizing hormone plays an important role in regulating the menstrual cycle and reproductive function in women.

In men, luteinizing hormone stimulates the Leydig cells in the testicles, causing them to produce testosterone. Therefore, it is also called interstitial cell stimulating hormone.

Luteinizing hormone is an important hormone in the human body. It is responsible for the development and functioning of the reproductive system, as well as for the regulation of the menstrual cycle.

Luteinizing hormone is produced in the pituitary gland, a gland located in the brain, and is released into the blood. It stimulates the production of progesterone, a hormone that is responsible for preparing the uterus for pregnancy and the development of the egg.

Luteinizing hormone levels may vary depending on various factors such as age, gender, pregnancy, etc. High levels of the hormone can lead to menstrual irregularities, and low levels can lead to infertility.

Various methods, such as blood tests or ultrasound, are used to diagnose luteinizing hormone levels. Changes in hormone levels can be caused by various diseases, such as hypogonadism, polycystic ovary syndrome, cancer, etc.

In general, luteinizing hormone plays an important role in the functioning of the reproductive system and its levels must be normal to maintain a woman’s health.