What can trigger elevated values?

Elevated levels may be normal in women just before ovulation, as this increase in LH triggers ovulation. Permanently elevated concentrations of LH may indicate an underfunction of the ovaries (so-called primary ovarian insufficiency). The lack of ovarian function causes a regulatory increase in LH and attempts to activate the ovaries without success.

The clinical picture of polycystic ovaries (ovaries with many cysts) can also trigger a variety of hormonal changes, such as an increase in LH. Frequently, infertility, cycle disorders, acne or excessive body hair are the result. Early menopause can also trigger increased LH levels.

In men, as in women, an underfunction of the testicles (so-called primary testicular insufficiency) can lead to an increase in LH levels. In both men and women, hyperfunction in the place of LH formation ́s, i.e. in the pituitary gland, can cause increased levels. This can be caused, for example, by a pituitary adenoma, a tumor that is usually benign.

What can trigger lowered values?

Low LH levels can be caused by a disorder in the place where the hormone is formed, the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland, or more precisely the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, is located in the brain, where LH is formed and secreted. This is stimulated by another hormone from the brain, gonadoliberin (GnRH), which comes from the hypothalamus (a section of the diencephalon).Hypothalamus hypofunction can therefore also cause lower LH values. Taking the pill, anorexia or the rare Kallmann syndrome lead to lowered LH values. In men, the intake of testosterone (e.g. for medical reasons) can also lead to lowered LH values via negative feedback.

Menopause

During the menopause there are fundamental changes in the female sex hormone household. Since the estrogen level alone is not meaningful, LH and the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are also determined. The FSH rises to up to 30 times the normal value during the menopause.

The LH level rises up to 5 times during the menopause. The value in the menopausal years is thus usually over 15 IU/l. If the FSH level is already elevated, but the LH level is still normal, the ovaries still have a residual function.

However, the LH level is subject to strong fluctuations during the menopause, so that multiple checks should always be carried out. After the menopause (postmenopausal), the LH level is still elevated. More information about the menopause