Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a hormone released by the pituitary gland. In women, a surge of LH in the middle of the menstrual cycle first causes ovulation,then stimulates the ovaries to produce estrogen and progesterone for about a week. In men, LH stimulates the production of androgen (a male hormone) by the testes. LH is typically increased in menopausal women, women with poorly functioning ovaries, and men with poorly functioning testes.