LH
Also written as: LH — Luteinizing Hormone
Luteinizing hormone, a gonadotropin that stimulates testosterone production in boys and ovulation in girls during puberty.
Full Definition
Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a glycoprotein hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland that plays a crucial role in sexual development and reproduction. In pediatric endocrinology, LH levels are used to assess pubertal status and diagnose conditions affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. LH stimulates Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone and theca cells in the ovaries to produce androgens. Elevated LH levels may indicate primary gonadal failure, while suppressed levels suggest central hypogonadism.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize when abbreviated; spell out on first mention in formal documents.
In Context
- "The patient's elevated LH and FSH levels confirmed primary testicular failure." — Laboratory report
- "Pubertal LH surges typically occur during sleep in early adolescence." — Research article