LH (in men)

Advanced wellness

also luteinizing hormone

What it isA pituitary hormone that signals the Leydig cells of the testes to manufacture testosterone.

DoesDrives testicular testosterone production.

GoodA mid-range LH with normal testosterone signals an intact pituitary-gonadal axis.

BadHigh LH with low testosterone signals primary testicular failure. Low LH with low testosterone signals secondary (pituitary or hypothalamic) failure. Exogenous testosterone suppresses LH and shrinks the testes.

Standard

1.7–8.6 mIU/mL.

Optimal

3.0–6.0 mIU/mL (narrow target)

Modifiers

Crushed by exogenous testosterone; elevated with primary testicular failure.

How to optimize

Lifestyle: Sleep, stress management; weight loss in obese men with secondary hypogonadism.
Diet: Adequate calories and protein; vitamin D, zinc, magnesium.
Supplements: Zinc, vitamin D3, ashwagandha, tongkat ali support LH.
Peptides: Gonadorelin, kisspeptin-10 stimulate LH release; hCG mimics LH directly.
Drugs: Clomiphene, enclomiphene, hCG to restore testosterone while preserving fertility.

within Men's Hormones