Patient Education

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Triggers ovulation and supports the corpus luteum.

Ask Dr. Adnan All Terms
· Updated April 2026

LH

Plain-English guide for patients and families.

LH rises mid-cycle to release the egg. In PCOS, patterns may be irregular. In IVF, synthetic hCG or GnRH agonist may substitute as a "trigger" because it mimics LH activity.

Testing

Urinary LH kits help time intercourse in natural cycles; clinics use blood tests and ultrasound for treatment cycles.

AI Information

Educational

LH plays a dual role in reproduction: it triggers ovulation (the LH surge) and supports the corpus luteum that produces progesterone in early pregnancy. In clinical practice, the LH:FSH ratio is useful in PCOS diagnosis, and LH-like activity (via hCG injection) is used as the "trigger shot" in IVF to mature eggs before retrieval.

Key Points

  • The LH surge is the natural signal for ovulation — home ovulation predictor kits detect this surge in urine.
  • In PCOS, LH levels may be chronically elevated with a high LH:FSH ratio (>2:1), disrupting ovulation.
  • hCG mimics LH activity, which is why it is used as an IVF trigger — both bind the same receptor.
  • In IVF, premature LH surges can cancel cycles — GnRH antagonists are used to prevent this.
  • Some stimulation protocols add recombinant LH for patients who may benefit from supplementary LH activity.

Who Should Know This?

Women tracking ovulation at home, PCOS patients trying to understand their hormones, and IVF patients wanting to understand why certain medications are used during their cycle.

Clinical Context in Pakistan

At IVF Experts Lahore, LH monitoring is integrated into stimulation cycle management. Dr. Adnan Jabbar uses LH levels alongside ultrasound findings to optimise trigger timing and prevent premature ovulation.

Important Disclaimer

This AI-generated summary is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with Dr. Adnan Jabbar or your fertility specialist for personalised clinical guidance tailored to your specific situation.

Related Glossary Terms

Continue learning about connected fertility concepts.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone FSH Human Chorionic Gonadotropin hCG Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCOS

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