Luteinizing hormone
Also known as: hMG (partial LH activity), Interstitial cell-stimulating hormone (ICSH), LH, lutropin, Lutropin alfa, Luveris, Menopur, r-hLH, recombinant human LH
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Summary
Recombinant human luteinizing hormone (r-hLH) is used to induce ovulation and support testosterone production in infertility treatment.
Mechanism of Action
Binds LH receptor (LHCGR) on Leydig and ovarian theca cells, activating adenylate cyclase → ↑cAMP → steroidogenesis and ovulation.
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Male hypogonadism / testosterone deficiencyMale Reproductive HealthModerate
- Induction of ovulationReproductiveHigh
- Induction of follicular development in LH-deficient womenReproductive Endocrinology / FertilityHigh
- Spermatogenesis induction in hypogonadotropic hypogonadismMale FertilityModerate
- Assisted reproductive technology (ART) stimulationReproductive Endocrinology / FertilityHigh
- Support testosterone production in menEndocrineModerate
- Triggering ovulation / luteinizationReproductive EndocrinologyHigh
Contraindications
- Primary ovarian failure / primary hypogonadismEndocrineHigh
- Hormone-sensitive tumors (e.g., ovarian, uterine, testicular cancer)OncologyHigh
- PregnancyPopulationHighPotential fetal risk or insufficient safety data
- Hypersensitivity to gonadotropins or excipientsAllergy/ImmunologyHigh
- Estrogen-dependent neoplasmsOncologyHigh
- Ovarian cysts or enlarged ovaries (not due to PCOS)ReproductiveModerate
- Uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunctionEndocrinologyModerate
- Uncontrolled hypertensionCardiovascularModerate
Adverse Effects
- Injection site reactionsLocalCommon
- Multiple gestationReproductiveUncommon
- Injection site painLocalCommonPain at the injection site
- HeadacheNeurologicCommonPain in the head or upper neck
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndromeReproductive / EndocrineUncommon
- Ectopic pregnancyReproductive / ObstetricRare
- Abdominal pain / bloatingGastrointestinalCommon
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)ReproductiveUncommon
Drug Interactions
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)Moderate
- GnRH agonists (e.g., leuprolide, buserelin)Low
- Recombinant FSH (follitropin alfa/beta)Low
- GnRH antagonists (e.g., cetrorelix, ganirelix)Low
- GnRH agonistsModerate
Population Constraints
- Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)Endocrine / ReproductiveRelative
- Pediatric patientsAgeRelative
- Prepubertal individualsPediatricAbsolute
- Elderly patientsAgeRelative
- Pregnant womenReproductiveRelative
- Patients with renal or hepatic impairmentOrgan FunctionRelative
Regulatory Status
- European UnionApprovedApproved: infertility in womenAvailable as recombinant LH.
- United StatesApprovedApproved: infertility in women, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in menApproved as recombinant LH (e.g., lutropin alfa).
- United KingdomApprovedApproved: Stimulation of follicular development in LH and FSH-deficient women in combination with FSHApproved by MHRA post-Brexit; Luveris retains authorization in the UK
Lutropin alfa (Luveris) is EMA- and FDA-approved for stimulation of follicular development in LH-deficient women. Urinary-derived gonadotropin combinations containing LH activity (e.g., Menopur, hMG) are also approved. Recombinant LH is classified as a prescription biological product in most jurisdictions.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Luteinizing hormone?
Recombinant human luteinizing hormone (r-hLH) is used to induce ovulation and support testosterone production in infertility treatment.
What is Luteinizing hormone used for?
Luteinizing hormone is educationally associated with: Male hypogonadism / testosterone deficiency, Induction of ovulation, Induction of follicular development in LH-deficient women, Spermatogenesis induction in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, Assisted reproductive technology (ART) stimulation, Support testosterone production in men, Triggering ovulation / luteinization. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Luteinizing hormone administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Intramuscular, Subcutaneous.
What are the potential side effects of Luteinizing hormone?
Reported adverse effects include: Injection site reactions, Multiple gestation, Injection site pain, Headache, Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, Ectopic pregnancy, Abdominal pain / bloating, Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Luteinizing hormone?
Recorded contraindications: Primary ovarian failure / primary hypogonadism, Hormone-sensitive tumors (e.g., ovarian, uterine, testicular cancer), Pregnancy, Hypersensitivity to gonadotropins or excipients, Estrogen-dependent neoplasms, Ovarian cysts or enlarged ovaries (not due to PCOS), Uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction, Uncontrolled hypertension. Consult a qualified clinician before use.