Luteinizing hormone is one of the many reproductive hormones that keep our bodies functioning properly. OBGYN Dr. Gleaton is here to explain what LH is, what LH levels should be expected, and how tracking LH can help you get pregnant.
By OBGYN and fertility expert Dr. Kenosha Gleaton
LH (luteinizing hormone) is a key hormone for both male and female reproductive systems- let’s talk about why tracking LH is beneficial to getting pregnant.
What is LH, anyway?
There are a few key reproductive hormones — estrogen, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and luteinizing hormone (LH) that impact menstruation, ovulation, and pregnancy.
LH is the hormone released by the brain that tells your ovaries to release a mature egg, which is known as ovulation.
What does LH tell you about your fertile window?
A woman’s fertile window is a short period of time surrounding ovulation when she’s able to conceive. A surge in the level of LH is what triggers ovulation. This can be detected using ovulation predictor tests or ovulation predictor kits (OPKs). If the test result is positive, it indicates that ovulation will occur in the next 24 to 48 hours. This represents the fertile window and is the ideal time to have intercourse if trying to conceive.
