What it means
The anterior pituitary releases it under control of the hypothalamus. In the menstrual cycle, a sudden rise in luteinizing hormone (the LH surge) makes the ovary release an egg about a day later. In males it tells the testes to make testosterone. Home ovulation tests detect the LH surge in urine.
At a glance
| Spanish | hormona luteinizante |
|---|---|
| Also written | LH |
Related terms
hypothalamus
A small area at the base of the brain that controls body temperature, hunger, thirst, sleep and many hormones.
fertility
The ability to become pregnant or to cause a pregnancy.
endocrine gland
A gland that releases hormones straight into the blood instead of through a tube or duct.
androgen
A male sex hormone, such as testosterone, or a drug that acts like one.