In the article, we consider the rate of LH in men.
Such a structural unit of the brain as the pituitary gland releases luteinizing hormone. For representatives of the stronger sex, its role is very important, especially if it concerns the activity of the reproductive organs, in particular in adolescence. It is difficult to overestimate its effect on health, because the hormone controls the "testis-hypothalamus-pituitary" system, and therefore sexual activity. To determine the concentration of the hormone in the bloodstream, you need to visit a doctor.
Description
This luteinizing hormone (lutropin) is synthesized by the pituitary gland, is responsible for the activity of the sex glands. In a man’s body, under his influence, the synthesis of testosterone is stimulated by affecting Leydig cells in the testes. That is, lutropin directly affects the function of childbearing.
Many people wonder what is the norm of FSH and LH in men?
Lutropin function in the male body
The main condition for the production of testosterone in the required quantities is a sufficient level of lutropin in the body of a man.
Directly the hormone affects:
- Sexual health.
- Muscle building
- Sperm production.
The production of luteinizing hormone (LH) is stimulated by the brain, which focuses on the concentration of testosterone in the blood. If it is not enough, the amount of LH increases, if a lot - begins to decline. Thus, LH production is cyclical in nature.
Norm LH in men
Normal indicators of lutropin in the body of a man depend on his age:
- 8-18 years old - 0.1-6.
- 18-70 years old - 1.5-9.3.
- Over 70 years old - 3.1-3.4.
In addition, the level of the hormone may depend on external factors:
- Time of day. In the morning, there is a peak in the content of lutropin in the blood. In the evening, its concentration is at a minimum level.
- Seasons. The maximum concentration of lutropin is observed in the summer, the minimum amount of hormone by the male body is produced in November-December.
The norm of LH in men is necessary for sperm maturation and maintenance of normal testosterone production. The concentration of the hormone reaches its maximum value by the age of 12, and practically does not change until old age.
FSH
An important indicator in the male body is the ratio of LH and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone). Before puberty, hormones are in equilibrium proportion - 1: 1. In adult men, the ratio of LH and FSH is 1: 1.5. That is, FSH is somewhat predominant over LH.
Causes of deviations from normal indicators, consequences
Why are there abnormalities of LH hormone in men?
If the indicators of the concentration of the hormone in the blood change up or down, then we can judge the presence of pathological processes in the male body. Short-term abnormalities may be associated with certain physiological processes.
An increase in lutropin level in combination with a decrease in testosterone concentration may be due to impaired testicular function. The pituitary gland tries to compensate for the lack of testosterone by increasing the synthesis of LH. Normal LH rates double, and in some situations, triple.
Most often, the reason for the increase in the concentration of luteinizing hormone in men is:
- malignant neoplasm of the scrotum:
- radiation, chemotherapy;
- viral infections (usually viral hepatitis);
- Klinefelter's syndrome.
With autoimmune pathologies and the use of certain medications, a borderline level of LH can be noted.
Some experts tend to associate a slight increase in the concentration of lutropin with celiac disease (intolerance to gluten or gluten). In this case, a gluten-free diet contributes to the normalization of LH levels.
Is the decline dangerous?
LH below normal in men can be dangerous to the reproductive system. The seminal fluid contains a small amount of viable sperm. Such a situation often causes the development of complete infertility.
Among the reasons for the decrease in lutropin, the use of androgens (anabolic drugs, testosterone) is also highlighted. Lutropin deficiency is most pronounced in men taking steroid drugs.
The next reason for the decrease in the concentration of LH are pathologies and conditions that affect the activity of the pituitary gland:
- The use of drugs.
- Anorexia.
- Delayed sexual development.
- Atrophy of gonads against the background of transferred infectious diseases: mumps, gonorrhea, brucellosis.
- Autoimmune pathologies.
- Head injuries.
- Excessive synthesis of prolactin.
- Stressed.
- Malignant tumors in the adrenal glands.
- Neoplasms in the brain, pituitary gland.
- Hereditary pathologies (Kalman syndrome, Prader-Willi).
A borderline level can be observed if a man has a temporary hormonal imbalance, provoked by a passion for alcohol and excessive physical exertion.
How to identify abnormalities of luteinizing hormone in men?
Diagnostics
To determine the level of LH, blood samples are examined. The collection of biological material is carried out at the peak of the synthesis of the hormone, that is, in the morning.
In order for the result to be reliable, a man should follow certain recommendations before blood donation:
- Stop smoking in 3 hours.
- Exclude psychological and physical stress per day.
- Refuse thyroid and steroid medications in two days.
- Do not eat for 12 hours before analysis.
If abnormalities were found during the laboratory examination of blood samples, a specialist can prescribe an additional examination in the form of hardware diagnostic techniques, ultrasound studies. This will reveal the pathology that provoked the deviation.
Minor deviations of LH can occur in men suffering from diabetes mellitus, in the presence of resistance to insulin, its insufficient production.
Deviation correction
Therapy of deviations is carried out by the use of drugs based on estrogen or progesterone, as well as androgens. To increase the level of lutropin, such medicines as Goserelin, Nilutamide, Mestranol, Phenytoin can be used. In order to reduce LH, Megestrol, Danazol, Stanazol, and Dopamine are used.
Therapy of hyperprolactinemia is carried out using ergot drugs. As a rule, Cabergoline or Bromocriptine is used for this. In addition to hormonal drugs, men are recommended to take sedatives, vitamins, and drugs that can normalize blood circulation.
It is important to eliminate the cause.
It is important to understand that artificial decrease or increase in the level of lutropin is insufficient. It is possible to normalize the processes of LH production in the body only by eliminating the cause that provoked the deviation.
The independent use of hormonal medications can lead to irreversible changes in the body, so a doctor’s consultation and a full examination are required. In the absence of pathological processes, to normalize the level of LH, it will be enough to review your diet, reduce physical activity, which must alternate with relaxation, and also establish a sexual life.
We examined the rate of LH in men. Have you checked the level of this hormone?