LH in men: what it means and why it matters
Luteinising hormone (LH) plays a vital role in male reproductive health, yet it's not something most men hear much about, unless there's a problem. Whether you're experiencing symptoms like low energy or changes in libido, or you're just curious about what's going on behind the scenes, understanding LH could be key to managing your overall wellbeing.
In this article, we explain what LH is, how it works in the male body and what it can tell you about your hormone health.
What is LH?
LH, or luteinising hormone, is produced by the pituitary gland, a small gland at the base of the brain. It plays a key role in regulating the male reproductive system, particularly by stimulating the testes to produce testosterone.
Testosterone is essential for a range of bodily functions beyond reproduction, including muscle mass, bone density, mood regulation and overall vitality. LH is what keeps your testosterone production in check, so if LH levels are off, it can have knock-on effects for your general health.
Why is LH important for men?
In men, LH works by signalling the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone. This production process is part of what's known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, a hormonal feedback loop that controls male sexual development, fertility and more.
If LH levels are too low, your body may not produce enough testosterone, potentially leading to a condition called hypogonadism. On the other hand, high LH levels may indicate that your testes are not responding properly to the hormone's signal, which can also disrupt hormone balance and fertility.
Keeping your LH and testosterone levels within a healthy range is key to maintaining strength, mood, sex drive and long-term health.
What are normal LH levels in men?
Normal LH levels can vary slightly depending on the lab, but in general, they range between 1.8 to 8.6 IU/L (international units per litre)
Levels outside this range may signal that something isn’t functioning as it should. However, interpreting LH results isn’t always straightforward, as levels can fluctuate throughout the day and may be affected by stress, illness or medication.
To get a fuller picture, LH is typically measured alongside other hormones like testosterone, FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and prolactin. You can explore what these results mean through a comprehensive Male Hormone Profile, which helps identify imbalances and track trends over time.
Symptoms of low LH in men
Low LH levels may lead to lower testosterone production, resulting in a range of symptoms. Some common signs include:
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Low libido or reduced sex drive
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Fatigue or low energy
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Decreased muscle mass or strength
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Mood changes, such as irritability or depression
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Reduced facial or body hair
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Difficulty concentrating
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Infertility
These symptoms can sometimes be subtle and are often mistaken for part of the natural aging process. However, they may be linked to an underlying hormonal imbalance that can be corrected with the right support.
What causes low LH?
There are several reasons why a man might have low LH levels, including:
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Pituitary gland disorders – such as hypopituitarism, which affects hormone production
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Chronic stress – which may suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary function
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Use of anabolic steroids – which can inhibit the body’s own LH and testosterone production
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Obesity – linked with hormonal changes and reduced LH levels
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Certain medications – such as opioids or corticosteroids
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Ageing – natural testosterone decline may be associated with lower LH, but should still be monitored
If you're experiencing symptoms and suspect low LH may be a factor, a Male Hormone Profile test can help you identify what's happening internally.
Symptoms and causes of high LH in men
Although less common, elevated LH levels in men can also point to a problem. High LH can be a sign that your body is trying to stimulate the testes, but they're not responding, a condition known as primary hypogonadism.
Possible causes of high LH include:
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Testicular damage or trauma
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Infection, such as mumps, affecting the testes
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Genetic conditions, including Klinefelter syndrome
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Radiation or chemotherapy treatment
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Alcohol abuse, which can affect testicular function
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Certain autoimmune conditions
In these cases, your body produces more LH in an effort to stimulate testosterone production, but if the testes can’t respond effectively, testosterone levels remain low despite elevated LH.
How is LH tested?
LH is measured through a simple blood test. For accurate results, it’s often assessed alongside other key hormones such as:
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Total and free testosterone
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FSH (important for sperm production)
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SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin)
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Prolactin (which can influence testosterone levels)
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DHEA-S and cortisol, depending on symptoms
A Male Hormone Profile brings all these metrics together to help you build a clearer picture of your hormonal health. It’s especially useful if you're experiencing persistent symptoms such as fatigue, changes in libido or mood shifts.
Can LH levels be improved?
Whether your LH levels are too low or too high, the treatment approach will depend on the underlying cause.
For low LH due to pituitary problems, treatment may involve hormone replacement therapy (HRT), such as testosterone therapy. If the cause is lifestyle-related, such as stress, obesity, or steroid use, then making positive changes could help naturally rebalance your hormone levels.
For high LH caused by testicular issues, treatment may focus on addressing fertility problems or managing symptoms of testosterone deficiency.
Supportive steps to help regulate hormone balance can include:
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Maintaining a healthy weight
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Reducing stress through mindfulness, sleep, or physical activity
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Avoiding anabolic steroids and excess alcohol
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Eating a balanced diet with healthy fats and essential nutrients
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Regular health checks to monitor changes over time
Why regular hormone testing matters
Hormone levels change over time, and subtle imbalances can be difficult to detect without testing. Even if you feel fine, small shifts in LH or testosterone levels can affect your energy, mood and long-term health.
A Male Hormone Profile from Bluecrest Wellness gives you access to a comprehensive analysis of your key hormone levels, helping you take proactive steps before issues escalate. The test is non-invasive, quick, and includes a detailed Results Report to help you understand what your numbers mean.
It’s a practical way to stay informed about your health, whether you're managing symptoms or just want peace of mind.
