Follicular phase luteinizing hormone normal

LH: follicular phase

Luteinizing hormone is most actively produced by the pituitary gland in the first phase of the monthly cycle. If LH is elevated in the follicular phase, this will affect the speed of egg maturation, the ovulation process, as well as the production of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

Luteinizing hormone and the first half of the cycle are interdependent things. The ovaries and pituitary gland are especially sensitive to this hormone. With minor deviations from the norm, a response occurs.

LH and follicular phase - normal hormone

Depending on the time of day and period of the monthly cycle, the concentration of luteinizing hormone in the blood serum may differ. For example, the LH hormone is increased in the follicular phase at night. Just as in the case of FSH, the release of this hormone is uneven.

The activity of LH production and the first phase of the cycle are closely interrelated. When the menstrual cycle begins, the follicle grows under the influence of FSH, its cells divide, and the membrane expands. A large amount of estrogens is produced by the membrane. This hormone accumulates in the body throughout the follicular phase.

When the concentration of estrogen increases to the extreme limit, they are released into the blood. Through receptors, the pituitary gland receives a message about this condition.

During this, a large amount of luteinizing hormone enters the blood. High LH in the follicular phase is observed at the end of its completion.

It is during this period that the concentration of the hormone can exceed normal levels by 10 times.

After this hormone reaches its peak, ovulation occurs. Typically, 10-20 hours pass between such processes.

Together with FSH, LH stimulates ovarian function, which leads to the growth of a new follicle.

The level of luteinizing hormone in the blood can vary within a certain range, so you can understand whether LH is elevated in the luteal phase or not by taking a test to determine the level of FSH. This feature is explained by the close relationship between these two hormones. Based on their ratio, one can judge whether a woman has problems with the functioning of her reproductive and endocrine systems.

If an abnormal increase in LH is detected in the follicular phase, treatment will be prescribed based on the reasons for this phenomenon. The following external factors have a particular influence:

• Frequent experiences of stressful situations, nervous overstrain, during which cortisol and adrenaline are actively produced;
• Independent selection of contraceptives;
• Use of steroids, intake of sports nutrition products;
• Negative effects of healing during MRI or radiography;
• Systematic smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages.

What can an increase in LH in the follicular phase indicate?

If the level of this hormone is elevated, while the FSH level is within the normal range, then, most likely, serious endocrine disorders are present. It is worth saying right away that a woman’s ability to become pregnant depends on normal LH levels. If it is many times higher than the norm, then a diagnosis of hormonal infertility may be made.

If problems with PH are present, the luteal phase may not occur on time or its duration will be changed.

If the ovaries are disrupted, there is no increase in estrogen production in response to the flow of LH. In such situations, one can judge the impossibility of pregnancy.

The egg cannot fully mature, and accordingly, the formation of the corpus luteum does not occur. As a result of menstrual irregularities, the egg remaining in the ovary transforms into a cyst.

If the problem is not corrected in time, then in a few months the woman will be diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Elevated LH levels may indicate the presence of the following pathologies:

• Polycystic disease;
• Endometriosis;
• Ovarian dysfunction;
• Insufficient kidney function.

What measures to take?

LH is reduced in the follicular phase at the beginning of the monthly cycle. If its pathological increase is diagnosed, then it can be assumed that the woman has endocrine diseases. The reasons for the appearance of this condition include the defective functioning of the ovaries, which are not able to produce estrogen in response to the supply of luteinizing hormone.

If the indicators are elevated, the doctor prescribes an additional examination, which includes diagnosing the condition over time over several cycles. Tests are also performed to rule out renal failure, the presence of tumors, and dysfunction of the pituitary gland.

During the period of examination and treatment prescribed by the doctor, it is necessary to exclude the influence of unfavorable factors, including the need to avoid stressful situations and toxic effects.

Source: https://defekt-lyuteinovoy-fazi.ru/lg-follikulyarnaya-faza.html

luteinizing hormone and ovulation

Ovulation is a period of the menstrual cycle when an egg capable of fertilization is released into the abdominal cavity from a woman’s ovaries. The frequency of ovulation occurs, depending on the length of the cycle, approximately every 21-35 days.

This periodicity is regulated by special neurohumoral mechanisms, for example, ovarian follicular hormone and gonadotropic hormones of the anterior pituitary gland. Ovulation is facilitated by some accumulation of follicular fluid and the relative thinning of the ovarian tissue, which is located above the protruding pole of the follicle.

For each woman, the constant rhythm of ovulation may undergo some changes: after an abortion - for about three to four months, after childbirth - for one year, and also after the age of 40, when the woman’s body begins to intensively prepare for the premenopausal period. Ovulation stops after the complete cessation of menstrual function and with the onset of pregnancy. Establishing the exact date of ovulation is extremely important when choosing the best time to conceive.

Subjective signs of ovulation are short-term slight pain in the lower abdomen, objective signs are a slight increase in vaginal discharge and a decrease in basal (rectal) temperature on the day of ovulation with a slight increase the next day, an increase in the concentration of progesterone in the blood plasma and other symptoms.

Ovulation disorders are often caused by dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian system, which can sometimes be caused by dysfunction of the thyroid gland or adrenal cortex, inflammation of the genitals, systemic diseases, tumors of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, and stress. The absence of the ovulation process in reproductive age is manifested by some disturbance of the menstrual rhythm such as oligomenorrhea (menstruation lasting only 1-2 days), dysfunctional bleeding, and amenorrhea.

Anovulation is one of the reasons for a woman's infertility. Methods for restoring the ovulation process must be determined by the cause that could cause anovulation, and require contacting a competent gynecologist and suitable treatment.

Some women may experience the peak of sexual arousal during the days of ovulation. But using only a physiological method of protection from unwanted pregnancy, which is based on complete sexual abstinence during ovulation, is very difficult for young spouses, for whom the frequency of sexual intercourse sometimes reaches a very high level. It is also worth noting that during severe anxiety and stress, additional ovulation may occur (especially with irregular sexual intercourse), and then not one, but two whole eggs mature in one cycle.

For a planned pregnancy, it is very important to correctly calculate ovulation, because in order to fertilize an egg, the man’s sperm must enter the woman’s body at approximately the same time when the egg is released from the ovaries. If you correctly draw up an ovulation calendar, then choosing the right time for fertilization will be more effective. Special tests to determine the time of ovulation will help you most accurately calculate the time when fertilization can occur.

How does an ovulation test work?

Each menstrual cycle, one follicle matures in the ovaries, less often - two or more. As the follicle matures, female hormones called estrogens are produced in the follicle cells. The larger the follicle becomes, the more estrogen its cells produce.

When the level of these estrogen reaches a level that will be sufficient for ovulation, luteinizing hormone (abbreviated as LH) is released, after which, within about one to two days, the follicle ruptures (or simply ovulation) and the egg, which is ready for fertilization, rushes straight out into the fallopian tube - to meet sperm. The time of follicle development may differ slightly not only in several different women, but even in the same woman in different cycles.

So, the action of modern ovulation tests is based on determining the moment of a sudden increase in LH levels in the urine.

On what day should you start using tests to determine ovulation?

The start time for testing should be determined based on the length of your cycle. The very first day of the menstrual cycle is the day when your period begins. The cycle length is the number of days that have passed from the very first day of the most recent menstruation to the very first day of the next one.

If your cycle is always regular and of the same duration, then you should start doing ovulation tests seventeen days before the start of your next period, because after ovulation, the corpus luteum phase lasts 12-16 days (on average - 14). For example, if the length of your menstrual cycle is 28 days, then testing should begin approximately on the 11th day, and if 32, then on the 15th.

If the duration of the cycle is not constant, you need to select the shortest cycle in the last six months and use exactly its duration to accurately calculate the day when you need to start testing. If there are long delays and lack of regularity, the use of tests alone without additional monitoring of follicles and ovulation is not reasonable.

When used every day (or even better, twice a day - morning and evening), tests to determine ovulation give remarkable results, especially when combined with ultrasound. When using ultrasound control, you can avoid wasting tests, but wait some time until the follicle can reach a size of approximately 18-20 millimeters and will be able to ovulate. This is when you can confidently start doing tests every day.

Application of the test

Tests can be taken at almost any time of the day, but it is still highly advisable to stick to the same time of use of the test. At the same time, in order for the concentration of the hormone in the urine to be the highest, it is better to refrain from urinating for at least four hours, and also avoid excess drinking before testing, as this may well lead to a slight decrease in the concentration of LH in the urine and slightly reduce the reliability result. The best time to take the test is in the morning.

Evaluation of results

Compare the result line with the control line. The control line, if the test was carried out correctly, always appears in a special window. If your result line is paler than the control line, it means that the LH surge has not yet occurred and testing should be continued. If the result line is exactly the same or slightly darker than the control line, it means that a hormone release has already occurred, and you will ovulate within 1-1.5 days.

The couple of days that are most suitable for conception begin from the moment when you were able to determine that a release of luteinizing hormone had already occurred. If sexual intercourse occurs in the next couple of days, the likelihood of getting pregnant will be maximum. Once it has been determined that an LH surge has already occurred, there is no need to continue testing.

Planning the gender of the unborn child

It is impossible to plan the birth of a child of a certain gender in advance, but there is a theory according to which in the days closest to ovulation the possibility of conceiving a boy increases somewhat, and in the days farthest away - girls. Therefore, to increase the likelihood of having a boy, it is necessary to abstain from sexual intercourse until the test shows a negative result.

To increase the likelihood of giving birth to a girl, on the contrary, you need to stop sexual intercourse immediately after the ovulation test shows a positive result. However, this method cannot provide one hundred percent reliable results.

Erroneous results

Unfortunately, ovulation tests may not show ovulation itself, but only some change in the dynamics of LH levels. A sharp rise in LH is very characteristic of ovulation, but the rise in luteinizing hormone itself cannot give an absolute guarantee that this event is associated specifically with ovulation and that the latter definitely took place.

An increase in the amount of luteinizing hormone can occur in other situations - with ovarian wasting syndrome, hormonal dysfunction, renal failure, postmenopause and other disorders. Thus, with any permanent or temporary dysfunction (including immediately after stopping synthetic hormonal drugs or a sudden transition to a raw food diet/vegetarianism), tests may show false positive results. In addition, false positive results are also possible under the influence of other hormones that are absolutely unrelated to changes in LH levels.

For example, in the presence of a pregnancy hormone, tests can give a positive result due to some similarity in the molecular structure with LH (the structure of luteinizing hormone is similar to some other glycoprotein hormones - TSH, hCG, FSH), which many pregnant women have already been able to verify for themselves women. That is, an ovulation test during pregnancy may well give a false positive result. When stimulating ovulation after hCG injections, tests can also show a positive result, which is absolutely not associated with an increase in the content of luteinizing hormone.

Ovulation tests after hCG injections are absolutely not informative. It is possible that the results of such tests may be somewhat influenced by fluctuations in some other hormones (TSH, FSH) and even nutritional characteristics (phytohormones contained in plants).

Therefore, if you are not menstruating or if you suspect any hormonal imbalance, you should not rely solely on test results. In such cases, the timing and presence of ovulation should be determined using more reliable diagnostic methods. For example, using an ultrasound examination.

Ovulation tests are sold in many pharmacies and are presented there in a fairly wide range.

Types of Ovulation Tests

1. Test strips

. Most likely, you are already familiar with this type of pregnancy test - a thin strip of special paper that is impregnated with a special reagent. The ovulation test is a similar strip that should be immersed in urine for a while, after which the result will appear after some time. Such ovulation tests are not very accurate and have their drawbacks.

2. Test plates

(or test cassettes). Such tests also have analogues among pregnancy tests. The test tablet is a plastic case with a small window. This test needs to be placed under a stream of urine or just a little urine dropped on it - and after a few minutes you can see the result in the window. Test tablets are very reliable, but they are also somewhat more expensive.

3. Inkjet tests

. These are the most reliable ovulation tests currently available. This ovulation test is dropped directly into a container with urine or simply placed under a stream of urine - and after a few minutes you can observe the result.

4. Reusable Ovulation Tests

. Essentially, they are a portable device with a whole set of test strips. These strips are dipped into the urine, then they are inserted into the device - and very soon you can find out the result.

5. Electronic ovulation tests

. These tests “react” not to urine, but to the woman’s saliva. You should place a small amount of saliva under the lens, and then either look at a special sensor, or through the microscope that comes with the lens, observe the pattern on the saliva. What a specific pattern means is written in the instructions. Such ovulation tests are quite expensive, but in terms of reliability they definitely have no competitors!

However, when planning to do an ovulation test, you should remember that all of the above tests may not show the exact timing of ovulation, but the timing of the release of LH into the body, after which ovulation should occur. This must be taken into account when conducting such tests.

Currently, several companies produce ovulation tests. The most famous among them are Frautest, Eviplan and Clearblue.

Frautest

These ovulation tests are produced in Germany. Divided into three categories:

1. Ovulating. This product contains 5 strips, since this is exactly how many days a woman with a regular cycle needs to determine the time of increase in luteinizing hormone levels. The sensitivity of this test is from 30 mIU/ml.

2. Frautest ovulation planning. This kit includes 5 ovulation tests and 2 pregnancy tests, as well as several containers for collecting urine.

3. Ovulating (in a cassette with a cap). This kit contains 7 tests and is suitable for women with irregular cycles. Each test is very convenient and hygienic: there is no need to collect urine, you can test almost anywhere. A well-closing small cap does not allow you to disrupt the well-thought-out test procedure. The sensitivity of this test is from 30 mIU/ml. The accuracy is more than 99%.

How much does this ovulation test cost? The price of an ovulation test from Frautest is about 350 rubles.

Eviplan

The one-step diagnostic ovulation test Eviplan is designed to accurately determine the LH surge. This biological substance is a fertility hormone, the total amount of which increases sharply around the middle of the cycle. An increase in the concentration of luteinizing hormone can trigger the ovulation process, as a result of which an egg is released from the ovaries.

Ovulation is the period when an egg is released and is ready for fertilization. The accuracy of this test is approximately 99%, and the result can be seen in just five minutes.

Application:

1. You need to open the package, take out the strip and place it in a previously prepared container with urine.

2. The test strip must be lowered for 5 seconds to the indicated o. Next, the test strip should be placed on a flat surface.

3. The result must be assessed at room temperature after 5 minutes, but no later than 10 minutes after the start of the procedure.

4. The test strip is for one-time use only.

5. To determine the exact result, compare the color intensity (lighter or darker) of the test strip with the control strip. The control line is at the end of the test field.

6. A positive result (an increase in the amount of luteinizing hormone) is considered to be a strip with a color intensity similar to the control strip or slightly darker. This result shows that there has been an increase in the concentration of luteinizing hormone. Basically, the process of ovulation occurs within 1-2 days after an increase in the amount of luteinizing hormone. This period of time is considered the best for conception.

7. A negative result (no increase in the amount of luteinizing hormone) is considered to be a strip with a color intensity lighter than that on the control strip. This result shows that there was no increase in luteinizing hormone.

The result is considered invalid if the control line does not appear within 10 minutes.

Special instructions when using the Eviplan ovulation test:

· Before using the test, you need to determine the actual duration of the cycle. In case of any violation of the duration of the cycle, you should contact a specialist (when the cycle is less than 21 days or more than 38 days).

· Before starting the procedure, you should carefully read the instructions for use.

· The reasons for a false result may be incorrect test execution or incorrect timing.

· The very first morning urine is not suitable for testing.

· Synthesis of luteinizing hormone usually occurs in the early morning hours, while the substance itself is determined throughout the day. Thus, the most optimal time for testing is considered to be from 10 am to 10 pm.

· Testing must be carried out at the same time.

· Before testing, you should refrain from urinating for 2-3 hours and reduce the amount of fluid you consume.

The cost of ovulation tests produced by this company is about 350 rubles.

Clearblue

Clearblue's digital ovulation test indicates a slight increase in LH hormone levels, which usually occurs 24-36 hours before ovulation. This allows you to accurately determine the two most favorable days for conceiving a child in this cycle. Making love on these two days will give you much more opportunities to get pregnant than on any other days.

Clearblue's digital ovulation test is the most effective home test available.

The Clearblue Ovulation Test should be used for several days at the same time each day when luteinizing hormone concentrations are expected to increase. The test can determine the days of your cycle when you are most fertile.

The Clearblue brand ovulation test has the following features:

Detects the peak LH concentration with 99% accuracy

Quite easy to use, non-invasive and natural urine test

Features the original flashing test strip sign to indicate the test is working correctly

Shows results within three minutes

The cost of ovulation tests produced by this company is about 700 rubles.

Which ovulation test is better is up to you to decide! We must remember that conceiving a child is a responsible matter. But soon all your efforts will be rewarded with the greatest miracle in this world - the most wonderful and beloved baby.

LH and follicular phase

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The pituitary gland is capable of secreting several types of sex hormones.

Let us consider the features of the action of luteinizing hormone and the correction of disturbances in its level.

What is LH, high luteal phase LH

It ensures normal functioning of the sex glands. Produced in male and female bodies. An increase in this hormone in the blood is a sign of ovulation.

High LH in the luteal phase occurs on days 12-16 of the cycle. In the male body, the concentration of this hormone is constant. The level of the hormone in women constantly fluctuates depending on the day of the cycle.

The norms of such a hormone are as follows:

• in the follicular phase of the monthly cycle - from 2 to 14 mU per liter;
• in the ovulation phase - from 24 to 150 mU;
• in the luteal phase - from 2 to 17 honey units.

LH luteal phase: when is hormone analysis needed?

The doctor prescribes an examination in the following cases:

• absence of menstruation;
• scanty menstruation;
• infertility;
• presence of miscarriage;
• premature or delayed sexual development;
• bleeding from the uterus;
• inflammation of the uterine mucosa;
• decreased libido;
• to determine ovulation;
• before in vitro fertilization;
• to monitor the effectiveness of taking hormonal drugs;
• with excess body hair growth in women;
• with polycystic ovary syndrome.

What does an increase in the LH hormone in the follicular phase mean?

Let us recall the value of LH in the follicular phase: its norm is from 2 to 14 mU per liter of blood. High LH in the follicular phase may indicate ovarian dysfunction. This can happen if the gonads cannot sufficiently produce hormones such as estrogen, testosterone and inhibin. This situation indicates a serious hormonal imbalance in women.

Luteinizing hormone, together with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), stimulates the development of a dominant follicle. Quite often, FSH and LH are elevated in the follicular phase, which means the onset of early menopause, ovarian depletion or infertility. If the concentration of the hormone LH is greater than FSH in the follicular phase, this can lead to disruption of ovarian function and lead to the formation of a cyst. If LH is elevated in the follicular phase, this may be a consequence of ovarian hyperstimulation.

Symptoms of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome:

• increase in the size of the gonads;
• accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity;
• stomach ache;
• infertility.

If an increase in LH in the follicular phase is diagnosed, treatment should begin immediately.

What you need to know if LH is low in the follicular phase

If LH is reduced in the follicular phase, this indicates that the internal genital organs are not developing enough. In this case, ovulation is impossible, because the follicle simply does not mature.

A persistent decrease in LH leads to hypogonadism. Symptoms of hypogonadism are:

• irregular menstruation, sometimes amenorrhea;
• breast involution;
• characterized by narrowing of the pelvis;
• absence of secondary sexual characteristics.

To diagnose this condition, blood tests for the content of sex hormones, ultrasound of the uterus and ovaries are indicated. X-rays are sometimes indicated to confirm or rule out osteoporosis.

Luteal phase deficiency

If ovarian function is impaired, the doctor may diagnose LPF - luteal phase deficiency. This is expressed by weakened function of the corpus luteum: progesterone is produced in insufficient quantities. Due to the reduced amount of progesterone, the uterus does not have time to prepare for pregnancy and the embryo cannot firmly attach to the endometrium - the inner lining of the uterus.

You can find out that you have NLF from the basal temperature chart: if less than 10 days pass from ovulation to the start of your next period, consult a doctor. To confirm the diagnosis of NLF, you need to take a blood test. In the second half of the cycle, when the luteal phase begins, progesterone will be reduced.

Insufficiency of the corpus luteum phase can cause infertility and miscarriages in the early stages (2–4 months of pregnancy).