LH and Testosterone

In women, the increased levels of LH indicate a condition called primary ovarian failure, where the ovaries fail to work properly themselves. There are many causes for this condition such as autoimmune disorders, ovarian tumors, Turner syndrome (a genetic abnormality), polycystic ovary syndrome, adrenal or thyroid disease etc. In women whose ovaries are not properly developed, who use chemotherapy medicines, or have exposure to radiation therapy also shows increased levels of LH. Decreased levels of LH indicate a condition called secondary ovarian failure. This condition is due to the problem with pituitary or hypothalamus glands. This fails to stimulate the ovaries and ovarian function leading to ovulatory problems.

In men, the increased levels of LH indicate a condition called primary testicular failure, where the gonads fail to work properly themselves. There are many causes for this condition such as autoimmune disorders, germ cell tumors, Klinefelter syndrome (a genetic abnormality), viral infection such as mumps, trauma etc. In men whose gonads are not properly developed, who use chemotherapy medicines, or have exposure to radiation therapy also shows increased levels of LH. Decreased levels of LH indicate a condition called secondary testicular failure. This condition is due to the problem with pituitary or hypothalamus glands. This fails to produce sufficient male sex hormone testosterone affecting the development of male characteristics and fertility. Lack of sexual drive, fatigue, low muscle mass, sexual dysfunction is common in men with low testosterone levels.

In children, the increased levels of LH indicate too early puberty (Precocious puberty). This condition is more in girls than boys. The causes of this condition are a central nervous system tumor or infection or inflammation, brain surgery, trauma, brain injury, etc. In delayed puberty, LH levels can be normal or lower than what is expected for youth within their age group. There are many causes for this condition such as hormone deficiency, Klinefelter syndrome (a genetic abnormality), Turner syndrome (a genetic abnormality), ovarian or testicular failure, cancer, chronic infection, an eating disorder etc. Normal prepubescent levels of LH in children may indicate a condition called precocious pseudopuberty. This can be due to adrenal gland tumors, testicular tumors, ovarian tumors, or hormone-secreting tumors.

In the case of increased Testosterone in the blood than the normal range then it may be due to early puberty in young men, acne, high libido (hypersexuality), infertility (not getting pregnant), steroid abuse, tumors in testes, decreased sperm count, high blood pressure, high red blood cell count, aggression, treatment with testosterone medications, polycystic ovarian syndrome (enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges).

If the level of Testosterone is less than the normal range then it may be due to hypogonadism (failure of the testes in men and ovaries in women to function properly), testicular failure, pituitary disorders, Klinefelter syndrome (genetic disorder in which a male is born with an extra copy of the X chromosome), obesity, adrenal cancer, ovarian cancer, high levels of stress, major surgery.