Anatomy
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Is the Connection between Luteinizing Hormone and Menopause?

Erin J. Hill
Erin J. Hill

The luteinizing hormone and menopause are linked in a variety of ways, namely that this hormone is one which is commonly tested for in order to determine if a woman is entering menopause or peri-menopause. This, along with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), are often found in higher levels within the bloodstream in women who are approaching menopause. These women may also have much lower levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Luteinizing hormone generally works alongside follicle stimulating hormone to stabilize progesterone and estrogen levels during and after ovulation in fertile women. The reasons luteinizing hormone and menopause are connected, involve the desensitization of the ovaries to both luteinizing hormone and FSH. Once the ovaries become less sensitive to these hormones, the levels of estrogen and progesterone drop to well below normal. This also results in luteinizing hormone and FSH not being process as well, causing blood levels to be particularly high during this time.

In the Western world, women usually experience menopause between 45 and 55.
In the Western world, women usually experience menopause between 45 and 55.

These fluctuations in hormones are what cause most menopausal symptoms. Lack of luteinizing hormone and menopause symptoms are not directly related, but the lessened estrogen levels which result are a prime reason for issues like mood swings and night sweats. These symptoms can be treated in most women, either through natural supplementation or hormonal replacement therapy. Many women do not need long-term treatment, as hormones typically stabilize once menopause is complete.

Pelvic exams can be performed to detect the presence of growths in the uterus or on the ovaries.
Pelvic exams can be performed to detect the presence of growths in the uterus or on the ovaries.

Doctors may continue to test for luteinizing hormone and menopause symptoms at each visit. This is usually done through blood tests to check where hormone levels are so that both patients and doctors can keep track of progress over time. Women are also encouraged to keep close watch on their cycles. Once menses has been absent for an entire year menopause is said to have occurred. Until this time, periods may be sporadic.

Most menopausal symptoms are due to fluctuations in several hormones, including luteinizing hormone.
Most menopausal symptoms are due to fluctuations in several hormones, including luteinizing hormone.

Additional tests may also be needed at this time, primarily if irregular bleeding is an issue. Although hormonal changes are a common factor in bleeding between periods, this can also be indicative of an underlying condition. Fibroids and gynecological cancers are both most dominant in peri-menopausal and menopausal women, so these issues should be ruled out. An ultrasound and pelvic exam may be used to detect the presence of growths in the uterus or on the ovaries.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • In the Western world, women usually experience menopause between 45 and 55.
      By: Yuri Arcurs
      In the Western world, women usually experience menopause between 45 and 55.
    • Pelvic exams can be performed to detect the presence of growths in the uterus or on the ovaries.
      By: Zsolnai Gergely
      Pelvic exams can be performed to detect the presence of growths in the uterus or on the ovaries.
    • Most menopausal symptoms are due to fluctuations in several hormones, including luteinizing hormone.
      By: Peter Atkins
      Most menopausal symptoms are due to fluctuations in several hormones, including luteinizing hormone.