Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a peptide hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland.

The main functions of LH in the body:

• Synthesis of androgens in the cells of the follicle theater: LH stimulates the follicular theater cells to produce androgens.
• Initiation of ovulation: Under the influence of LH, a mature follicle ruptures and an egg is released (ovulation).
• Synthesis of progesterone and prostaglandins: In granulosa cells, LH promotes the production of progesterone, which is needed to prepare the endometrium for a possible pregnancy, as well as prostaglandins involved in the process of ovulation and corpus luteum function.
• Luteinization of follicular granulosa cells: After ovulation, LH ensures the transformation of granulosa cells into corpus luteum cells, which temporarily functions as an endocrine gland and produces hormones necessary to maintain the early stages of pregnancy (if it occurs).