Luteinizing hormone (LH, also known as lutropin ) is a hormone synthesized and secreted by gonadotropes in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. blank">Gonadotropins: Luteinizing and Follicle Stimulating Hormones at colostate.edu In concert with the other pituitary gonadotropin follicle stimulating hormone (_FSH) it is necessary for proper reproductive function:

• In the female, an acute rise of LH – the LH surge – triggers ovulation.

• In the male, where LH had also been called Interstitial Cell Stimulating Hormone (ICSH), it stimulates Leydig cell production of testosterone.