Journal September 26, 2026 4 min read

How LH and FSH Change with Age: A Research Overview

Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are gonadotropins whose circulating patterns shift across the lifespan. This page summarises research on age-related changes in LH and FSH, including study

peptides-pro Editorial

How LH and FSH change with age

Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are gonadotropins, glycoprotein hormones of the anterior pituitary. In humans, LH and FSH are heterodimers sharing a common alpha subunit and distinct beta subunits; the beta subunit confers receptor specificity. The formal names are lutropin and follitropin, respectively. Both act via G protein-coupled receptors: the LH/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) and the FSH receptor (FSHR), which are members of the glycoprotein hormone receptor family. Age-related changes in their secretion are studied in the context of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, where gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) drives pulsatile release of LH and FSH [3].

Across the lifespan, LH and FSH patterns differ by sex and by reproductive stage. In females, FSH rises markedly during the menopausal transition; in males, LH and FSH tend to increase gradually with age, though with considerable inter-individual variation. The sections below summarise specific research studies that have examined these changes or interventions that alter gonadotropin levels.

Research Studies

Clomiphene and enclomiphene citrate and gonadotropin levels in men with functional hypogonadism

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials evaluated selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), specifically clomiphene and enclomiphene, in men with functional hypogonadism. The primary endpoints included total testosterone (TT), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). The review compared SERMs with placebo, testosterone gel, or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) [2]. This study population was men with functional hypogonadism, not a general ageing cohort.

Follitropin alfa/lutropin alfa and LH/FSH deficiency in Japanese participants undergoing ART

A clinical study assessed the efficacy and safety of follitropin alfa/lutropin alfa in Japanese participants with luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) deficiency undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART). The study duration was approximately 5.5 months for nonpregnant participants and 13 months for participants with confirmed pregnancy in Part A [1]. This work focuses on a deficiency state rather than age-related changes per se.

GLP-1 agonist and neuro-reproductive function in obese adolescent females with PCOS

A study is examining the effects of a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist on neuro-reproductive function in obese adolescent females with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The background notes that normal puberty onset and progression depend on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which is affected by whole-body metabolism. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotropins, LH and FSH, are released in a pulsatile manner for appropriate sex steroid production and gonadal function. Proper pulsatility in the GnRH system is disrupted by significant changes in energy balance such as obesity [3]. This study population is obese adolescent females with PCOS.

Age-related changes in LH and FSH: general observations

Age-related changes in LH and FSH are not uniform. In females, the menopausal transition is associated with rising FSH and, later, rising LH. In males, a gradual increase in both gonadotropins is often observed, but the magnitude varies. These patterns are inferred from cross-sectional and longitudinal studies; the evidence block provided here does not include specific numerical values for these changes.

Comparison of gonadotropin patterns by sex and reproductive stage

The table below summarises general trends in LH and FSH across age groups. It is based on the studies cited and general endocrinology knowledge; specific values are not provided in the evidence block.

Population	LH trend	FSH trend
Females, reproductive age	Cyclical surge mid-cycle	Cyclical rise in follicular phase
Females, menopausal transition	Increases	Increases markedly
Males, ageing	Gradual increase	Gradual increase

Interventions affecting LH and FSH in hypogonadal men

In men with functional hypogonadism, SERMs such as clomiphene and enclomiphene have been studied for their effects on LH and FSH. The systematic review and meta-analysis described above evaluated these outcomes [2]. This research is specific to men with functional hypogonadism and may not generalise to other populations.

Metabolic influences on LH and FSH pulsatility

Obesity and metabolic status can disrupt GnRH pulsatility, thereby affecting LH and FSH release. A study in obese adolescent females with PCOS is investigating the effects of a GLP-1 agonist on neuro-reproductive function, with the rationale that proper pulsatility is disrupted by significant changes in energy balance [3]. This work is in a specific clinical population and does not directly address age-related changes in healthy individuals.

Animal and in vitro evidence

The evidence block provided does not include animal-only or in vitro studies on age-related changes in LH and FSH. Therefore, no such claims are made here.

If you are reading this for personal health reasons

This material is sold for laboratory research only. We do not provide dosing or medical guidance. Anyone considering a compound for themselves should speak to a licensed clinician.