Journal September 25, 2026 5 min read

What does the research say about LH and FSH?

Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are gonadotropins of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This page summarises registered and published research on their measurement, modulation, and r

peptides-pro Editorial

Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are gonadotropin hormones. In the research literature they are also referred to as lutropin and follitropin, respectively. Both are heterodimeric glycoproteins composed of a common alpha subunit and a hormone-specific beta subunit; the alpha subunit is shared with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The evidence block does not provide sequence, formula, or molecular weight values for LH or FSH, so those identifiers are not stated here. The work described below centres on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and its receptor family: LH acts through the LH/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR), and FSH acts through the FSH receptor (FSHR), both G protein-coupled receptors.

Research on LH and FSH spans clinical trials in assisted reproductive technology (ART), systematic reviews of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) in male hypogonadism, and observational or interventional studies in metabolic and neuroendocrine conditions such as obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The sections below summarise specific studies and the populations in which effects were observed.

Research Studies

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

A registered clinical trial (HINATA, NCT07340827) is designed to assess the efficacy and safety of follitropin alfa/lutropin alfa versus human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) in Japanese participants with LH and FSH deficiency undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) [1]. The study duration is approximately 5.5 months for nonpregnant participants and 13 months for participants with confirmed pregnancy in Part A [1]. This is a comparative trial; results are not yet reported in the evidence block.

Clomiphene or enclomiphene citrate and gonadotropin endpoints in male 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 [2]. The primary endpoints were total testosterone (TT), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) [2]. The review compared SERMs with placebo, testosterone gel, or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) up to July 2024 [2]. Weighted mean differences and risk ratios were calculated for continuous and binary endpoints [2]. The evidence block does not report the numerical results of this meta-analysis.

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

A registered study (NCT07169136) examines the effects of a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist on neuro-reproductive function in obese adolescent females with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) [3]. The background states that normal puberty onset and progression depend on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which is affected by whole-body metabolism [3]. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and the gonadotropins LH and FSH are released in a pulsatile manner for appropriate sex steroid production and gonadal function [3]. Proper pulsatility in the GnRH system is disrupted by significant changes in energy balance such as obesity [3]. PCOS is described as the most common neuroendocrine disorder in this population [3]. The evidence block does not provide outcome data for this study.

Comparison of study designs and populations

The table below summarises the three evidence sources in terms of study type, population, and gonadotropin-related focus.

Source	Study type	Population	Gonadotropin focus
[1] NCT07340827	Interventional clinical trial	Japanese participants with LH and FSH deficiency undergoing ART	Follitropin alfa/lutropin alfa vs hMG
[2] Systematic review	Meta-analysis of RCTs	Men with functional hypogonadism	Clomiphene/enclomiphene; endpoints include FSH and LH
[3] NCT07169136	Interventional study	Obese adolescent females with PCOS	GLP-1 agonist effects on LH/FSH pulsatility

LH and FSH as endpoints in male hypogonadism trials

In the systematic review of SERMs for male hypogonadism, LH and FSH were among the primary endpoints, alongside total testosterone [2]. The review included randomised controlled trials comparing clomiphene or enclomiphene with placebo, testosterone gel, or hCG [2]. This indicates that LH and FSH are used as measurable outcomes in trials of agents that act on the HPG axis. The evidence block does not state the direction or magnitude of changes in LH or FSH.

Pulsatile GnRH and gonadotropin release in metabolic contexts

The PCOS study background notes that GnRH and the gonadotropins LH and FSH are released in a pulsatile manner for appropriate sex steroid production and gonadal function [3]. It further states that proper pulsatility in the GnRH system is disrupted by significant changes in energy balance such as obesity [3]. This provides a rationale for studying GLP-1 agonists in obese adolescent females with PCOS, where neuro-reproductive function is assessed [3]. No results are reported in the evidence block.

Assisted reproductive technology and gonadotropin deficiency

The HINATA trial focuses on participants with LH and FSH deficiency undergoing ART [1]. The comparison is between follitropin alfa/lutropin alfa and hMG [1]. The study duration is approximately 5.5 months for nonpregnant participants and 13 months for participants with confirmed pregnancy in Part A [1]. This trial is ongoing or not yet reported in the evidence block.

Animal and in vitro evidence

The evidence block does not contain animal-only or in vitro studies on LH and FSH. All sources cited here are human clinical trials or a systematic review of human randomised controlled trials.

If you are reading this for personal health reasons

The materials described on this page are sold for laboratory research use only. We do not provide dosing, medical guidance, or recommendations for personal use. Anyone considering a compound for themselves should speak to a licensed clinician.