What Is the LH/FSH Ratio and Why Does it Matter in PCOS?

A hallmark of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS, is a hormonal imbalance resulting from excess androgen levels, or increased amounts of male hormones. When this happens, an unusually high amount of testosterone and other male hormones is present. But does this imbalance also affect the levels of female hormones, such as Luteinizing Hormone and Follicle Stimulating Hormone?

Understanding Female Hormones

Luteinizing Hormone and Follicle Stimulating Hormone are both very important components of the menstrual cycle. Follicle Stimulating Hormone, or FSH, does just what its name implies–it triggers the development of an egg follicle in the ovary.1 After an egg follicle is present, Luteinizing Hormone, or LH, sparks the release of the egg.1 When the egg is released, ovulation occurs.

When ovulation fails to occur, women experience anovulation. For women with PCOS, periods may not be regular because ovulation does not consistently take place.

What Is the LH/FSH Ratio?

To measure the present amounts of LH and FSH, healthcare professionals create a ratio. When doctors first started studying this disorder, they used this ratio to help make diagnoses; however, modern medicine has determined that the ratio is not as accurate as once perceived.

Banaszewska, R.Z. Spaczyński, M. Pelesz, and L. Pawelczyk performed a study that determined how the LH/FSH Ratio changes in women who have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. The participants of the study were 119 women who have the condition and are of reproductive age. Only 45.4 percent of participants were found to have an abnormal LH/FSH Ratio, even though they had all been diagnosed with PCOS.2

This rather surprising conclusion indicates that an abnormal ratio between LH and FSH is, contrary to common belief, not a solid indicator of this condition. While it does reveal a hormonal imbalance, an abnormal ratio does not necessarily indicate that this particular endocrine disorder is present.

Making Sense of this Surprising Discovery

Banaszewska et al. have shed some valuable light on modern medicine’s understanding of this disorder. Whereas previous attempts at diagnosing this condition may have relied upon the ratio between LH and FSH, this ratio is clearly an indicator of a secondary issue. Banaszewska et al. have determined that this secondary issue is increased adrenal androgenic activity.2

As researchers continue to learn more about Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, diagnostic efforts will increase. Understanding the roles of specific measurements, including the ratio of LH and FSH, will enable researchers to better comprehend this condition.

The other thing a women suffering Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) might do is to look into the Insulite Labs supplements that are available. In particular, the PCOS System offers hormone-balancing effects that have been scientifically calibrated to reverse the condition. That means there is very much hope here, and, for women who properly educate themselves and take the precautions necessary to thwart the effects of the disease, no reason why PCOS has to be interpreted as a devastating diagnosis.

Learn more about the subject of LH/FSH Ratio and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and how it could be affecting your ability to get pregnant, visit us on the web at www.pcos.com?ap_id=healthstatus.

Insulite Health, a Boulder, Colorado USA based company, is committed to reversing Insulin Resistance – a potentially dangerous imbalance of blood glucose and insulin. Scientific research has revealed that this disorder can be a primary cause of excess weight gain and obesity, plus Pre-Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes. Insulin Resistance can also underlie the cluster of increased risk factors for cardiovascular damage called Metabolic Syndrome (Syndrome X) as well as PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) – a major source of serious diseases as well as heartbreaking female infertility.

Recognizing that there are millions of people who need this kind of systematic approach to reversing insulin resistance, Insulite Health has developed systems to address the underlying causes of Metabolic Syndrome, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), Excess Weight/Obesity, Pre-Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes.

For more information about Insulin Resistance and research links to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), PubMed Health, GenBank and more visit us at www.pcos.com?ap_id=healthstatus.

1“Going to the Doctor: Understanding Your Blood Tests,” About.com, 9 September 2009 <https://pcos.about.com/od/callingyourdoctor/f/bloodtests.htm/?ref=13 > (15 February 2012).

2“Incidence of elevated LH/FSH ratio in polycystic ovary syndrome women with normo- and hyperinsulinemia,” 2003 <https://www.advms.pl/roczniki_2003/volumes/vol48_03/26/26-Banaszewska.pdf> (15 February 2012).

Next Steps

Becoming victorious over the symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is not an easy task, but you can overcome your symptoms to live the life you deserve.

It takes strength, courage, and perseverance. It can be challenging and that’s why Insulite Health created the PCOS 5-Element System. It’s a step-by-step process that will help you balance your hormones and reverse PCOS symptoms using our proprietary 5% Solution.

So take the next steps now! Use the links below to learn how to make the changes that will transform your health and your life forever.

  1. Read more about PCOS
  2. Take the PCOS Test and assess your risk!
  3. Learn more about the Insulite 5-Element PCOS Solution

About Insulite Health PCOS.com

Insulite Health, is committed to helping women reverse their symptoms of hormone imbalance. Scientific research has revealed that this imbalance can be a primary cause of many devastating health symptoms. Hormone Imbalance can also underlie the increased risk factors for PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) – a major source of serious diseases as well as cause of excess weight gain, adult acne, unwanted facial hair, depression, anxiety, and heartbreaking female infertility.

©Insulite Health, Inc., pcos.com empowers women with PCOS to transform their lives through a process of healing with the 5-Element PCOS System — the world’s only complete solution for helping women heal from the symptoms of PCOS and hormone imbalance.

Share

Robin is an Integrative Clinical Nutritionist, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition. She comes to Insulite Health with a passion for helping women live vibrant, passionate lives. Robin had her own struggles with health. As a teenager she suffered from digestive disorders, weight, acne and hypoglycemia. As an adult she continued to struggle with balancing blood sugar, adult acne, mood swings, weight gain, arthritic conditions in her hands and chronic inflammation. Robin understands first hand how symptoms of poor health can keep us from living the life we dreamed of.

User Reviews

Reply

Your email address will not be published

11 + twenty =

Written by Robin Nielsen
Medical Writer & Editor

Robin is an Integrative Clinical Nutritionist, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition. She comes to Insulite Health with a passion for helping women live vibrant, passionate lives. Robin had her own struggles with health. As a teenager she suffered from digestive disorders, weight, acne and hypoglycemia. As an adult she continued to struggle with balancing blood sugar, adult acne, mood swings, weight gain, arthritic conditions in her hands and chronic inflammation. Robin understands first hand how symptoms of poor health can keep us from living the life we dreamed of.

View all post by Robin Nielsen