LH in Reproductive Medicine: Biology, Endocrine Signaling and Clinical Applications

Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a key regulator of human reproduction, playing essential roles in steroidogenesis, follicular development, ovulation, and corpus luteum function. Over the past decades, advances in reproductive biology, molecular endocrinology, and assisted reproductive technologies have expanded our understanding of LH physiology, revealing complex interactions that extend well beyond its classical endocrine functions.

Recent research has provided new insights into LH receptor (LHCGR) biology, intracellular signaling pathways, receptor regulation, theca-cell function, androgen biosynthesis, follicular dynamics, and the intricate communication between ovarian somatic cells. At the same time, technological advances in genomics, transcriptomics, biomarker discovery, and reproductive medicine have created new opportunities to translate these fundamental discoveries into clinical practice.

From a clinical perspective, LH remains a cornerstone of reproductive endocrinology. Its clinical use has evolved from traditional ovulation induction to individualized approaches in controlled ovarian stimulation, fertility preservation, and assisted reproductive technologies. Nevertheless, important questions remain regarding patient selection, timing of administration, dosing strategies, endocrine interactions with FSH and other gonadotropins, and the identification of biomarkers capable of guiding personalized therapeutic approaches.

This Research Topic provides an interdisciplinary forum for basic scientists, reproductive endocrinologists, embryologists, and clinicians to share novel findings spanning the entire spectrum of LH research. By integrating molecular biology, ovarian physiology, translational science, and clinical investigation, we aim to stimulate discussion on emerging concepts, identify current knowledge gaps, and promote innovative approaches to reproductive medicine. We particularly welcome studies that bridge the gap between fundamental biological discoveries and their translation into everyday clinical practice, supporting key areas of reproductive health.

We welcome submissions of Original Research, Reviews, Systematic Reviews, Mini Reviews, Clinical Trials, Hypothesis and Theory, Methods, and Policy and Practice Reviews. All submissions must have LH biology or LH-directed clinical management as their central focus - studies on broader reproductive physiology or ovarian disorders that do not specifically address the role, regulation, or clinical use of LH are outside the scope of this Research Topic. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

- Molecular mechanisms of LH secretion and its neuroendocrine (GnRH/kisspeptin) regulation;
- LH receptor (LHCGR) structure, regulation, desensitization, and intracellular signaling;
- LH-driven ovarian steroidogenesis and theca-cell androgen biosynthesis;
- LH-dependent follicular development, selection, and dominance;
- Impact of LH signaling on ovarian aging and declining follicular competence;
- Role of LH (and hCG/LH-receptor agonists) in ovulation induction and final oocyte maturation triggering;
- LH supplementation strategies and LH/FSH ratio optimization in controlled ovarian stimulation protocols;
- Comparative efficacy and clinical applications of recombinant LH versus other LH-containing gonadotropins;
- LH- or LHCGR-related biomarkers for predicting ovarian response and guiding treatment personalization;
- LH responsiveness and dosing strategies in diminished ovarian reserve, POSEIDON populations, and poor responders;
- Dysregulated LH secretion or LH receptor signaling in polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS, formerly known as PCOS) and other ovulatory disorders;
- LH/hCG support of corpus luteum function and luteal phase physiology;
- Translational and experimental models specifically probing LH action in reproductive tissues;
- LH-centered precision and personalized approaches in reproductive medicine.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Luteinizing hormone (LH), Luteinizing hormone receptor (LHCGR), Reproductive endocrinology, Assisted reproductive technology (ART), Ovarian steroidogenesis, Controlled ovarian stimulation (COS), Ovarian physiology

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.