Source: Hypothalamus Gonadotrophinreleasing hormone anterior pituitary gland

luteinising hormone (and FSH).

bloodstream receptors in the testes and ovaries.

In Females: The surge in LH triggers the release of the egg from the ovary. LH hormone also maintains the functioning of the corpus luteum for the first two weeks, smooth and continuous production of estrogen and progesterone.

LH Deficiency:
Problems with the pituitary gland can lead to a deficiency in LH. For example, hypopituitarism is an underactive pituitary gland which can result in a deficiency in one or more of the gland's hormones, such as LH. Symptoms may include short height, infertility, intolerance to cold, fatigue and an inability to produce breast milk. Women with low LH may experience problems with their progesterone levels. When a woman is deficient in progesterone, it can cause infertility, early miscarriage, carbohydrate cravings, irregular periods, ovarian cysts, menstrual cramps, bloating, water retention and lower body temperature. Low LH in men can cause problems with their testosterone levels. Low testosterone levels can result in erectile dysfunction. In addition, men can experience changes in mood, emotions, a decrease in body mass and strength, as well as an increase in body fat.

Luteinizing Hormone
LH stimulates the production of estrogen and testosterone. The sudden increase in LH levels activates the process of ovulation

In Males: Luteinizing hormone stimulates Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone.

Effects on the Menstrual Cycle: In weeks one to two of the menstrual cycle, luteinizing hormone and FSH stimulate the ovary to produce estrogen. Around day 14 of the cycle, a surge in luteinizing hormone levels causes the ovarian follicle to tear and release a mature oocyte (egg) from the ovary, a process called ovulation. For the remainder of the cycle (weeks three & four), the ovarian follicle becomes a corpus luteum. Luteinizing hormone incites the corpus luteum to produce. About day 28, LH stops being released. The drop in the LH level causes the corpus luteum to deteriorate and leads to the shedding of the endometrial lining. The increase of progesterone production caused the thickening and the drop in its level causes the shedding.

Interesting Fact: Measuring the levels of luteinizing hormone present in urine can be used to predict the timing of the luteinizing hormone surge in women, and hence ovulation. This is one of the methods employed in ovulation prediction kits used by couples wishing to conceive.

Reference:
Barker, Nichole. (2012). Luteinizing Hormone Deficiency. Medscape. Retrieved from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/255046-overview Brzyski, R. MD, PhD & Knudtson, J. MD. (2013). Female Reproductive Endocrinology. The Merck Manual. Retrieved from http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gynecology_and_obstetrics/female_reproductive_endocrinology/female_reproductive_endocrinology.html