National Cancer Institute

luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone

(LOO-tih-NY-zing HOR-mone-reh-LEE-sing HOR-mone)
A hormone made by a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone causes the pituitary gland in the brain to make and secrete the hormones luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). In men, these hormones cause the testicles to make testosterone. In women, they cause the ovaries to make estrogen and progesterone. Also called GnRH, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, LH-RH, and LHRH.