Lutropin Alfa (Recombinant LH)
Lutropin alfa is recombinant human luteinizing hormone (LH), used with FSH to support follicular development in women with severe LH and FSH deficiency (hypogonadotropic hypogonadism). It supplies the LH activity that pure FSH preparations lack.
01 Overview
Lutropin alfa is recombinant LH produced in cell culture. Its main role is to provide LH activity alongside recombinant FSH in women with profound gonadotropin deficiency, in whom FSH alone yields inadequate estradiol and follicular maturation.
By stimulating ovarian theca cells to produce androgen substrate for estrogen synthesis, it complements FSH-driven granulosa-cell activity, supporting proper follicular development and oocyte maturation.
02 Mechanism
Recombinant LH binds ovarian theca-cell LH receptors, stimulating androgen precursor production and supporting FSH-driven follicular maturation.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| With rFSH in LH/FSH deficiency | 75 IU/day | SubQ | 75 IU daily co-administered with recombinant FSH |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supports follicular developmentRestores adequate estradiol and follicular maturation in LH-deficient women when added to FSH. | Clinical | ||
| Improved oocyte maturityProvides the LH activity needed for proper follicle and oocyte development. | Clinical |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)As part of gonadotropin stimulation, over-response can produce OHSS. | Severe | Uncommon | Clinical | |
| Injection-site reactionsLocal redness or discomfort from daily SC injections. | Mild | Common | Clinical |