Hormone medicines

Lutropin alfa

Recombinant LH used with FSH for follicular development in women with severe gonadotropin deficiency.

Small randomized proof-of-efficacy trial in profound deficiency; UK label context; checked 2026-10-01

Also known as: Luveris · Recombinant LH

Practical use

Clinical purpose, evidence and review questions

Clarify the deficiency: Bring the endocrine diagnosis and dated laboratory results, rather than a single isolated number.
Ask what is being measured: Distinguish follicular development, ovulation, pregnancy and live birth.
Retain treatment traceability: Keep exact biological-product names and clinical response records with the fertility team.

Replacement in profound LH/FSH deficiency

UK product information; checked October 1, 2026

Overview

Lutropin alfa supplies luteinizing-hormone activity. UK Luveris is indicated with an FSH preparation for follicular development in adult women with severe LH and FSH deficiency. LH supports ovarian steroid production and works with FSH; it does not replace every reproductive signal.

Risks and limitations

Ovarian hyperstimulation, torsion, multiple pregnancy and thromboembolic complications are concerns in the treatment setting. Unexplained bleeding, selected tumors and primary ovarian failure are among contraindications. Severe abdominal swelling, breathing difficulty or reduced urination requires urgent contact with the fertility team.

How to read this

Profound hormone deficiency and a poor response to routine IVF stimulation are not the same diagnosis. A favorable replacement result should stay attached to the deficiency population.

Research explained

Replacement in profound LH/FSH deficiency

Who was studied

39 women with low LH and FSH randomized double-blind across 25 centers to lutropin alfa or placebo; both groups received follitropin alfa.

What was found

In intention-to-treat analysis, the composite follicular-development endpoint was met by 17/26 (65.4%) versus 2/13 (15.4%). The difference remained significant when over-response requiring cancellation counted as failure.

What it cannot establish

The small trial assessed a composite of follicle size and hormonal criteria. It does not establish a 65% live-birth rate or benefit for all patients described as poor IVF responders.

Read the original study