What does low LH and low FSH indicate in the menstrual cycle?

Low levels of LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) typically indicate that the body is in a state where it is not currently stimulating the ovaries to produce follicles or hormones associated with ovulation. This scenario is most characteristic of the early part of the menstrual cycle, specifically during menstruation, when the endometrial lining is shed, and ovarian activity is minimal.

During menstruation, hormone levels drop significantly as the ovaries prepare for the next cycle. The decreased levels of LH and FSH suggest that the hypothalamus is not signaling the pituitary gland to release these hormones, leading to a phase where the female body is effectively resetting after the previous cycle. As the cycle progresses into the follicular phase, FSH levels typically begin to rise, leading to follicle development, while LH levels may start to increase as ovulation approaches.

In contrast, during ovulation, both LH and FSH levels peak sharply; during the luteal phase, FSH levels remain low while LH increases in response to hormone feedback from the corpus luteum. Thus, the context aligns with the observation of low LH and FSH as indicative primarily of the menstruation phase within the menstrual cycle.