Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Test - Serum

LH test helps evaluate the function of your pituitary gland, which regulates the hormones that play a pivotal role in a female reproductive cycle.

Your doctor may recommend lh test for you if you are facing the following symptoms:

• For a woman, difficulty in getting pregnant
• Irregular or absent period
• Attaining puberty too soon or too late
• Attained menopause
• For a man, low testosterone levels
• Pituitary disorder
• Attaining puberty too soon or too late

LH is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. LH is known for its role in the process of ovulation and plays an inevitable role in pregnancy. In males, LH also triggers the production of sex hormones.

The LH test is useful: 
- In the evaluation of menstrual irregularities
- Evaluating infertility
- Predicting ovulation in IVF Treatment
- Diagnosing pituitary disorder

The test measures  the LH levels in the blood. 

This test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer. 

LH is increased in Luteal Phase of Menstrual cycle, anorchia, testicular failure, menopause, hypogonadism, and precocious puberty.
LH is decreased in primary ovarian hyperfunction in females, Primary hypergonadism in male, In failure of the pituitary or hypothalamus, hyperprolactinemia , and Polycystic Ovary disease (PCOS).