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).  

The LH test measures the amount of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the blood, which is produced by the pituitary gland and plays a crucial role in reproductive functions, including ovulation in women and testosterone production in men.

The LH hormone test detects the level of luteinizing hormone in the blood, helping to diagnose issues related to fertility, ovulation, menstrual irregularities, and conditions affecting the ovaries or testicles.

LH test reports indicate the level of LH in the blood, which can help diagnose various conditions such as primary ovarian failure, PCOS, menopause, testicular failure, and pituitary disorders, depending on whether the levels are high or low.

A "positive" result typically means that the LH level is outside the normal range, indicating potential issues such as ovulation problems in women, testicular disorders in men, pituitary gland disorders, or early/delayed puberty in children.

The benefits of an LH test include diagnosing fertility issues, identifying menstrual irregularities, detecting conditions affecting the ovaries or testicles, helping to time conception by identifying ovulation, and diagnosing pituitary gland disorders.

No, the LH hormone test does not detect pregnancy. It is used to assess ovulation and fertility-related issues, not to confirm pregnancy.

LH levels can fluctuate during pregnancy, but the LH test itself is not used to determine pregnancy status. Pregnancy tests measure human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), not LH.

The risks associated with the LH blood test are minimal and include bleeding, infection, bruising, feeling lightheaded or fainting, and pain or discomfort from the needle prick.

Yes, certain medications, such as birth control pills, hormone therapy, testosterone, and DHEA supplements, can affect LH test results. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking before the test.

No, fasting is not typically required before the LH hormone test. However, follow any pre-test instructions provided by your healthcare provider, such as temporarily stopping certain medications.

Factors that can affect LH test results include the day of the menstrual cycle (for women), medications, health conditions affecting the pituitary gland or reproductive organs, and recent exposure to radioisotopes.

LH blood test results are usually available after 6 hours from the time the blood sample is collected.

Yes, men may need tests for both FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH to evaluate fertility issues or conditions affecting the testicles, as these hormones work together to control sexual development and reproduction.

Normal LH levels vary based on gender and age. For women, it ranges from 5-25 IU/L before menopause, 21.9-56.6 IU/L during the mid-cycle peak, and 14.2-52.3 IU/L post-menopause. For men, the normal range is approximately 1.8–8.6 IU/L.