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Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Hormone/ Element
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Details

LH (Luteinizing Hormone) is a gonadotropin produced by the anterior pituitary gland

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Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Test Information Guide

  • Why is it done?
    • Measures luteinizing hormone, a key reproductive hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that controls sexual function and fertility in both males and females
    • Evaluates infertility and reproductive disorders in both men and women
    • Assesses abnormal menstrual cycles, absent periods (amenorrhea), or irregular bleeding patterns
    • Diagnoses hormonal disorders including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hypogonadism, and pituitary dysfunction
    • Monitors delayed or precocious puberty in adolescents
    • Evaluates sexual dysfunction and decreased libido
    • Typically performed during initial fertility workup, during the follicular phase (days 1-5) of the menstrual cycle in women, or as part of hormone panels in men
    • Often ordered alongside other hormonal tests such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, and prolactin
  • Normal Range
    • Units of Measurement: mIU/mL (milli-International Units per milliliter) or IU/L (International Units per liter)
    • Women (Follicular Phase): 1.7 - 15.0 mIU/mL
    • Women (Luteal Phase): 0.6 - 19.0 mIU/mL
    • Women (Ovulation/Midcycle Peak): 12.0 - 80.0 mIU/mL
    • Women (Postmenopausal): 10.0 - 200.0 mIU/mL
    • Men: 1.7 - 8.6 mIU/mL
    • Children (Prepubertal): <0.2 - 4.0 mIU/mL
    • Normal Results: LH levels within reference range indicate normal pituitary function and appropriate reproductive hormone balance; reproductive system is functioning as expected
    • Abnormal Results: Elevated or decreased LH levels may indicate pituitary or reproductive disorders requiring further investigation
    • Note: Reference ranges vary by laboratory; always consult specific lab reference values provided with results
  • Interpretation
    • Elevated LH (High): May indicate primary gonadal failure, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), menopause, or problems with the ovaries/testes; in women, persistently elevated LH with high LH:FSH ratio strongly suggests PCOS
    • Low LH (Decreased): Suggests secondary hypogonadism, pituitary insufficiency, hypothalamic dysfunction, or problems with pituitary hormone production; may indicate pituitary tumors or damage
    • Absent or Undetectable LH: Indicates significant pituitary dysfunction or severe hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis suppression
    • LH:FSH Ratio: Normal ratio is approximately 1:1 in women; ratio >2:1 or 3:1 may suggest PCOS
    • Midcycle Surge: Marked elevation (12-80 mIU/mL or higher) indicates ovulation in women; absence of surge may indicate anovulation or ovulatory dysfunction
    • Factors Affecting Interpretation: Time of day (LH has pulsatile secretion), menstrual cycle phase in women, age, stress levels, body weight/BMI, exercise intensity, medications (including hormonal contraceptives, steroids), recent illness, and sleep patterns can all influence LH levels
    • Clinical Significance: LH must be interpreted in context with FSH, testosterone, estrogen, and other hormonal markers; abnormal patterns help identify specific reproductive or endocrine disorders
  • Associated Organs
    • Primary Organs Involved: Anterior pituitary gland (produces LH), hypothalamus (controls pituitary via GnRH), ovaries (in females), testes (in males)
    • Primary System: Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and reproductive endocrine system
    • Conditions Associated with Elevated LH:
    • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); Primary hypogonadism (testicular failure, ovarian failure); Klinefelter syndrome; Menopause and perimenopause; Turner syndrome; Castration or gonadectomy; Gonadal dysgenesis; Certain genetic conditions affecting gonadal development
    • Conditions Associated with Low LH:
    • Secondary hypogonadism; Pituitary tumors or adenomas; Hypopituitarism; Hypothyroidism; Hypothalamic dysfunction; Prolactinoma; Severe malnutrition or eating disorders; Excessive exercise; Obesity; Cushing's syndrome; Chronic kidney disease; Severe liver disease
    • Complications/Risks Associated with Abnormal LH:
    • Infertility and inability to conceive; Sexual dysfunction and erectile dysfunction; Loss of libido; Osteoporosis from low sex hormone levels; Increased cardiovascular risk; Metabolic syndrome; Premature or delayed puberty complications; Mood disorders and depression; Increased cancer risk in some conditions
  • Follow-up Tests
    • Recommended Complementary Tests: Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH); Testosterone (total and free); Estradiol; Progesterone; Prolactin; Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid function tests
    • If PCOS Suspected: Transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound; Fasting glucose and 2-hour glucose tolerance test; Fasting insulin; HOMA-IR index (insulin resistance marker); Lipid panel; Free testosterone and DHEA-S
    • If Low LH Detected: Pituitary MRI to rule out tumors; Complete metabolic panel; Cortisol levels; Growth hormone; Other pituitary hormones (ACTH, TSH, prolactin); Bone density scan (DEXA) if concerned about osteoporosis
    • If Abnormal in Males: Semen analysis; Testicular ultrasound; Karyotype testing; Y-chromosome microdeletion analysis; Additional pituitary hormone assessment
    • If Abnormal in Women: Pelvic ultrasound; Ovulatory dysfunction assessment; Genetic testing if indicated; Hysterosalpingography or other fertility assessments if needed
    • Serial LH Monitoring: Multiple blood draws may be needed to track the LH surge during ovulation or to establish baseline pituitary function; repeat testing at same time of cycle recommended
    • Frequency of Monitoring: For fertility tracking: Daily LH monitoring during expected ovulation window using home tests; Initial diagnosis: Repeat testing after 1-2 weeks; Under treatment: Periodic monitoring as directed by physician based on specific condition
  • Fasting Required?
    • Fasting Required: No
    • Dietary Restrictions: None required; fasting status does not affect LH results; normal meals and fluids can be consumed
    • Timing of Test: Morning collection preferred (between 8-10 AM); consistent timing important for serial measurements; for women tracking ovulation, timing in relation to menstrual cycle is more critical than time of day
    • Medications to Avoid: Oral contraceptives (birth control pills); Hormone replacement therapy (HRT); Estrogen or progesterone supplements; Anabolic steroids; Testosterone replacement therapy; Corticosteroids; GnRH agonists or antagonists; Dopamine antagonists; Thyroid medications (if not medically necessary). Discuss with physician 24-48 hours before testing; do not stop prescribed medications without medical guidance
    • Physical Preparation: Avoid strenuous exercise 24 hours before test; minimize stress; ensure adequate sleep the night before; avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior; remain hydrated; sit and relax for 5-10 minutes before blood draw
    • Menstrual Cycle Timing (Women): Follicular phase (Days 1-5) for baseline LH; mid-cycle for ovulation surge detection; luteal phase (Days 18-21) for progesterone correlation. Precise cycle day critical for accurate interpretation; inform lab of menstrual cycle day
    • Other Considerations: Inform healthcare provider of recent illness, fever, or infections; disclose all supplements and over-the-counter medications; report significant weight changes; note any recent travel or time zone changes; report recent stress or life changes; women should confirm not pregnant before testing

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