Luteinizing Hormone (LH) - Serum, Plasma or Urine
This test measures levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a key role in reproductive health, including ovulation in women and sperm production in men.
["LH helps regulate important reproductive functions and may be checked for fertility issues or hormonal imbalances."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17094-4
- Short code
- LH 105M p chal SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- LH 105M p chal SerPl-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 1.5
- Ref high
- 9
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 83002
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Doctors may order an LH test to evaluate reproductive health, diagnose conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), assess hormonal imbalances, or monitor treatment for infertility. It can also be part of a broader evaluation for conditions affecting the pituitary gland or ovaries/testes.
Who Might Need This Test?
Women may need an LH test if they experience irregular menstrual cycles, trouble getting pregnant, or symptoms of hormonal imbalances. Men might have it checked for low sperm production or fertility concerns. It may also be done during pregnancy to monitor early pregnancy hormone levels.
Sample Collection and Preparation
For serum or plasma, a blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. For urine, a midstream clean-catch sample is collected. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis. LH levels can vary throughout the menstrual cycle, so timing may be important depending on your medical needs.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for blood tests or avoid certain medications that could affect results. For urine tests, drinking extra water may help ensure a sufficient sample.
Reference range
Follicular: 1.5-9.0 mIU/mLN/A
For females: inform if menstrual cycle status. For certain tests, timing within menstrual cycle may matter.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
LH levels can provide critical insights into reproductive function, fertility, and potential hormonal disorders. High LH levels may indicate conditions like PCOS, premature ovarian insufficiency, or certain pituitary tumors. Low LH levels could suggest hypothalamic or pituitary disorders, or conditions affecting hormone production.
Short name
LH Test
Frequently asked questions
What does an abnormal LH level mean?
How often should I get this test?
Can lifestyle changes affect LH levels?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy