Luteinizing Hormone (LH) – 24-Hour Urine Total
This test measures the total amount of luteinizing hormone (LH), a hormone involved in reproductive function, collected over a full day in your urine.
["LH helps regulate ovulation and sperm production; urine testing can help assess long-term hormone levels."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 34333-5
- Short code
- LH 24h Ur IRP1-aCnc
- Synonyms
- LH 24h Ur IRP1-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 1.5
- Ref high
- 9
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- st-irp
- CPT
- 83002
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if they suspect conditions affecting hormone balance, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), infertility, or hormonal imbalances. Urine collection over 24 hours provides a more comprehensive picture of your LH levels over time, rather than a single blood sample.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. Collect all urine produced in a 24-hour period (typically from midnight to midnight) in a clean container. Store the urine in a refrigerator if not testing immediately. Bring the full sample to your appointment.
What Happens During the Test
You’ll provide the 24-hour urine sample to a lab. The lab will analyze the urine for LH levels using a sensitive immunoassay method to measure total hormone concentration.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to general reference ranges for LH in urine, though individual ranges may vary. High levels may indicate conditions like PCOS or hormonal tumors, while low levels could suggest pituitary dysfunction or other reproductive issues.
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.
Clinical Significance
Short name
24-Hour Urine LH
Frequently asked questions
What questions might you have?
Can I drink alcohol before giving the urine sample? Alcohol can temporarily alter hormone levels, so it’s best to avoid heavy consumption for 24 hours before testing.
What if my results are outside the normal range? If your results are abnormal, your doctor may recommend further testing, such as blood LH levels or additional hormone evaluations, to determine the cause.
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