Luteinizing Hormone (LH) 24-Hour Urinary Rate
This test measures the total amount of luteinizing hormone (LH) excreted in your urine over a full day. LH is a hormone involved in reproductive health, particularly in regulating ovulation in women and sperm production in men.
["Assesses daily LH excretion to evaluate reproductive hormone function."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 6692-8
- Short code
- LH 24h Ur-sRate
- Synonyms
- LH 24h Ur-sRate
- 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
- 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 Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if they suspect an issue with your pituitary gland, reproductive hormones, or conditions affecting hormone secretion. It can also help diagnose or monitor conditions like hypogonadism, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or other hormonal imbalances.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll collect all your urine over a 24-hour period, starting and ending with your first morning urine. Store the collected urine in a refrigerator until you deliver it to the lab.
How the Test Works
The lab analyzes the total LH content in your urine sample to determine your daily excretion rate. This helps assess how much LH your body is producing and releasing into your urine.
Possible Results and Interpretation
Results are compared to general reference ranges for LH excretion, though individual ranges can vary. Abnormal results may indicate hormonal imbalances or conditions affecting hormone production or release.
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.
High urinary LH rates might suggest overproduction of LH, potentially linked to conditions like PCOS or pituitary tumors. Low rates could indicate insufficient hormone production, which may be due to pituitary dysfunction or other endocrine disorders. This test helps guide treatment decisions for reproductive health and hormonal disorders.
Short name
24-Hour Urinary LH Rate
Frequently asked questions
What Does a High LH Rate Mean?
What Does a Low LH Rate Mean?
How Often Should I Get This Test?
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