Luteinizing Hormone (Serum) – Quantitative
This test measures the amount of luteinizing hormone (LH) in your blood. LH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a key role in reproductive health, particularly in regulating ovulation in women and sperm production in men.
["LH helps trigger ovulation and supports hormone balance in reproductive cycles."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 57102-6
- Short code
- LH 2h p GnRH SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- LH 2h p GnRH SerPl-aCnc
- 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
What LH Measures in Your Body
LH is primarily involved in the reproductive system. In women, it triggers the release of an egg from the ovary during ovulation. In men, it stimulates the production of testosterone. LH levels can also be monitored in conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), infertility, or hormonal imbalances.
When LH Testing Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend an LH test if you have symptoms like irregular menstrual periods, infertility, early signs of menopause, or if you’re investigating hormonal imbalances. Men might have LH tests to check for low testosterone or other reproductive health concerns.
How LH Testing Works
A small blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed to measure LH levels. The result helps determine if hormone levels are within a typical range or if further evaluation is needed.
What LH Levels Mean for You
Higher-than-normal LH levels may suggest conditions like early menopause, PCOS, or certain tumors. Lower-than-normal levels might indicate hormonal deficiencies or issues with the pituitary gland. Your results will be compared to standard reference ranges provided by your lab.
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 of LH Testing
Short name
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Frequently asked questions
Why might my LH test results be abnormal?
How soon will I get my LH test results?
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