Luteinizing Hormone (LH) - Serum, Mass Concentration
This blood test measures the amount of luteinizing hormone (LH) in your serum. LH is a hormone produced by your pituitary gland that plays a key role in reproductive health, including ovulation in women and sperm production in men.
["LH helps regulate your menstrual cycle and fertility; levels can indicate reproductive health or potential hormonal imbalances."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 1594-1
- Short code
- LH 2h p GnRH SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- LH 2h p GnRH SerPl-mCnc
- 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?
Your healthcare provider may order an LH test to evaluate fertility issues, check for hormonal imbalances, diagnose conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or monitor treatment for hormone-related disorders. It may also be used during pregnancy to assess ovarian reserve or in men to investigate low testosterone levels.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the draw if your lab requires it. Wear comfortable clothing and plan to stay near the testing site for about 15 minutes while the blood is drawn.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will insert a small needle into a vein in your arm to collect a blood sample. You may feel a slight pinch, but the procedure is quick and typically painless. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What Are Possible Results?
Results are expressed in units of mass concentration (e.g., IU/L). Your results will be compared to reference ranges provided by your lab, which may vary slightly by testing facility. Your provider will discuss the meaning of your specific results in the context of your health.
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.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
LH Test
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my LH test results?
Can I eat or drink before my LH test?
Does LH testing affect my fertility treatments?
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