Luteinizing Hormone (LH) in Serum or Plasma
This test measures the amount of luteinizing hormone (LH), a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a key role in reproductive health, including triggering ovulation in women and stimulating testosterone production in men.
["LH helps regulate your menstrual cycle and fertility; abnormal levels may signal hormonal imbalances or reproductive issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 10502-3
- Short code
- LH Ag Tiss Ql ImStn
- Synonyms
- LH Ag Tiss Ql ImStn
- 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
- Method
- immune-stain
- 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 doctor may order an LH test to evaluate fertility, diagnose hormonal disorders, check for conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or monitor treatment for conditions affecting hormone levels. It’s also sometimes used in men to assess testosterone production or evaluate conditions like hypogonadism.
What Does LH Measure?
LH triggers the release of an egg from the ovary in women and stimulates the production of testosterone in men. Levels can vary based on your menstrual cycle phase, pregnancy status, or other health factors.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis. LH levels are measured using an immunoassay method, which detects the hormone in your serum or plasma.
What Are Possible Results?
There are no standard reference ranges provided here because they can vary by lab and individual factors. Your results will be interpreted by your healthcare provider in the context of your symptoms, medical history, and other tests.
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.
Elevated LH levels may indicate conditions like premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), PCOS, or certain tumors affecting hormone production. Low LH levels can signal pituitary disorders, primary ovarian insufficiency, or other hormonal imbalances. Always discuss results with your doctor for personalized guidance.
Short name
Luteinizing Hormone (Serum/Plasma)
Frequently asked questions
What causes abnormal LH levels?
How often should LH levels be checked?
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