Skip to content

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) – Serum or Plasma, Confirmatory Test

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the level of luteinizing hormone (LH) in your blood, a hormone important for reproductive health in both men and women.

Quick summary

["LH helps regulate hormone cycles and sperm production; abnormal levels may signal fertility issues or hormonal imbalances."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
50515-6
Short code
LH sp7 SerPl-aCnc
Synonyms
LH sp7 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

Why Is This Test Done?

Your doctor may order an LH test to evaluate fertility, diagnose hormonal disorders, or check for conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women, or low testosterone in men. It can also be part of monitoring for certain cancers or thyroid disorders.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a broader metabolic or hormonal panel. Bring any medications you’re currently taking to your appointment.

What Happens During the Test?

A healthcare provider will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis using an immunoassay method to detect LH levels accurately.

What Are Possible Results?

Results are reported as a concentration of LH in the blood. While reference ranges vary by lab, higher or lower-than-expected levels may indicate underlying health concerns that require further evaluation.

Reference range

Follicular: 1.5-9.0 mIU/mLN/A

Specimen: serum

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 Confirm

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get my LH test results?
Results are typically available within 1–3 business days, depending on your lab’s processing schedule. Follow-up with your healthcare provider if you have questions about your results.
Can lifestyle factors, like stress or exercise, affect LH levels?
Yes, stress, extreme exercise, or certain medications (e.g., birth control, antidepressants) can influence LH levels. If you suspect these factors may impact your test, discuss them with your doctor.
Is LH testing the same as a pregnancy test?
No, LH tests measure reproductive hormones for fertility or hormonal balance, while pregnancy tests detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced during early pregnancy.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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