Luteinizing Hormone (LH) in Serum or Plasma
This test measures the amount of luteinizing hormone in your blood. LH is a hormone produced by the 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."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 2580-9
- Short code
- LH Ur-sCnc
- Synonyms
- LH Ur-sCnc
- 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 an LH test to check for hormonal imbalances, evaluate fertility issues, diagnose conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or monitor treatment for hormone-related disorders. It can also help assess pituitary gland function or screen for conditions affecting hormone production.
Who Might Need This Test?
Women may need an LH test during menstrual cycle tracking, fertility evaluations, or if they have irregular periods, symptoms of hormonal imbalances, or suspected PCOS. Men might have it to check for low testosterone or other reproductive health concerns.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but your provider may ask you to avoid certain medications that could affect results. For women, timing the test around ovulation (typically mid-cycle) can provide more accurate results for fertility purposes.
What Happens During the Test?
A blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis. The test typically takes a few days to return results, depending on your lab’s processing time.
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 Level
Frequently asked questions
High LH levels may indicate conditions like premature ovarian insufficiency in women, hyperprolactinemia, or tumors affecting the pituitary gland. In men, elevated LH can signal low testosterone or other hormonal disorders. Low LH levels might suggest pituitary issues, hypogonadism, or certain genetic conditions.
An abnormal LH level may signal an underlying hormonal imbalance or health condition that needs further evaluation by your healthcare provider. They may recommend additional tests or treatments based on your symptoms and test results.
Yes, factors like stress, weight fluctuations, certain medications (e.g., birth control, antidepressants), and chronic illnesses can influence LH levels. Your provider may discuss lifestyle adjustments or medication adjustments if needed.
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