Description:

The Luteinizing Hormone or LH Test measures how much of the hormone is in your blood. The LH is produced by the pituitary gland in both men and women.

In females, this hormone helps regulate the menstrual cycle and egg production. It is common to see LH levels rise and fall during the monthly menstrual cycle. It is also useful in the production of estrogen and progesterone.

In males, LH is responsible for the release of testosterone (which plays a role in producing sperm).

Why Do I Need It?:

The LH Test can help men and women in a lot of ways, such as helping find the cause for the couple’s infertility or help evaluate a man’s sperm count or a woman’s egg supply. It can also give insight on puberty, menstrual cycle issues, and ovulation timing, among others.

Other Relevant Tests:

Customers who purchase the LH Test may also want to consider the Follicular Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Progesterone Test or the Comprehensive Female Panel, a great value panel that includes these three tests and a myriad of others.

Test Details:

Normal Range:

Men’s levels should be between 1.5- 9.3mL. For women, normal levels depend upon what stage of the menstrual cycle you are in. For example:

High Results Indicate:

In men, high levels can indicate testicular failure, defects in testicular growth or testicular injury. In women, high levels can indicate menopause or primary ovarian failure.

Low Results Indicate:

Low levels of LH can indicate a number of disorders such as secondary ovarian failure, problems with the pituitary or hypothalamus in women.

What Type of Physician Should You See?

Women with abnormal levels of LH should see their gynecologist; men should see their primary care physician.

Next Steps:

1. Buy test – either at the store or online. (*If online, don't forget to print out receipt!)
2. Fill out necessary paperwork and how you want to receive the test results.
3. Get results.
4. Review results.
5. If your results are 'abnormal' or 'out-of-range' from the normal, please contact your physician. (*The interpretation of any laboratory test should be made only by a licensed physician.)