LH is a key reproductive hormone that triggers ovulation in women and stimulates testosterone production in men. Testing LH helps evaluate fertility, menstrual irregularities, and pituitary function.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is produced by the pituitary gland and plays a crucial role in reproductive function for both sexes. In women, LH triggers ovulation - the mid-cycle surge causes the release of a mature egg from the ovary. In men, LH stimulates the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone.
LH works in partnership with FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) to regulate the menstrual cycle and fertility. The ratio between LH and FSH provides important diagnostic information, particularly for conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Testing LH is valuable for investigating infertility, menstrual irregularities, early or delayed puberty, and suspected pituitary disorders. In conjunction with other hormone tests, LH helps create a complete picture of reproductive health.
Price
$8
Results
1-2 days
Lab Network
Quest
Fasting
Not Required
What's Measured
What This Test Measures
This test measures the concentration of luteinizing hormone in your blood, reported in mIU/mL. Normal LH varies dramatically by sex and menstrual cycle phase. Women: Follicular phase 2-15 mIU/mL, Mid-cycle peak 22-105 mIU/mL, Luteal phase 0.6-19 mIU/mL, Postmenopausal 15-62 mIU/mL. Men: 1.5-9.3 mIU/mL.
Who Should Consider This Test
Women investigating infertility or menstrual irregularities, those tracking ovulation for conception, women with suspected PCOS, men with low testosterone symptoms, individuals with delayed or precocious puberty, and anyone evaluating pituitary function.
Health Insights
Conditions Screened
Related Symptoms
When to Get Tested
No fasting required. For fertility and PCOS assessment, test on cycle days 2-4 (early follicular phase). For ovulation detection, test mid-cycle. LH can be tested any time for men or postmenopausal women.
Understanding Your Results
LH interpretation depends on sex and cycle timing. In women, elevated LH relative to FSH (>2:1 ratio) on day 3 suggests PCOS. Very high LH indicates menopause or ovarian failure. In men, high LH with low testosterone suggests primary testicular failure; low LH with low testosterone suggests pituitary/hypothalamic issues.
What to Expect
After placing your order, you'll receive an email from Rupa Health (our lab order partner) within 24 business hours to sign a consent form and schedule your blood draw at a Quest Diagnostics location.
The blood draw typically takes just a few minutes. Results are usually available within 1-2 business days and will appear in your secure Justlabs dashboard.
Our results include reference ranges and easy-to-understand indicators showing whether your values are within normal limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
$8
Typical hospital cash price: $150–$300
+ $28 in standard lab & physician fees at checkout (no additional bills later)
$18 lab collection + $10 physician order
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