Measures LH, a pituitary hormone involved in ovulation, testicular function, and sexual development.
Test summary
Test name
LH
Abbreviations
LH
Category
Endocrinology / Reproductive
Panel
Reproductive Hormones
Specimen
Serum / plasma
Common units
IU/L, mIU/mL
What does the test measure?
Measures LH, a pituitary hormone involved in ovulation, testicular function, and sexual development.
Why is the test ordered?
Used with FSH and other hormones for infertility, menstrual disorders, ovulation assessment, and early or delayed puberty.
Information about a low result
Low LH may occur with pituitary or hypothalamic suppression; in females, cycle phase changes the expected level substantially.
Information about a high result
LH normally surges around ovulation and may be higher after menopause; elevation outside those contexts is interpreted with other hormones.
Reference and clinical context
Use the reference interval printed on your own laboratory report first. Hormone results may vary with the assay, age, sex, pregnancy, menstrual-cycle phase, and sampling time.
Reference range 1
>= 1.8 – <= 8.6 IU/L
Population
Adults
Sex
Male
Age range
18
Specimen
Serum / plasma
Example reference interval
This is an example interval from the cited source. Menstrual-cycle phase, menopause, and pregnancy can materially affect reproductive-hormone results.
Reference range 2
>= 5 – <= 25 IU/L
Population
Premenopausal adults
Sex
Female
Pregnancy status
No
Specimen
Serum / plasma
Example reference interval
This is an example interval from the cited source. Menstrual-cycle phase, menopause, and pregnancy can materially affect reproductive-hormone results.
Reference range 3
>= 7.7 – <= 58.5 IU/L
Population
Postmenopausal adults
Sex
Female
Pregnancy status
No
Specimen
Serum / plasma
Example reference interval
This is an example interval from the cited source. Menstrual-cycle phase, menopause, and pregnancy can materially affect reproductive-hormone results.
Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, method used, age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context. The reference range on your own laboratory report takes precedence.
Interpretation notes
LH is commonly interpreted with FSH. In females, comparing serial results without recording cycle timing can be misleading.
Related specialties
Endocrinology
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Urology
Pediatric Endocrinology
Frequently asked questions
No. Hormone tests are interpreted together with symptoms, medical history, and other laboratory results.
Use the reference interval provided by the laboratory that performed your test.
Results that are clearly outside range, persistent, or inconsistent with symptoms should be reviewed by a healthcare professional.