Luteinizing hormone (LH) test
Explanation
Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a chemical messenger made by the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. It helps control egg release from the ovaries and testosterone production in the testicles. A test usually measures LH in blood.
Why does the menstrual cycle matter?
LH normally rises sharply just before an ovary releases an egg, called ovulation. A high result at that point can therefore be expected. Home ovulation tests look for this rise in urine.
A blood result taken at another point in the cycle answers a different question. Tell your clinician when your last period began and follow any instructions about the day of testing.
What else helps explain the result?
LH may be checked for irregular periods, fertility problems, low testosterone or unusually early or late puberty. It is often compared with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), another hormone involved in reproduction, and other hormone results.
A high or low value alone does not establish a particular disorder. Age, symptoms and whether the ovaries or testicles are responding normally to hormone signals all matter.
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