Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (arm vein)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 1-2 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Direct access — No physician referral required for immediate testing
- High precision — Advanced technology detects hormone levels as low as 0.01 IU/L
- Rapid results — Get answers in just 1-2 business days
- Fertility insights — Track ovulation patterns and reproductive health status
- Cost-effective — Transparent pricing without insurance complications
Who Is This Test For?
- Women trying to conceive or experiencing fertility challenges
- Individuals with irregular, absent, or abnormal menstrual cycles
- Men with low testosterone symptoms or suspected hypogonadism
- People investigating symptoms of pituitary or hormonal disorders
- Parents concerned about delayed or early puberty in adolescents
- Women seeking menopause confirmation or perimenopause assessment
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Schedule your appointment online or walk into any location
- Quick blood draw from your arm by a trained phlebotomist
- Receive results within 1-2 business days
FAQ
What does the LH test measure? The test measures luteinizing hormone levels, which regulate ovulation in women and testosterone production in men.
When is the best time to test? Women should test during specific menstrual cycle phases for fertility evaluation, or anytime for irregular periods. Men can test anytime, preferably morning.
Do I need to prepare for this test? No fasting required, but avoid biotin supplements for 72 hours before testing as they can interfere with results.
How accurate is LH testing? LH testing achieves approximately 99% accuracy in detecting hormone surges when properly timed and interpreted.
What do abnormal results mean? Elevated levels may indicate PCOS or primary gonadal failure. Low levels may suggest pituitary dysfunction or secondary hypogonadism.
Will my results be confidential? Yes, all testing is completely private and confidential, protecting your personal health information.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Serum Test measures hormone levels produced by your pituitary gland to evaluate reproductive health and fertility. LH plays crucial roles in sexual development: in women, it triggers ovulation and regulates menstrual cycles, while in men, it stimulates testosterone production in the testes (Mayo Clinic Laboratories 2014). The test uses advanced electrochemiluminescence immunoassay technology to provide precise measurements that help diagnose fertility issues, hormonal imbalances, and pituitary disorders (MedlinePlus 2023).
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is particularly valuable for women experiencing fertility challenges or irregular menstrual cycles, as LH testing can detect ovulation in 100% of spontaneously ovulating women when properly timed (Pubmed 1987). Men with symptoms of low testosterone, decreased sex drive, or low muscle mass can use LH testing to screen for hypogonadism. The test is also essential for evaluating PCOS, which affects 10-13% of reproductive-aged women globally (ASRM 2023). Additionally, parents concerned about delayed or early puberty in adolescents can use LH testing for proper assessment and monitoring.
When should I order the LH test?
Order this test if you're a woman trying to conceive, experiencing irregular periods, or investigating fertility concerns. Men should consider testing if experiencing symptoms of low testosterone or when partners cannot conceive. The test is also recommended for individuals with suspected pituitary disorders, adolescents with puberty timing issues, or women seeking menopause confirmation. Since approximately 8.5% of married women aged 15-49 experience infertility, with 12.2% using infertility services, LH testing serves as a critical diagnostic tool (CDC NCHS). For optimal results, women should consider menstrual cycle timing based on their specific clinical question.
How do I interpret the results?
LH levels vary significantly based on sex, age, and menstrual cycle phase. Understanding your results requires professional interpretation, as normal ranges fluctuate dramatically throughout the menstrual cycle in women.
- Women - Follicular Phase: 1.9-12.5 IU/L (Pre-ovulation baseline levels)
- Women - Ovulation Peak: 8.7-76.3 IU/L (LH surge triggering ovulation)
- Women - Luteal Phase: 0.5-16.9 IU/L (Post-ovulation levels)
- Men (Ages 20-70): 0.7-7.9 IU/L (Testosterone regulation range)
- Men (Over 70): Higher ranges (Age-related variations)
Elevated levels may indicate primary gonadal failure or PCOS in women, while low levels may suggest secondary hypogonadism or pituitary dysfunction.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No fasting is required for the LH test, making it convenient for walk-in testing. However, discontinue biotin supplements 72 hours before testing to prevent assay interference (Mayo Clinic Laboratories 2014). Women should consider menstrual cycle timing, as specific phases may be recommended depending on the clinical question. Morning collection is preferred for optimal hormone level assessment. Inform your healthcare provider of any hormonal medications, including birth control pills or testosterone therapy, as these may affect results.
How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on your specific health situation and clinical needs. Follow-up testing may be necessary to confirm results, as hormone levels can vary significantly.
- Fertility monitoring: Multiple times per cycle as needed
- Treatment monitoring: As directed by healthcare provider
- PCOS management: Every 3-6 months or as recommended
- Hypogonadism evaluation: Follow-up testing as clinically indicated
- Puberty monitoring: Serial testing over months as needed
Why early detection matters
Early detection of hormonal imbalances through LH testing can prevent serious reproductive health complications and improve treatment outcomes. PCOS-related conditions, often diagnosed through LH testing, cost an estimated $8 billion annually in the United States for diagnosis, treatment, and long-term health management (AJMC 2019). Early identification allows for timely intervention, lifestyle modifications, and appropriate medical management. For fertility concerns, early testing enables couples to seek appropriate treatment sooner, potentially improving conception rates and reducing the emotional and financial burden of prolonged fertility challenges.
Related tests you may consider
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) works synergistically with LH to provide comprehensive reproductive hormone assessment. FSH and LH together can distinguish between primary and secondary gonadal failure (Endocrine Society 2018).
Total and Free Testosterone testing is critical for evaluating hypogonadism in men and hyperandrogenism in women with PCOS.
Hormone #1 Baseline Blood Test Panel, Women – Provides a comprehensive evaluation of key female hormones, including Estradiol, Progesterone, Cortisol, FSH, LH, Total and Free Testosterone, and DHEA-S. This panel helps assess menstrual irregularities, fertility issues, symptoms of hormonal imbalance, and overall endocrine function.
