Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
- Sample Type
- Standard
- Fasting
- No
- Unit
- mIU/mL
LH is a gonadotropin produced by the anterior pituitary gland. In females, a sharp rise in LH (the LH surge) triggers ovulation and the development of the corpus luteum. In males, LH stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone. In the context of a fertility profile, it helps diagnose primary vs. secondary hypogonadism, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)—where LH is often elevated relative to FSH—and evaluates pituitary function or the onset of menopause.
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Check Your Result
Enter your lab result to see where you stand compared to the standard reference range.
Why Context Matters
LH secretion is pulsatile throughout the day and, in women, fluctuates dramatically based on the menstrual cycle phase. A single 'random' measurement may be misleading without knowing the exact day of the cycle. Additionally, high-dose biotin supplements can interfere with common LH immunoassays, leading to falsely low or high results.
Lab ranges are statistical averages, not biological laws. "Normal" for a 20-year-old male isn't normal for a 60-year-old female.
Clinical References
Source-of-truth databases and clinical guidelines for Luteinizing Hormone (LH):
Official Sources
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Test - Testing.comTesting.com
Research & Guidelines
- PubMed: Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Clinical GuidelinesNCBI / PubMed
Related Indicators
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Binoy Babu, MBBS
Board Certified Doctor • 10+ Years Clinical Experience
Dr. Babu is a practicing physician dedicated to empowering patients with clear, actionable medical information. He founded 2opi to bridge the gap between complex lab reports and patient understanding, ensuring everyone has access to a reliable second opinion.
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