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Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Levels Test
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Lab Tests

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Levels Test

The luteinizing hormone (LH) test measures hormone levels in the blood or urine to evaluate fertility, sexual development, and pituitary gland function.

The Role of LH

Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a chemical messenger that controls the function of specific organs:

  • In women: LH controls the menstrual cycle and triggers ovulation. Levels rise sharply just before an egg is released.
  • In men: LH stimulates the testicles to produce testosterone, which is essential for sperm production.
  • In children: LH levels rise during puberty, signaling the production of estrogen in girls and testosterone in boys.

LH production is regulated by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus.

Why the Test is Used

  • Women: To investigate infertility, irregular periods, or to track ovulation. It also helps identify the onset of perimenopause or menopause.
  • Men: To investigate infertility, low sperm count, low testosterone, or low sex drive.
  • Children/Teens: To diagnose early or delayed puberty.

What the Results Mean

Results are interpreted based on age, sex, and other hormone levels, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

  • High LH in adults: May indicate ovarian or testicular disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), or chromosomal disorders like Klinefelter syndrome. In women over 45, it may signal menopause.
  • Low LH in adults: Often suggests a problem with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus. In women, it can also be linked to extreme stress, malnutrition, or excessive exercise.
  • Children: High levels with signs of early sexual development may indicate precocious puberty. Low or abnormal levels in teens with delayed puberty may indicate conditions like hypogonadism or genetic disorders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Low LH can signal a problem with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, which may reduce stimulation of the ovaries or testes. In women, this can lead to irregular periods or anovulation, while in men it can cause low testosterone and reduced sperm production, impacting fertility.
In women over 40, a markedly elevated LH can indicate the transition to menopause, where the ovaries produce less estrogen and the pituitary releases more LH. It can also point to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or premature ovarian insufficiency, which may affect fertility and hormone balance.
The test is usually done in the morning after an overnight fast, but you should follow your provider’s instructions. Avoid taking medications that can affect hormone levels (such as hormonal birth control or steroids) for at least a week before the test unless your doctor says otherwise. If you’re a woman tracking ovulation, the test is often scheduled on day 3 of your cycle or just before the expected LH surge.
Yes. Chronic stress, extreme exercise, or significant weight loss can suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, lowering LH secretion. Managing stress, maintaining a balanced diet, and moderating intense workouts can help stabilize hormone levels.===
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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