LH test or luteinizing hormone test is a blood test that is ordered periodically to establish reproductive health by establishing the level of LH in the blood. LH or luteinizing hormone is a hormone involved in regulating the menstrual cycle of females and the level of testosterone in males. This test is a quick diagnostic test in terms of hormonal imbalance, fertility disease, and timing of ovulation, i.e., in conditions such as PCOS or delayed pubey. It is typically done by doctors along with other hormones such as FSH to get a complete idea of the reproductive health.

What is an LH Test?

An LH test, or luteinizing hormone test, is a blood test that tests for the presence of LH hormone in blood. LH is secreted by the pituitary gland, which is a small endocrine gland located at the posterior of the bottom of the brain, and is a key hormone to be utilized in regulating the function of the ovaries in women and the testes in men.

LH in the female is a mixture with FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) to regulate the menstrual cycle and ovulate, release an egg from the ovary. In the male, LH induces the release of testosterone, needed for sperm growth and development.

LH test is also employed as a screen test for detecting fertility problems, tracking menstrual irregularity, or diagnosing diseases such as LH test in PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), delayed puberty, or endocrine gland disorder. LH test can be utilized in fertility therapy in the detection of the LH surge, so that ovulation timing might be made easy for pregnancy.

Why is the LH Test Done

LH test is discovered to be applied in a range of both female and male uses and is well worth it in the screening of reproductive as well as hormonal health. when to take LH test:

In Women:

Physicians can recommend an LH blood test in attempting to:

  • Determine ovulation or when to become pregnant
  • Screen for or diagnose PCOS
  • Diagnose underlying reasons for irregular or absent menses
  • Determine onset of menopause
  • Monitor premature or delayed puberty
In women receiving fertility treatment, LH test is a routine test to monitor the LH surge, i.e., LH levels in females tells ovulation and peak fertile times of the menstrual cycle.

In Men:

LH test is useful in:

  • Diagnosis of hypogonadism, i.e., low level of testosterone concentration
  • LH test for infertility for Identification of the reason
  • Assessment of pituitary gland function
  • Diagnosis of hypogonadism, i.e., condition in which testes secrete little or no hormone
LH levels in males can tell you about underlying hormonal or testicle issues that are undermining fertility or sex health.

How to Prepare for an LH Test?

Preparation for an LH hormone test can usually be easy. Timing and medicine do come into play, however, particularly in women.
This is the way you prepare:

  • You will not need to fast.
  • Let your doctor know if you take hormonal medication like birth control pills, estrogen, or testosterone replacement therapy because they will affect your LH level.
  • Women may be requested to undergo the test at a particular time in your menstrual cycle (e.g., day 2 or day 14) depending on the reason that you are undergoing the test.
  • It is possible to repeat it several times within one cycle to catch the LH peak for ovulation.
  • Loose-fitting casual clothes with easy access to your arm since blood will be drawn from a vein.
Used in cases where LH test is performed for ovulation testing or monitoring trend of hormone change over the cycle.


EMG Test Procedure (Modified for LH Test)

Procedure for the LH test is the same as any other routine blood test and is performed in a health center:

  • You will have to sit properly with a stabilizing clinician.
  • They will sanitize some part of your arm with an antiseptic so that they don't become infected.
  • A needle is inserted into a vein in a manner that a small amount of blood is pulled out.
  • The sample is marked and then taken to a laboratory to be run for the test.
It takes only 5 to 10 minutes. It burns for one second. You can go back to your usual activities right after the test.

What to Expect After the LH Test?

You do not have any significant side effects after your LH blood test. Some may experience:

  • Small bruise on blood withdrawal site
  • Mild soreness or swelling
  • Light-headed if needle-phobic, relax
You can resume all normal activities, including eating, driving, and exercising.

Interpretation of EMG Test Results (Altered for LH Test Results)

LH level also changes with sex, age, and menstrual cycle in females. normal LH levels reference ranges are as follows:

In Women

  • Follicular Phase (before ovulation): 1.9 to 12.5 IU/L
  • Ovulation phase: 8.7 to 76.3 IU/L
  • Luteal Phase (after ovulation): 0.5 to 16.9 IU/L
  • In postmenopausal women: 15.9 to 54.0 IU/L

In Men:

  • Normal LH Level: 1.4 to 15.4 IU/L
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Primary ovarian failure or premature menopause
  • Testicular failure in men
  • Pituitary gland tumors
Decreased level of LH May Be an Indicator of:

  • Hypothalamic or pituitary malfunction
  • Eating disorders or hyperactivity
  • Suppression of hormones due to stress
  • Delayed puberty
The LH FSH ratio can be determined from the relationship between your doctor's measurement of the amount of LH and the measurement of FSH.

Medical Conditions Diagnosed by LH Test

LH blood test is applied in diagnosis or follow-up of the following medical conditions, more specifically of the reproductive system:

  • Women's ovarian malfunction at conception age
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Premature ovarian failure
  • Female and male infertility
  • Child delay or precocious puberty
  • Hypogonadism (hormone underproduction)
  • Irregular menstruation
  • Pituitary disorders
  • Testing of fertility treatment like IVF or IUI
The test may be paired with FSH, prolactin, testosterone, or estradiol testing in order to take a general sense of hormones.

LH Test and Pregnancy Test

An LH test and a pregnancy test are not, as everyone assumes, the same thing. Although both of these are being utilized very heavily in fertility treatment, they are in fact both testing for two other hormones for two other reasons.

LH may be used to predict ovulation by taking a measurement of an LH surge. LH is supposed to peak 24–36 hours before the egg release, and therefore testing LH would be helpful to a woman who is ready to conceive.

Or, a pregnancy test screens for the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone released only after the egg has been implanted. Although LH is structurally the same as hCG, tests for them are not.

LH Test Cost in Pakistan

The LH hormone test price in Pakistan also differs with the diagnostic center, city, and whether it is being done under a panel of hormones:

  • At government lab centers, the fee will be PKR 800 to PKR 1,200.
  • At private laboratories like Chughtai, Excel, or Aga Khan, the fee will be PKR 1,500 to PKR 2,500.
  • If you are going for a fertility check-up, LH is normally requested with FSH, prolactin, and estradiol and all the above can be done for PKR 4,000 to PKR 6,000.
Remember to make a prior call with the laboratory to report for availability, scheduling of the test, and fees.

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