What is Luteinizing Hormone Test?

In females, a high LH value indicates ovulation problems, polycystic ovary syndrome, Turner syndrome, and a low level indicates malfunctioning of the pituitary gland, malnutrition, and eating disorder.

In males, a high LH level indicates testicle damage due to alcohol abuse, infection, or chemotherapy, and the presence of Klinefelter's syndrome whereas, a low LH level indicates pituitary or hypothalamus disorder.

In children, a high LH and FSH level indicates that puberty is about to start or has already started, if this happens before nine or ten years of age, it might be indicative of a brain injury or central nervous system disorder. Low levels of FSH and LH indicate delayed onset of puberty in children.

The LH test is conducted by testing the blood of the patient. For this purpose, the blood samples are collected using a small needle from the patient's vein in the upper arm.

In females, the rise in LH triggers ovulation and also progesterone levels. However, too high LH is associated with polycystic ovary syndrome and infertility.

Further, high levels of LH cause early puberty, poor sperm morphology as well as motility, and indicate damaged testicles.

In the case of females who have not gone through menopause, the LH test is usually planned between the 12th and 16th day of the menstrual cycle. Those females trying to conceive are advised to test twice during their fertile window of the menstrual cycle. The LH tests during the afternoon periods help identify the highest surge of one's LH levels for both males and females.

The 1.09-9.2 IU/L LH level during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle is normal, and the chances of pregnancy during this period are higher.

LH surge is necessary for ovulation, and it indicates either the occurrence or approach of ovulation in females.

Through medication therapy and dietary supplements, one can enhance their LH levels. This includes Menotropins injection, and drug therapy varies according to the cause of low LH level and if pregnancy is desired.

During infertility, along with LH supplementation, other infertility treatment methods will also be suggested by the doctor. Food items such as flaxseeds, oysters, and salmon can help improve LH levels.

The normal LH level varies according to the gender, and phases of the menstrual cycle. In men, the normal LH level is 1.42-15.4 IU/L. In females, the normal LH during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle is 1.37-9 IU/L, the midcycle peak is 6.17-17.2 IU/L, the luteal phase is 1.09-9.2 IU/L. In postmenopausal women, the normal LH range is 19.3-100.6 IU/L. The values can slightly change across laboratories.

Food items that can increase LH levels include salmon, chia seeds, oysters, walnuts, avocado, cinnamon, cashews, almond, and flaxseeds.