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LH & FSH

Also known as Follicle stimulating hormone & Luteinizing hormone

LH & FSH Includes 2 testsView All

₹799~~₹950~~ 15% Off

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

In females, the preferred sampling time is day 2 or 3 of the menstrual cycle for LH & FSH.

Understanding LH & FSH

What is LH & FSH?

The LH & FSH test helps assess the levels of two vital hormones: follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in both males and females. These hormones play an important role in reproductive health, with Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) regulating the menstrual cycle in females and sperm production in males. This test is performed to detect and monitor hormonal imbalance, infertility issues and early or delayed puberty.

The LH & FSH test assesses two key hormones-Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and Luteinizing Hormone (LH). These hormones, produced by the pituitary gland and play pivotal roles in various physiological processes, important for reproductive health and overall well-being in both males and females.

In females, FSH and LH help regulate the menstrual cycle. FSH helps eggs in the ovaries to grow, while LH triggers the release of mature eggs during ovulation. LH also helps produce progesterone, a hormone essential for maintaining pregnancy. Monitoring FSH and LH levels tells about the ovarian function, menstrual irregularities, and fertility. On the other hand, in males, FSH and LH are important for sperm production. FSH helps iin the production and maturation of sperm, while LH stimulates testosterone production, a key hormone for the development of secondary sexual characteristics like deepening of voice, muscle growth, facial and body hair in males.

The LH & FSH test is recommended in females with reproductive disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), menstrual irregularities and difficulty in getting pregnant. It also helps to determine ovulation time in females, evaluate hypogonadism (a condition where little or no sex hormones are produced in both males and females), and the function of the pituitary gland. In males, this test may be performed in suspected cases of low sperm count, fertility issues, or signs of low testosterone levels such as a decreased sex drive, low muscle mass, etc. By assessing the levels of FSH, and LH doctors can diagnose hormonal imbalance, guide treatment decisions, and monitor the effectiveness of interventions aimed at restoring hormonal balance and optimizing reproductive health.

In females, this test is advised on the second or third day of the menstrual cycle. For males, it can be done at any time. Additionally, inform your doctor about all the medication or supplements that you may be taking as some of them ( e..g, birth control pills) may require adjustments or temporary discontinuation before the test as these may potentially affect the test results.

Lab test results may vary across different laboratories. Don't self-medicate at home solely based on these results and talk to your doctor about your specific test results. The results will help them evaluate your medical condition; make recommendations for diet, exercise, or medication; and formulate an overall treatment plan based on your condition.

What is LH & FSH used for?

The LH & FSH test is done:

To evaluate the function of reproductive organs (ovaries or testicles).
To assess menstrual irregularities and conditions such as amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea in females
To detect disorders of the pituitary gland or diseases involving the ovaries in females
To investigate fertility problems in both males and females.
To evaluate low sperm count in males.
To assess hypogonadism or gonadal failure in males.
To assess testicular dysfunction in men.
To evaluate early or delayed sexual maturation (puberty) in children.
To investigate and monitor conditions affecting sexual development and puberty in both males and females.
To monitor hormone levels during hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

What does LH & FSH measure?

Contains 2 tests

The LH & FSH test measures the levels of two key hormones - follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) in the blood. These hormones are vital for hormonal function and overall reproductive health in both males and females.

In females, FSH stimulates the growth and recruitment of immature ovarian follicles in the ovary.When the follicle matures and reaches 8–10 mm in diameter it starts to secrete significant amounts of estradiol. The sharp increase in estradiol production by the dominant follicle causes an LH surge. LH levels rise just before ovulation to trigger the release of a mature egg. This way, FSH levels help assess ovarian function in females. In males, FSH levels help assess testicular function. It helps in tthe production and maturation of sperm, while LH stimulates testosterone production.

The levels of these hormones are typically low during younger ages. However, as adolescence approaches, the brain starts producing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). GnRH stimulates the pituitary gland to release FSH and LH. These gonadotropin hormones play a crucial role in the production of sex hormones such as testosterone, which are responsible for initiating the changes of puberty and controlling reproductive function in both males and females.

Luteinising Hormone

The Luteinising Hormone test determines the level of luteinizing hormone that promotes the functioning of the gonads, i.e., testes in men and ovaries in women. LH is produced by the pituitary gland, a pea-sized gland situated at the base of the brain. The production and release of LH are controlled by a system known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. A hormone called GnRH is released from the hypothalamus of the brain and binds to the cell receptors in the anterior pituitary gland, which in turn prompts the synthesis and release of luteinizing hormone. LH then travels across the blood and attaches to its target cells in the testes in men and ovaries in women to facilitate optimal sexual and reproductive activities.

Know more about Luteinising Hormone

Follicle Stimulating Hormone

The Follicle Stimulating Hormone test measures the level of FSH in your body. FSH is produced and subsequently released into the blood by the pituitary gland. Its production is controlled by a feedback mechanism involving a hormone situated in the hypothalamus in the brain. The released FSH travels through your blood and then attaches to receptors in the ovaries and testes. It exerts functional effects on the reproductive organs, such as sexual development, puberty, and maturation. FSH levels vary throughout the menstrual cycle in response to estradiol and progesterone. Any disruption or issue in this feedback mechanism can prevent the normal function of the testicles or ovaries. Thus, determining its level provides crucial information regarding your health.

Know more about Follicle Stimulating Hormone

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about LH & FSH

Frequently Asked Questions about LH & FSH

Q. Why is the LH & FSH test done?

The LH & FSH test is done to assess the levels of hormones- FSH, and LH that are essential for understanding reproductive health and fertility in both males and females.

Q. When is the best time to get tested?

For females, testing is often done on specific days of the menstrual cycle, usually during day 2 or 3 of the menstrual cycle, to assess baseline levels. For males, the test can be done at any time.

Q. Do I need to fast before taking the LH & FSH test?

No fasting is required for this test. You can schedule it at your convenience without avoiding food or water beforehand.

Q. Is there any risk associated with the LH & FSH test?

There is usually no risk associated with this test. However, some people may feel a slight sting when a needle is pricked to collect a blood sample and may experience some bleeding that is normal and usually not bothersome.

Q. What factors can affect the levels of FSH, and LH?

Factors such as stress, physical activity, medications, and underlying health conditions can affect FSH, and LH levels.

Q. What are the symptoms of hormonal imbalance in females?

Females with hormonal imbalances often experience heavy or irregular periods, mood swings, raised blood sugar levels, bloating, fatigue, excessive facial hair growth, and unexplained weight changes.

Q. What are the symptoms of hormonal imbalance in males?

Males with hormonal imbalances may experience hair thinning, hair loss, weight gain/loss, low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and depression, and show poor semen analysis, including low sperm count, motility, and morphology, leading to infertility.

Q. Can levels of FSH vary during different days of the menstrual cycle?

Yes, FSH levels in females change throughout the menstrual cycle. Its levels peak during the menstruation and ovulatory phase and drop down during the late follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle.

Q. What happens if the test results show high FSH levels in females?

High levels of FSH in females can indicate loss of ovarian function or ovarian failure, menopause, polycystic ovarian syndrome, chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., Turner's syndrome), and reduction in the production of good-quality eggs and embryos for fertilization.

Q. What are the causes of high levels of FSH in males?

High levels of FSH in males may indicate Klinefelter’s syndrome, absence of testicles or impaired functioning of testicles, damage to testicles by habits like alcohol dependence, or treatments such as X-rays or chemotherapy.

Q. What happens when LH levels are high?

In females, the rise in LH triggers ovulation and also affects 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 males.

Q. What happens when LH levels are low?

Low LH levels can signify that your pituitary gland is not making sufficient LH which is needed to induce changes in your body that support sexual development or reproduction.