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Luteinising Hormone

Also referred as

Lutropin

Interstitial cell stimulating hormone

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For men & women

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The Luteinising Hormone test measures the amount of luteinizing hormone (LH) in your blood. LH is vital in maintaining a healthy reproductive system in both men and women. This test is performed to evaluate the health of the reproductive organs, irregularities in menstrual cycles, fertility issues, and early or late puberty.

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Understanding Luteinising Hormone

Luteinizing hormone (LH) is produced by the pituitary gland, a pea-sized gland situated at the base of the brain. LH is essential for the sound reproductive health of both men and women. In women, LH helps regulate the menstrual cycle by triggering the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation). It also stimulates the production of progesterone, a hormone necessary to maintain pregnancy. In men, LH stimulates the production of testosterone, which is required for the production of sperm. Thus, LH also plays a significant role in puberty and fertility in men. Fluctuations in the level of this hormone can lead to various health-related problems that may need medical interventions.

The Luteinising Hormone test may be recommended for women with symptoms such as irregular or heavy periods, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and difficulty getting pregnant. It also helps to determine ovulation time in females, evaluate those suspected of hypogonadism (a condition where little or no sex hormones are produced in both males and females), and evaluate the function of the pituitary gland. In men, a Luteinising Hormone 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. It is often performed in conjunction with other hormonal tests such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) test or prolactin test for a detailed reproductive health evaluation.

In women, the preferred time to collect the sample is the second or third day of the menstrual cycle. For men, the test can be done at any time. Your doctor may ask you to temporarily stop taking certain medications, such as birth control pills, so it is best to let your doctor know about all the medicines you might be taking to get accurate test results.

Lab test results may vary across different laboratories. Abnormal test results require an expert interpretation; therefore, never try to self-medicate at home based solely on these results, and always consult a doctor for a proper understanding of the test results. Discuss your symptoms and medical history to help the doctor correlate your clinical and laboratory findings. These details and test results guide doctors in suggesting lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise.

What does Luteinising Hormone measure?

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.

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FAQs related to Luteinising Hormone

When should one get the Luteinising Hormone test done?

Women who are experiencing irregular menstrual cycles, difficulty in conceiving, or symptoms of menopause should get the Luteinising Hormone test. Men who have symptoms of low testosterone or are facing fertility issues should also get this test done.

What other tests are advised along with the Luteinising Hormone test?

Other tests that are advised along with the Luteinising Hormone test include follicle-stimulating hormone test, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), prolactin test, testosterone test, estradiol test, and progesterone test.

Is an LH test done at a particular time during the menstrual cycle?

For women, it is often recommended to perform an LH test at a specific time in the menstrual cycle, usually 2 or 3 of the menstrual cycle.

What happens when LH levels are high?

In females, the rise in LH levels triggers ovulation and also progesterone levels. However, high LH is associated with polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, and infertility. Further, high levels of LH cause early puberty, poor sperm morphology and motility, and may indicate damaged testicles in males.

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. LH may be low in other medical conditions as well. Talk to your doctor to discuss your test results and know about your health condition better.

What foods increase levels of luteinizing hormone?

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

What factors can affect the levels of luteinizing hormone?

Factors such as stress, medications, underlying medical conditions, and the menstrual cycle can affect LH levels.

Can an LH test detect pregnancy?

An LH test helps detect the day and time of ovulation. It does not confirm pregnancy.

Content created by

Dr. Swati Gupta (Anand)

MD Lab Medicine, MBBS

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Last Updated

27th Oct 2025