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Laboratory Tests

This section provides detailed information on a wide range of laboratory tests relevant to women's medicine

A rapid reference

LH

LH (Luteinizing Hormone) is a hormone, released from the anterior pituitary gland. It is a gonadotropin, stimulating the ovary to produce hormones and ovulate. 

LH stimulates ovum maturation and ovulation, estrogen production, progesterone production, and supports the corpus luteum.

There is spike of FSH coincidental with the LH surge. These lead to ovulation within a few hours.

Spot urine measurements of LH are available commercially in over-the-counter "LH Surge" kits. A positive test normally confirms ovulation either has just occurred or will occur within the next few hours.

Elevations found in:

  • Ovulation
  • Ovarian failure
  • Menopause
  • Testicular Feminization Syndrome

Decreases found in:

  • Pituitary failure

Normal Values*

Men 7-24 mIU/ml 7-24 IU/L

Women
     (Follicular Phase)

 6-30 mIU/ml 6-30 IU/L
Women
     (Midcycle)		 >3x baseline  
Women 
     (Menopausal)		 >30 mIU/ml >30 IU/L

*These are general values taken from a variety of sources. The actual normal values may vary from lab to lab and from one type of testing protocol to another.

LH Levels in One Cycle