What is LH (Luteinizing Hormone ) Serum? Why is the test done? Everything around this, that you should know, in this post and of course our doctors are always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form down below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!
What is LH?
Luteinizing hormone is the most important hormone found in both females and males and secreted by the pituitary gland. It helps the reproductive system function properly like ovaries in females and testes in males.
LH plays a very important role during pregnancy.
Also Read: Vit B12 Test
What is the role of LH in females?
LH is mainly released during ovulation ( when the egg is just released from the ovary) and continuously release for 2 weeks which stimulates the ovarian production of progesterone. Progesterone helps in the thickening of the uterine lining which creates a good environment for a fertilized egg to implant.
What is the role of LH in males?
LH play a very important role in the production of testosterone in males which is important for producing sperms. LH is released at a constant pace over time so does testosterone as it doesn’t change in men.
What is an LH serum test?
LH serum test is usually done to check the amount of Luteinizing hormone in the blood.
Why is it done?
LH is done in various health conditions:
- Fertility problem
- Irregular menstruation
- Early or delayed puberty
- Low testosterone
- Low libido
- Weakness
- Depression etc.
What is the average value of LH?
In women:
- the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle: 0.5 to 16.9 IU/L
- follicular phase in the menstrual cycle: 1.9 to 12.5 IU/L
- at the peak of the menstrual cycle: 8.7 to 76.3 IU/L
- post menopause: 15.9 to 54.0 IU/L
- women using contraceptives: 0.7 to 5.6 IU/L
- pregnant women: less than 1.5 IU/L
In men:
- between the ages of 20 and 70: 0.7 to 7.9 IU/L
- over 70: 3.1 to 34.0 IU/L
What does a higher level of LH indicate?
In women, increased level of LH and FSH indicates problems in ovaries or it can occur in primary ovarian failure and can be caused by:
- Ovaries that are not developed properly
- Thyroid disease
- Adrenal disease
- Ovarian tumour
- Polycystic ovarian disease
- An autoimmune disease
- Genetic abnormalities like tuner’s syndrome
- On chemotherapy
In men, higher levels can be caused by primary testicular failure:
- Body mass is low
- infertility
- Gonad development failure
- Decreased libido
- Chromosomal abnormalities like Klinefelter syndrome
- trauma
- Radiation exposure
- Germ cell tumour
In children: A higher level of LH can cause precocious puberty, it can be caused by:
- Brain injury or trauma
- Tumour in CNS
- History of brain surgery
- History of meningitis and encephalitis
What does a low level of LH indicate?
In women: Low level of LH indicates secondary ovarian failure that can be caused by problems in the pituitary gland etc.
In men: a low level of LH indicates decreased testosterone level in the body which can lead to:
- Decreased libido
- Fatigue
- Sexual dysfunction
In children: low LH levels in children usually indicate:
- Ovarian or testicular failure
- Turner’s syndrome
- Kleinfelter syndrome
- Cancer
- An eating disorder
- Chronic illness
