Luteinizing Hormone
Results
A luteinizing hormone test measures the amount of luteinizing Reference hormone Opens New Window (LH) in a sample of blood or urine.
LH levels depend on a person's age and stage of sexual development, and, in a woman, on the phase of her Reference menstrual cycle Opens New Window. The urine test to determine whether a woman is ovulating detects only the presence (positive result) or absence (negative result) of LH.
Normal
The normal values listed here—called a reference range—are just a guide. These ranges vary from lab to lab, and your lab may have a different range for what’s normal. Your lab report should contain the range your lab uses. Also, your doctor will evaluate your results based on your health and other factors. This means that a value that falls outside the normal values listed here may still be normal for you or your lab. Ask your doctor for normal values of your luteinizing hormone test.
| Menstruating women | |
|---|---|
|
1.68–15 Reference international units per liter (IU/L) Opens New Window |
|
|
Midcycle peak: |
21.9–56.6 IU/L |
|
0.61–16.3 IU/L |
|
| Women past menopause: |
14.2–52.3 IU/L |
| Men: |
1.24–7.8 IU/L |
Luteinizing hormone in urine. Most home urine tests to predict ovulation determine only the presence of LH (called qualitative testing) and not the specific level or quantity. Home urine test results are either "positive" (LH is present) or "negative" (LH is not present).
Many conditions can change LH levels. Your doctor will discuss any significant abnormal results with you in relation to your symptoms and past health.
High values
High luteinizing hormone values in a woman may mean:
- Reference Ovaries Opens New Window are absent or have been removed.
- Ovaries are not functioning because of menopause, Reference polycystic ovary syndrome Opens New Window (PCOS), or damage from Reference chemotherapy Opens New Window.
- Early puberty in young girls.
High luteinizing hormone values in a man may mean:
- Reference Testicles Opens New Window are absent or have been removed.
- Testicles are not functioning because of surgery or damage from Reference mumps Opens New Window, X-ray exposure, chemotherapy, cancer, or injury.
- Reference Klinefelter syndrome Opens New Window.
Low values
Low luteinizing hormone values in a man or woman may mean:
- Reference Anorexia nervosa Opens New Window.
- Reference Pituitary gland Opens New Window failure.
- Damage to a part of the brain called the Reference hypothalamus Opens New Window.
- Stress.
- Low body weight.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference May 18, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Femi Olatunbosun, MB, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
|
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
