Hormones
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
CONVERT & COMPARE
mIU/mL
=
5.5
IU/L
Reference ranges by source
Published adult intervals: 8, from 4 named sources, shown in mIU/mL.
SOURCE
SEX
AGE
RANGE
VISUAL
CITE
About Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
This test measures the level of luteinizing hormone (LH). A hormone is a chemical messenger in your bloodstream that controls the actions of certain cells or organs. LH is usually measured in a sample of your blood. But in certain cases, it may be measured in urine (pee).
LH plays an important role in sexual development in children and fertility in adults. LH levels are controlled by a complex system of hormones made in different parts of your body, so abnormal levels of LH may be a sign of a problem with any of these parts.
Main source: MedlinePlus ↗
Useful for
In women, an LH test may be used to help find the cause of infertility.
Find out when ovulation is about to happen if a woman is trying to get pregnant. Usually at-home tests are used to track ovulation. These tests measure LH in urine (pee).
Check for medical conditions that affect the ovaries.
Find the reason for irregular or stopped menstrual periods in women of childbearing age.
Help find out if menopause or perimenopause may have begun.
In men, an LH test may be used to help find the cause of infertility, a low sperm count, low testosterone levels, or a low sex drive.
Check for medical conditions that affect the testicles.
In women and men, LH testing may be used to help diagnose disorders of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus.
In children and teens, LH testing is most often used to help find out if a medical disorder is causing early or delayed (late) puberty.
Main source: MedlinePlus ↗
Interpretation
To understand the results of your LH test, your provider will consider your sex, age, symptoms, medical history, and the results of other hormone tests, especially your level of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Your provider can explain what the results of your LH test mean.
Lower-than-normal levels of LH in adults are often a sign of a problem with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus. These problems may make it hard for your body to make enough LH and FSH.
In women, low LH and FSH levels with missed periods may also be linked to extreme exercise, malnutrition, stress, or being very underweight.
For general wellness information only. Talk to a clinician about your specific results.
Main source: MedlinePlus ↗
Track your luteinizing hormone (lh) in MyBloodTest
Save reviewed lab results and follow their history. Scanning requires sign-in and has plan-specific limits.
Open the web app
iOS · Android · Web
Related biomarkers
More tests in the hormones category.
Sources
Last updated 2026-05-02
This page presents source-specific reference data and sourced explanations. For general wellness information only. This is not medical advice. For diagnosis or treatment of any condition, talk to a qualified clinician.