LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

In Women:

• Ovulation: LH is most commonly tested to track ovulation. A surge in LH levels occurs just before ovulation, signaling that the ovary is about to release an egg. This is why LH tests are often used in fertility monitoring.
• Menstrual Cycle: LH levels also fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, and abnormal levels can indicate conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or problems with the pituitary gland.

In Men:

• Testosterone Production: In men, LH stimulates the production of testosterone in the testes. Testing LH levels can help assess the function of the testes and diagnose conditions like infertility or hypogonadism (low testosterone levels).

When is an LH Test Used?

• Fertility Testing: For women trying to conceive, an LH test can confirm when ovulation is occurring.
• Menstrual Irregularities: It can help diagnose the cause of irregular periods or other reproductive issues.
• Assessing Hormonal Imbalances: In both men and women, abnormal LH levels can indicate disorders of the pituitary gland, ovaries, or testes.

How is the Test Done?

The LH test is usually a simple blood test, but it can also be performed using urine testing kits (especially for women tracking ovulation). The timing of the test is important, especially for women, since LH levels vary throughout the menstrual cycle.

In summary, an LH test is a valuable tool for assessing reproductive health and fertility, and for diagnosing hormone-related disorders.