Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Test - Price, Procedure, & Results

Table of Content

Introduction to Luteinizing Hormone Test

Gonadotropins are very important for the reproductive development in the human body. LH Hormone, or the luteinizing hormone, is one of the most important gonadotropins present in the body. 

A luteinizing hormone (LH) test measures the amount of luteinizing hormone in a person's blood. This hormone plays key roles in both male and female reproductive systems.

Doctors normally suggest anyone get the test done whenever they see symptoms like infertility, a decrease in libido, etc.

This LH level is normally higher in females than in males because it is responsible for ovulation in the female body. It helps release eggs from the ovaries.

If your doctor has suggested that you get your LH Levels tested, you can book your test with Redcliffe Labs. You can book the test either from our website or download the app. We provide home sample collection services so you can get yourself tested from the comfort of your home and even receive the test results on your phone.

Test Details:

What is the LH (Luteinizing Hormone)?

LH is a hormone produced in the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain and roughly the size of a pea. If you’re a female, LH is an important part of your menstrual cycle. It works with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), another gonadotropin made in the pituitary gland. FSH stimulates the ovarian follicle, causing an egg to grow. It also triggers the production of estrogen in the follicle.

The rise in estrogen tells your pituitary gland to stop producing FSH and to start making more LH. The shift to LH causes the egg to be released from the ovary, a process called ovulation. In the empty follicle, cells proliferate, turning it into a corpus luteum. This structure releases progesterone, a hormone necessary to maintain pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, the progesterone levels drop, and the cycle begins again.

When to take the LH Hormone Test?

For women:
One may need this test when your doctor thinks:

• You've been unable to get pregnant after 12 months of trying.
• Your menstrual periods aren't regular or have stopped.
  If you're age 45 or older, testing usually is optional. That's because high levels of LH and FSH are traditionally a sign of normal perimenopause and menopause. But you may need an LH test along with other hormone tests if there is a medical reason, such as:
• Premature menopause 
• Early menopause 
• Having symptoms that may be related to menopause

For men:
You may need this test if:

• You've been unable to get your partner pregnant after 12 months of trying.
• You have less interest in sex than usual.
• You have a low sperm count.
• You have a loss of muscle and body hair.

For Females and Males:
You may need an LH test if your healthcare provider thinks you could have a pituitary disorder. Pituitary problems can affect fertility and decrease your interest in sex. They may also cause symptoms such as:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Reduced appetite
• Weight loss

Teens and children:
LH testing may be needed if puberty seems to be starting too early or too late:

• Early puberty: signs of sexual development before age 8 in girls and age 9 in boys.
• Delayed puberty: signs of sexual development by age 13 in girls and age 14 in boys.

Who can take the LH Hormone Test?

Gynecologists and andrologists usually recommend this LH hormone test, but the reasons for getting tested vary for both males and females.

If a female is suggested to get their LH levels tested, then they might have symptoms like:

• Difficulty in conceiving
• Irregular Menstruation
• Nearing their Menopause

If you are a male and are suggested to get your LH levels tested, that means you may have symptoms like:

• Low Sex Drive
• Less Muscle Mass
• Decrease of testosterone levels

One can look out for these symptoms and get themselves tested as a preventive practice.

Preparations Before the Luteinizing Test:

No special set of rules must be followed before taking the luteinizing hormone blood test. However, these are some basic guidelines to be followed:

• You are not required to fast before taking the LH hormone test, but if your health requires it, talk to your physician about any special dietary requirements.
• If you are pregnant, you might be taking any medication or supplements. It is important to inform your doctor about that as well. You do not have to panic in such situations; they will also tell you the solution if they think there is an issue. 
• It is a blood test, so avoiding any workouts or yoga before taking the test is always recommended.
• It is always advised that you skip smoking or drinking alcohol before taking the test because there are high chances that it may alter your test results, and you will not be able to get accurate test results.

Following the above steps, you will be fine while getting tested, and no exceptional preparation will be required before the blood test.

The Procedure for the Luteinizing Hormone Blood Test:

This Luteinizing Hormone Test is like any other blood test; it does not take more than 5-10 minutes for the phlebotomist to take the blood sample. The procedure for getting the test is as follows:

• The phlebotomist, on arrival, tells you to make a fist and ties a band around your arm.
• They tell you to make a fist so the veins are properly visible.
• They disinfect the area from which the blood is to be drawn.
• Then, a thin, sterile needle is inserted into the vein to draw blood, and after the needle is removed, a bandage is put on the punctured area.
• After drawing the blood, they put it in a vial, seal it, and label it.
• This vial is then taken to the laboratory to be tested.

Keep in mind that this is not a painful process. It may sting when the syringe is injected, and blood is drawn from the body, but that is about it. This sensation goes away in a day or two, so if you are experiencing the pain or the sting for a longer period, you must consult your doctor to find out what is 

Conditions diagnosed through the LH Hormone Test:

The LH test is an essential diagnostic tool in reproductive medicine and endocrinology. It helps diagnose and manage a variety of conditions, including:

• Infertility: Abnormal LH levels can indicate issues with ovulation in women or testosterone production in men, both of which can contribute to infertility.
• Menstrual Irregularities: Irregular menstrual cycles or absence of menstruation (amenorrhea) can be linked to abnormal LH levels.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Elevated LH can be an indicator of PCOS which is a condition that can be identified through irregular periods, excessive hair growth, and multiple ovarian cysts.
• Pituitary Disorders: Since the pituitary gland produces LH, abnormal levels can indicate pituitary tumors or other disorders affecting the gland's function.
• Delayed Puberty: Delayed puberty can be assessed by measuring LH and other hormone levels in both boys and girls.
• Hypogonadism: In males, low LH levels can indicate a condition known as hypogonadism. In this condition, the person releases much less testosterone than normal.

Interpretation of the LH Hormone Test Results:

Interpreting LH test results requires understanding normal LH levels, which can vary based on age, sex, and menstrual cycle phase.

In Women:

Follicular Phase: LH levels are typically low to moderate.

Ovulation: LH levels peak sharply, indicating an LH surge.

Luteal Phase: LH levels decrease after ovulation.

Postmenopausal: Elevated LH levels due to the lack of negative feedback from estrogen and progesterone.

In Men:

Prepubescent Boys: Low LH levels.

Postpubescent Men: Stable, moderate LH levels.

Children and Teens: This test helps understand if there are any reproductive disorders in the child or the reasons behind late puberty.

The LH hormone test is done not only to monitor the level of luteinizing hormone in the body it can also be used to check the FSH levels.

Understanding the Abnormal LH Levels:

High LH Levels:

Women: High LH levels outside the ovulatory surge can indicate PCOS, ovarian failure, or menopause.

 Men: High LH levels may suggest primary testicular failure, such as Klinefelter syndrome or damage from chemotherapy or radiation.

Low LH Levels:

Women: Low LH levels may indicate hypothalamic or pituitary disorders, such as hypothalamic amenorrhea or pituitary adenomas.

Men: Low LH levels can suggest hypogonadism and in this condition, the issue lies with the pituitary gland which is controlled by the hypothalamus.

How do you manage the LH Hormone in your body?

Maintaining LH Hormone levels in the body is important as it is a reproductive hormone. It helps the growth of the reproductive organs, and in females, it ensures fertility. So, if your test reports show that the level of LH hormone is abnormal in the body, you need to see a doctor and start trying to get it back on track. These are a few things you can do to manage the LH Hormone in your body:

• Manage your stress levels:

You need to take active measures to keep your stress levels in control, such as starting to meditate and perform yoga regularly.

• Eat Right:

Avoid eating processed foods as much as possible. Get the help of a dietician and prepare a balanced meal so that no nutrients are missing from your plate.

• Get Sufficient Sleep:

Sufficient sleep reduces stress and cortisol levels. Good quality sleep also impacts hormone level production. Women and men who sleep longer have higher LH levels than those with short, disturbed sleep patterns.

Risk Factors Associated With The LH Hormone Test:

An LH hormone test is a very safe procedure as it is a simple blood test and the only risks that might be associated with the tests are:

• Bruising
• Bleeding
• Lightheadedness

If you are someone who is scared of needles or is prone to fainting at the sight of blood, then you need to be a tad bit extra careful.

Cost of the LH Hormone Test At Redcliffe Labs:

The LH Hormone Test at Redcliffe Labs costs INR 499. However, this price may vary from lab to lab, and you must do your research before booking your tests. We try to keep our prices as minimal as possible so that we can make diagnostic services accessible to every individual.

If you have been recommended to get your LH levels tested, you can book your test with Redcliffe Labs. 

We provide doorstep sample collection services, so you can just book your test from your phone and have the phlebotomist collect the blood sample from the comfort of your home. You even receive your test reports online, so there is no hassle, and you can get your diagnosis without waiting in long queues. Our reports are accurate and are trusted by more than 50000 doctors; our labs are even NABL and ISO-compliant.

LH Test Price in Different Cities - Redcliffe Labs

Note: We also offer LH Test PAN India. Please call the number 8988988787 to check the availability of our services in your area.