Luteinizing Hormone

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

Why It Is Done

A luteinizing hormone (LH) test may be done to:

• Help find the cause for a couple's inability to become pregnant (infertility). LH testing is commonly used to help evaluate:
  • A woman's egg supply (ovarian reserve).
  • A man's sperm count.
• Help evaluate menstrual problems, such as irregular or absent menstrual periods (amenorrhea). This can help determine whether the woman has gone through menopause.
• Determine whether a child is going through early puberty (also called precocious puberty). Puberty is early when it starts in girls younger than age 9 and in boys younger than age 10.
• Determine why sexual features or organs are not developing when they should (delayed puberty).
• Determine (usually with a urine sample) when a woman is ovulating. Home urine tests for ovulation are available.
• Monitor a woman's response to medicines given to stimulate ovulation.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS Carrie Henley	Last Updated: August 7, 2007
Medical Review:	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine
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