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Hormones

LH Test

An LH blood test measures luteinizing hormone, a pituitary hormone essential for reproductive function. LH plays a key role in triggering ovulation in women and stimulating testosterone production in men.

Turnaround up to 72 hours, estimate Turnaround: up to 72 hours after your blood draw (estimate).

Reference Ranges

See the value that applies to you:

Choose male or female — this range differs by sex.

Enter your age — this range changes with age.

This range also depends on context such as cycle phase or sample material; the highlighted rows apply to your group.

Your reference range
U/L
1 95,6 U/L
Reference ranges by group, in U/L
Male 1,7–8,6 U/L
1,7 8,6
Female · Follicular 2,4–12,6 U/L
2,4 12,6
Female · Ovulatory 14–95,6 U/L
14 95,6
Female · Luteal 1–11,4 U/L
1 11,4
Female · Postmenopausal 7,7–58,5 U/L
7,7 58,5
1 95,6 U/L

Package-insert value: 5th-95th percentile per subgroup (n = 322 men; 316 follicular; 56 ovulation; 280 luteal; 132 postmenopausal). A hormone reference value is assay-specific; these values apply to the Roche Elecsys method.

Source: Roche Diagnostics Reference population: Roche reference cohort (Elecsys LH package insert)

Reference values can vary between laboratories. Discuss your results with your GP for explanation and treatment decisions.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone): what this test measures

This test measures the concentration of luteinizing hormone in your blood. LH is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and works together with FSH to regulate the reproductive system, including gonadal steroid production and gamete maturation.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone): why this value matters

Monitoring LH is important because abnormal levels could suggest reproductive disorders, pituitary dysfunction, or hormonal imbalances. In women, LH patterns may help evaluate ovulation and menstrual cycle regularity.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone): how the blood test works

Referral
No GP referral needed. After the order we arrange the referral through ZorgDomein, within one business day; orders after 17:00 or at the weekend start on the next business day. ZorgDomein emails a barcode, and that barcode is what the draw site needs.
The draw
A blood draw from a vein in the arm, at a partner laboratory's draw site. No home kit, no finger prick.
Results
Turnaround: up to 72 hours after your blood draw (estimate).
Where
650+ draw sites run by independent laboratories across the Netherlands. Draw sites

LH (Luteinizing Hormone): how to prepare

  1. Do you have a cycle? Pick the right day

    Required

    If you have a menstrual cycle, count the first day of your period as day 1 and have the draw on day 2 to 5. On hormonal contraception, or without a cycle, any day works.

  • Water is always fine. Drink as usual beforehand, it makes the draw easier.
  • Take your usual medication, unless your own doctor told you otherwise.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone): when is testing worthwhile?

Testing may be recommended when investigating fertility concerns, irregular menstrual cycles, suspected pituitary disorders, or symptoms of hormonal imbalance. Your healthcare provider will advise on the optimal day of your cycle for testing.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone): symptoms of a high or low value

Low Levels

Some people with low LH may experience absent or irregular menstrual periods, decreased libido, fatigue, or difficulty conceiving. In men, low LH may be associated with reduced testosterone production.

High Levels

Elevated LH levels may be associated with polycystic ovary syndrome in women, primary gonadal failure, or menopause. In men, high LH could suggest primary testicular dysfunction.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone): what to do about an abnormal value

Male

If Low

Low LH may indicate pituitary dysfunction or secondary hypogonadism. Consider comprehensive endocrine evaluation.

If High

Elevated LH may indicate primary testicular failure. Consult with an endocrinologist for testosterone assessment.

Female

If Low

Low LH may indicate pituitary dysfunction or hypothalamic amenorrhea. Consider evaluation for eating disorders, excessive exercise, or stress.

If High

High LH may indicate PCOS or menopause. If in reproductive age with irregular cycles, consider PCOS evaluation.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone): lifestyle and this value

Maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, and ensuring adequate sleep may support balanced LH levels. Extreme exercise or very low body fat can sometimes disrupt pituitary hormone production. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone): frequently asked questions

What role does LH play in ovulation?

LH triggers ovulation by causing the dominant follicle to release a mature egg. The LH surge typically occurs about 24-36 hours before ovulation and is often used to predict fertile windows.

Why might LH levels be high after menopause?

After menopause, the ovaries no longer respond to LH. The pituitary gland produces more LH in an attempt to stimulate the ovaries, resulting in elevated levels.

Can stress affect LH levels?

Yes, significant physical or emotional stress may suppress LH production by affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. This can sometimes lead to menstrual irregularities or reduced fertility.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone): sources

  1. Roche Diagnostics. Elecsys LH, Method Sheet 11732234500 V 27.0, 2024-09 (CE). Material 11732234122 (cobas e 411 / e 601 / e 602). Verwachte waarden: 5e-95e percentiel. (retrieved 2026) elabdoc-prod.roche.com

Tests with related values

These panels measure values from the same category as this marker.

Results without a doctor's assessment

You receive your values with the unit and reference range. A doctor's assessment is not part of this site. Discuss your results with your GP for explanation and treatment decisions.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

€26,-