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Lab test
What is an LH test, and what are normal LH levels?
An LH test measures luteinizing hormone, a pituitary hormone that triggers ovulation in women and testosterone production in men. It is ordered for fertility, irregular periods, puberty and menopause questions, usually with FSH. ARUP Laboratories lists 2.4 to 12.6 IU/L in the follicular phase, 14.0 to 95.6 at mid-cycle and 1.7 to 8.6 for adult men.
What does the LH test measure?
LH is a pituitary hormone. In women who menstruate it helps control the menstrual cycle and triggers the release of an egg; in men it signals the testicles to make testosterone. MedlinePlus
Why is the LH test ordered?
- In women, to help find the cause of infertility or irregular periods, to time ovulation, and to help find out whether perimenopause or menopause has begun. MedlinePlus
- In men, to help find the cause of infertility, a low sperm count or low testosterone. MedlinePlus
What are typical LH ranges?
ARUP Laboratories publishes adult LH intervals by sex and menstrual cycle phase. ARUP Laboratories
Reference ranges differ between laboratories and testing methods, and many also differ by age, sex, pregnancy or the phase of the menstrual cycle. The range printed on your own report is the one that applies to your result, and a clinician interprets it alongside your history.
| Group | Reference interval |
|---|---|
| Women, follicular phase | 2.4 to 12.6 IU/L |
| Women, mid-cycle | 14.0 to 95.6 IU/L |
| Women, luteal phase | 1.0 to 11.4 IU/L |
| Women, postmenopausal | 7.7 to 58.5 IU/L |
| Men, 18 and older | 1.7 to 8.6 IU/L |
What can affect LH results?
- LH changes through the month, so women who have periods may need testing at a specific time in the menstrual cycle. MedlinePlus
- Some medicines and supplements can affect results; tell your provider everything you take. MedlinePlus
When should you talk to a clinician about a LH result?
- A provider reads LH with FSH, your age, symptoms and history; ask them what a result outside the range means for you. MedlinePlus
DiscoverMedica explains what a test measures and what named sources publish. It does not interpret individual results; the clinician who ordered your test, or one you choose, does.
Where can you get a LH test?
A clinician can order it as part of routine or follow-up care. Some services also let you order lab tests yourself; check that a service’s panel includes this marker, which laboratory runs it, and who reviews the result with you.
- Function HealthAnnual membership for broad lab panels, drawn at Quest sites or at home.
- Quest HealthOrder individual lab tests from Quest Diagnostics online, without a doctor’s visit.
LH Test: questions, answered
What is a normal LH level?
ARUP Laboratories lists 2.4 to 12.6 IU/L in the follicular phase, 14.0 to 95.6 at mid-cycle, 1.0 to 11.4 in the luteal phase and 7.7 to 58.5 after menopause for women, and 1.7 to 8.6 IU/L for men aged 18 and older. Other labs publish their own ranges. ARUP publishes separate ranges for children and teenagers.
What is the LH surge?
LH rises sharply shortly before ovulation, which is why ARUP’s mid-cycle range is much higher than the others. MedlinePlus notes that at-home urine tests that detect this rise are usually used to track ovulation. MedlinePlus adds that an LH increase a couple of weeks after a period usually means ovulation is occurring normally.
Why is LH tested with FSH?
Both pituitary hormones control the ovaries and testicles and usually move together. MedlinePlus says a provider interprets LH alongside FSH and other hormone tests, together with your age, symptoms and history. ARUP even offers LH and FSH together as a single combined test.
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Levels Test
- ARUP Laboratories: Luteinizing Hormone, Serum (test 0070093)
Last reviewed October 7, 2026. Every source above was checked on or before that date. Educational information only, not medical advice; it does not replace a conversation with a licensed clinician. DiscoverMedica does not employ clinicians.
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