Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Test

What is luteinizing hormone?

Luteinizing hormone is a gonadotropin hormone that is produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. It is produced in both males and females. Luteinizing hormone is largely associated with reproduction in females and testosterone production in males.

What are its functions of Luteinizing hormone?

The basic functions of the luteinizing hormone are:

In females:
– Regulate the menstrual cycle.
– Helps in egg production ( ovulation ).

In males:
– Testosterone production which helps in the production of sperm and development of sexual characteristics.

What is the Luteinizing Hormone Test?

The Luteinizing hormone test measures and monitors the levels of luteinizing hormone in the blood and urine of a person.

Why did my doctor recommend me to undergo the Luteinizing Hormone Test?

If you are a woman, your doctor might suggest a Luteinizing hormone test for the following reasons:

– If you are facing complications and difficulties in conceiving.
– An irregular menstrual cycle.
– To diagnose if you are entering the phase of menopause. The onset of menopause is determined by the Luteinizing Hormone Test.
– If a pituitary disorder is suspected.

If you are a man, your doctor might have recommended this test for the following reasons:

-If you are facing problems related to fertility.
– The pituitary disorder is diagnosed.
– If you are having a lesser sperm count. 

When should I undergo the Luteinizing Hormone Test?

If you are noticing a few symptoms which are related to the deficiency of LH(Luteinizing hormone), this test is highly recommended. In the case of women, the symptoms are as follows:

– Irregular menstrual period
– Absence of periods

In the case of men, the symptoms are as follows:
 
– Low testosterone level
– Low sex drive
– Low muscle mass

In the case of the pituitary gland disorders in both males and females, the symptoms are as follows:

– Fatigue
– Unexplained weight loss
– Weakness
– Decreased appetite

What are the preparations needed for the Luteinizing Hormone Test?

– Fasting is required for 8 to 10 hours prior to the test. Overnight fasting is preferred.

– You might be suggested to stop certain medications which might affect the results.

– Avoid taking any birth control pills for a time period as suggested by your doctor.

-Avoid the intake of any estrogen and progesterone dosage tablets for 4 weeks before the test.

-If you have undergone any radioactive tests like chemotherapy etc, within the last 7 days before the test, mention it to your doctor before the test. Since this can affect the results.

-Inform your doctor about the bleeding pattern of the first date of the last menstruation cycle.

-The blood sample for the test is only collected on day 2/ day 3 of the menstrual cycle.  

What is the procedure of the urine test for the Luteinizing Hormone Test?

In the case of a urine test for the Luteinizing Hormone Test test, the doctor suggests collecting the urine samples over a time period of 24 hours. The laboratory professional will give you the containers in which you have to store your urine samples. You will be provided with the guidelines associated with the storage of the urine samples in the containers. In a 24-hour urine sample test, generally, the following steps are followed:

– Empty your bladder in the morning by excretion and flush that urine away. Note the time.

-For the next 24 hours, collect all your urine passed in the container provided.

-Store your urine containers in the refrigerator or a cooler with ice.

– Return the sample container to your health provider’s office or the laboratory as instructed.

Is the Luteinizing Hormone Test Test procedure painful?

There’s no pain associated with the collection of the blood sample. A person might feel a pin pricking sensation for a very brief moment after the test. The pain wears off within a few hours.

What are the risks of the Luteinizing Hormone Test Test?

There are no risks related to this test. The procedure of blood collection might have some risks associated with it as some people might feel light-headed and dizzy after the blood is drawn. In some cases, it might cause Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin causing a lump or bruise). If the vein is not located immediately, there might be pain associated with too many punctures for finding a vein.

What is the price of the Luteinizing Hormone Test Test in India?>

The price of the Luteinizing Hormone Test test in India ranges from Rs 500 – 2200. It can vary with various locations around the country.

When will I get my results?

You will get your Luteinizing Hormone Test within 24 to 36 hours of the test itself.

What does my Luteinizing Hormone Test test result depict?

What does it mean if I have a high level of LH(Luteinizing hormone)?

If you are a woman with a high level of LH(Luteinizing hormone), it indicates the following:

– Ovaries that are not properly developed
– Genetic abnormalities, such as Turner syndrome
– Exposure to radiation
– History of taking chemotherapy drugs
– Autoimmune disorders
– Ovarian tumor
– Thyroid or adrenal disease
– Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

If you are a man with a high level of LH(Luteinizing Hormone), it indicates the following:

– Chromosome abnormalities, such as Klinefelter syndrome
– Gonad development failure
– History of viral infections, such as the mumps
– Trauma
– Radiation exposure
– History of taking chemotherapy medications
– Autoimmune disorders
– Germ cell tumor

What does it mean if I have a low level of LH(Luteinizing hormone)?

If you are a woman with low levels of LH(Luteinizing Hormone), it can lead to a secondary ovarian failure. If you are a man with lower levels of LH(Luteinizing Hormone), it can lead to a secondary testicular failure, fatigue and reduced sex drive.

Can pregnant and lactating women undergo this test?

Pregnant women have to undergo the LH(luteinizing hormone) Test as a part of their routine check-up. It is completely safe for lactating as well as pregnant women to undergo this test.

Is the Luteinizing Hormone Test recommended for kids?

Luteinizing Hormone(LH) test is recommended to both young boys and girls who are entering puberty much earlier than expected. This is a completely safe process that includes the collection of blood by venipuncture.

What are the other tests recommended along with the Luteinizing hormone test?

FSH(Follicle Stimulating Hormone) Test is generally recommended along with the Luteinizing Hormone test.