LH (Lutenizing Hormone)

Abbreviation

LH

Preferred Specimen

Serum

Minimum Volume

0.5mL

Alternative Specimens

None

Collection Instructions

Routine Venipuncture

Transport Container

Draw tube or plastic pour off tube

Transport Temperature

Frozen

Stability

If sample is not being tested same day of draw, separate and freeze at -20C

Methodology

CLIA (Chemiluminescent Immunoassay)

Reference Ranges

Men:

  • 2.8-6.8 mIU/mL

Women:

  • Follicular phase: 1.9-9.2 mIU/mL Periovulatory phase: 6.1-49.1 mIU/mL
  • Luteal phase: 1.3-10.8 mIU/mL

Postmenopausal:

  • Without hormone therapy 15.4-53.3 mIU/mL
  • Under hormone therapy 0.7-52.7 mIU/mL

Clinical Significance

Determination of LH and FSH plays an important role in the detection of dysfunctions of the pituitary-ovarian axis, clinically manifested by amenorrhoea, oligomenorrhoea, anovulatoric cycles and menorrhagia. LH serum concentration is also used as an indicator of ovulation in in vitro fertilization. In men, used for the differentiation between primary and secondary hypogonadism. In children and juveniles, LH and FSH determinations are indicated in either precocious or delayed puberty.