Hormones system

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

LH

A pituitary hormone that triggers ovulation in women and testosterone production in men.

What is it

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) — in plain English.

LH is produced by the pituitary gland. In women it triggers ovulation; in men it stimulates testicular testosterone production.

Why it's measured

What LH can reveal.

LH is essential to fertility evaluation and to interpreting low testosterone in men in clinical research.

Reference range

Where most laboratories draw the standard line.

Standard laboratory reference

Sex- and cycle-dependent mIU/mL

Reference ranges vary by laboratory. Your individual reference range will appear on your test report and should be interpreted by your physician in the context of your overall health profile.

What results may indicate

Higher vs. lower LH — at a high level.

Elevated

In men with low testosterone, often suggests primary testicular dysfunction. In women, varies by cycle phase.

Lower

May suggest pituitary or hypothalamic dysfunction in research literature.

These associations are general. They are not a personal diagnosis or prediction. Discuss your individual results with your physician in the context of your full health profile.

When it's measured

When LH is typically run.

Used in reproductive evaluation across both sexes and in low-testosterone workups.

Related markers

Often measured alongside LH.

Common questions

Questions people ask about Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

What is Luteinizing Hormone (LH)?

LH is produced by the pituitary gland. In women it triggers ovulation; in men it stimulates testicular testosterone production.

Why is Luteinizing Hormone (LH) measured?

It's one of the markers used to build a fuller picture of your health. On its own it tells you very little, so it's most informative when reviewed alongside related markers.

How is Luteinizing Hormone (LH) tested?

It's measured from a standard blood draw at Quest or LabCorp. Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is one of the markers included in the OPTML Apex Panel, where your results are read across systems and reviewed by a U.S.-licensed physician.

What should I do with my Luteinizing Hormone (LH) result?

Reference ranges vary by laboratory, and a single value rarely tells the whole story. Review your result with a physician in the context of your other markers, symptoms, and history.

Not sure which panel is right for you?

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is one signal among many. Answer a few quick questions and we’ll point you to the panel that fits.

Related symptoms

Symptoms linked to Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

A symptom is a signal, not a diagnosis. These guides explain what the evidence shows and the blood markers, including this one, that help find the cause.

Measured in

LH is one of 160 biomarkers in the Apex Panel.

A complete look at your heart, hormones, metabolism, inflammation, and longevity systems — drawn at Quest or LabCorp, reviewed by a U.S.-licensed physician.

Find the right panel
160 biomarkers13 body systemsPhysician-reviewed
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This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Lab results alone are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition and do not replace the advice of a healthcare provider. OPTML does not offer medical advice, a diagnosis, medical treatment, or any form of medical opinion.

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OPTML offers compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide, prescribed and overseen by U.S.-licensed physicians. Compounded drug products are not approved or evaluated for safety, effectiveness, or quality by the FDA. OPTML is not associated with, endorsed by, or affiliated with the manufacturers of FDA-approved branded weight-loss medications, and does not sell or supply those branded products. Anyone interested in an FDA-approved branded medication should consult a licensed healthcare provider or pharmacist. Individual results vary; no specific result is promised, and weight management requires ongoing medical guidance.

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