This test measures the level of luteinizing hormone (LH) in your blood. LH is made by your pituitary gland, a small gland located underneath the brain. LH plays an important role in sexual development and functioning.
In women, LH helps control the menstrual cycle. It also triggers the release of an egg from the ovary. This is known as ovulation. LH levels quickly rise just before ovulation.
In men, LH causes the testicles to make testosterone, which is important for producing sperm. Normally, LH levels in men do not change very much.
In children, LH levels are usually low in early childhood, and begin to rise a couple of years before the start of puberty. In girls, LH helps signal the ovaries to make estrogen. In boys, it helps signal the testes to make testosterone.
Too much or too little LH can cause a variety of problems, including infertility (the inability to get pregnant), menstrual difficulties in women, low sex drive in men, and early or delayed puberty in children.
Other names: lutropin, interstitial cell stimulating hormone
For the evaluation of fertility issues, the health of reproductive organs, and pituitary function, Additionally, for women, to determine ovulation (if the ovary has released an egg) To evaluate early or delayed puberty in children.
Women: If you are experiencing difficulty getting pregnant, have irregular or heavy menstrual periods, or need to keep track of your ovulation during your menstrual cycle.
Men: If your partner cannot get pregnant. Additionally, men should be tested if they have a low sperm count, have low muscle mass, or are experiencing a decrease in sex drive.
Children: If their doctor suspects they have early or delayed puberty.
If you have symptoms indicating pituitary disorder or hypothalamic disorder, your healthcare may order this test.
Note: The medical information provided here in this website is for informational purposes only and is not to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
