Lab test · Endocrinology

Luteinising Hormone (LH)

Fertility & ovulation hormone

Also called Luteinizing hormone

Blood sample
No fasting
Report within 24 hours
Home collection

What this test is for

Fertility & ovulation hormone

LH is a hormone made by the pituitary gland. In women, a sudden rise in LH in the middle of the menstrual cycle triggers ovulation, the release of an egg. In men, LH signals the testes to make testosterone. Your doctor measures it, usually alongside FSH, to look into fertility, periods, puberty and hormone balance.

Why a doctor may order it

To investigate difficulty getting pregnant
Irregular or absent periods, including when polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is suspected
Low testosterone or reduced sex drive in men
Early or delayed puberty
To help tell whether a hormone problem comes from the pituitary gland or from the ovaries or testes

How to prepare

Fasting: Not needed.

There are no food or drink restrictions. For women with periods, the timing in the cycle matters, so your doctor may ask for the sample on a specific day. Hormonal contraceptives and hormone treatments can change LH, so mention them to your doctor.

At home

Sample: Blood sample
How it works: The trained collector comes to your home on the day you book and draws a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. If your doctor wants LH and FSH together, one sample covers both.
Report: Within 24 hours of collection.

What the results can mean

LH is shown with reference ranges that depend on sex, age and, in women, the phase of the cycle. A high LH can reflect menopause or reduced function of the ovaries or testes, and in some women with PCOS the LH is high compared with FSH. A low LH can suggest a problem with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus. Your doctor will interpret the result together with FSH and other hormones.

What's included

One test: Luteinising Hormone (LH), from one blood sample.

Questions people ask

What is the LH surge?

It is a sharp rise in LH in the middle of the menstrual cycle that triggers ovulation. Home ovulation kits detect this rise in urine, while this blood test measures the level at the time of sampling.

Is LH tested together with FSH?

Usually, yes. The two hormones work together, and comparing them helps your doctor understand fertility, menopause and pituitary function.

Why is LH checked in men?

LH tells the testes to make testosterone. If testosterone is low, the LH level helps show whether the problem lies in the testes or in the pituitary gland.

How much does a LH test cost in Dhaka?

With Mukti Health the price is ৳550, and the sample is collected at your home in Dhaka. You see the price again before you confirm the booking in the Mukti Health app.

Can I do the LH test at home in Dhaka?

Yes. Book it in the Mukti Health app and a trained sample collector comes to your home in Dhaka to take the blood sample. You do not need to go to a laboratory.

How long does the LH report take?

The report is usually ready within 24 hours of the sample being collected.