Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Test

What Does the LH Test Measure?

The LH test provides valuable information about your reproductive health by measuring specific hormone levels. Here's what it helps evaluate:

• Fertility status and ovulation patterns in women
• Menstrual cycle irregularities and their underlying causes
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) diagnosis
• Hypogonadism (low hormone production) in males
• Pituitary gland function and hormone balance
• Primary versus secondary ovarian failure
• Effectiveness of hormone replacement therapy
• Puberty-related concerns in children

LH Test: Who Needs It and Why It's Done

What symptoms may call for an LH test?

Your doctor may recommend this test if you experience certain symptoms that suggest hormonal imbalances. Common signs include:

• Difficulty conceiving after trying for several months
• Irregular, infrequent, or completely absent menstrual periods
• Symptoms of PCOS, like excessive hair growth, acne, or weight gain
• Signs of menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats
• Low sex drive or erectile dysfunction in men
• Unexplained fatigue and loss of muscle mass
• Early or delayed puberty in children

Who should get an LH test?

Several groups of people can benefit from this important diagnostic test:

• Couples facing fertility challenges or planning a pregnancy.
• Women tracking their ovulation cycle for conception.
• Individuals showing symptoms of hormonal disorders
• Patients with diagnosed PCOS or testosterone deficiency
• Children with abnormal pubertal development
• People experiencing unexplained reproductive health issues

Why is an LH test done?

The LH test helps doctors understand the communication between your brain and reproductive organs. This information is essential for diagnosing the root cause of fertility, menstrual, or hormonal problems and avoiding related health risks.

Importance of an LH Test

The LH test serves as a vital diagnostic tool in reproductive medicine. It helps identify whether fertility issues stem from the ovaries or testes themselves, or from problems in the brain's hormone control centres.

For women trying to conceive, it pinpoints the most fertile days in their cycle. The test results guide doctors in creating personalised treatment plans, whether that involves lifestyle changes, medications, or advanced fertility treatments. Early detection through LH testing can prevent complications and improve treatment outcomes significantly.

LH Test Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare India

How to book an LH test?

1. Simple Online Booking
   Booking can be done through the Metropolis Healthcare App or website. Select LH Test, choose a convenient time slot, and provide your address for a blood test at home. You can also visit the nearest Metropolis Lab if you prefer to give the sample directly at the lab.
2. Safe Home Sample Collection
   Our trained phlebotomists ensure the timely collection of your sample while strictly following all safety and hygiene protocols.
3. Sample Tracking Updates
   Stay informed at every step. From collection to testing, you can track your sample directly through the Metropolis Healthcare website.
4. Accurate Laboratory Testing
   Your sample is processed at our NABL & CAP-accredited laboratories, where expert technicians ensure accurate results.
5. Quick & Easy Reports
   Receive your test reports promptly via email, WhatsApp, or by downloading them directly from the Metropolis Healthcare website or app.

Is home sample collection for the LH test available near you?

Yes, home blood sample collection is available for the luteinizing hormone test. Our trained phlebotomists follow strict safety protocols while collecting your blood sample in the comfort of your home. Metropolis Healthcare's reliable home collection services ensure you receive accurate results without compromising on quality or convenience.

How long does it take to get an LH test report?

Reports are usually available after 6 hours once the sample reaches the pathology lab.

Note: Reporting time and cost may vary depending on your location.

Where can I see or get LH test results?

Test results from Metropolis Healthcare can be accessed through multiple convenient channels. You can log in to the Metropolis website using your credentials or use the Metropolis Healthcare App to view and download your reports. Additionally, test reports are sent via email or WhatsApp, and you also have the option to collect a physical copy directly from the lab.

Interpreting LH Test Results

What your LH test results may indicate

The following table helps you understand what your test results mean and their clinical significance:

Conditions that May Affect LH Test Accuracy

Several factors can influence your test results and should be discussed with your healthcare provider:

• High-dose biotin supplements (more than 5 mg daily) can interfere with test results.
• Hormonal medications, including birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy.
• Stress, illness, or significant lifestyle changes may impact hormone levels.
• The natural episodic and daily cyclic nature of LH secretion can cause variations.
• Certain medications that affect the pituitary gland function.
• Timing within the menstrual cycle can significantly affect results in women.

How is an LH Test Done?

The LH test procedure is a straightforward blood collection that takes just a few minutes:

• A healthcare professional will clean the area on your arm with an antiseptic.
• An elastic band is tied around your upper arm to make the veins more visible.
• A small needle is gently inserted into a vein to collect the blood sample.
• The blood sample is collected in a special gel vacutainer tube.
• The needle is removed, and a bandage is applied to the puncture site.
• Your sample is labelled and sent to our NABL & CAP-accredited laboratory for analysis.

How Should You Prepare for an LH Test?

LH test preparation is simple and requires minimal effort:

• No fasting required; you can eat and drink normally before the test.
• Avoid high-dose biotin supplements (more than 5 mg daily) for at least 8 hours before collection.
• Inform your doctor about all medications, especially hormonal treatments.
• Maintain normal fluid intake and avoid excessive hydration before the test.
• Provide clinical history as requested by your healthcare provider.

Diseases that an LH Test Can Help Detect

The luteinizing hormone test assists in diagnosing various health conditions affecting reproductive health:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Primary and secondary hypogonadism
• Pituitary gland disorders
• Premature ovarian failure
• Testicular dysfunction and infertility in men
• Precocious or delayed puberty in children
• Menopause-related hormonal changes

LH Test/Packages that You Can Book With Metropolis Healthcare

The following table shows related tests and packages available to provide a comprehensive reproductive health assessment:

LH Test Prices Across Different Cities

The cost of an LH test may vary depending on your location. Here's a table showing the approximate prices in different cities:

Reference:
1. Package insert
2. Wallach’s interpretation of diagnostic tests, Ed10, 2015
3. Arch Pathol Lab Med—Vol 141, November 2017
4. Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics. Burtis CA, Ashwood ER, Bruns DE, eds. 5th edition, St. Louis: Elsevier Saunders; 2014.