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Hormones

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

Hormones

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

Luteinising hormone. Important for ovulation and reproductive health assessment.

85 SEK

VAT-exempt medical service

  • Results in 5 working days
  • 116 sampling locations
  • No doctor's referral needed
  • Sample: Blood (venous)
Find a sampling location →

What does this test measure?

Luteinizing hormone is the spark plug of your reproductive system. In women, the mid-cycle LH surge is what actually releases the egg — no LH surge, no ovulation. In men, LH signals the testes to make testosterone. It works hand-in-hand with FSH, and the ratio between them can reveal a lot about what's going on under the hood.

LH testing helps diagnose fertility issues, assess miscarriage risk, confirm perimenopause or menopause, explain irregular or missing periods, and evaluate PCOS. In men, it's tested alongside testosterone to investigate low muscle mass, decreased drive, or suspected testicular dysfunction.

What a high value can mean

In women, high LH may indicate primary ovarian insufficiency, PCOS, perimenopause, menopause, Turner syndrome, or ovarian tumours. In men, it can signal testicular damage from chemo, radiation, infection, or alcohol, or Klinefelter's syndrome. High LH with high FSH in children may point to early puberty.

What a low value can mean

Low LH in women may suggest pituitary dysfunction, eating disorders, or being significantly underweight. In men, it can indicate pituitary or hypothalamic issues. In children, low LH and FSH together can signal delayed puberty.

Read more about this marker →

Associated symptoms

  • Irregular or absent periods
  • Difficulty conceiving or recurrent miscarriage
  • Hot flashes and menopausal symptoms
  • Low testosterone signs in men
  • Decreased sex drive
  • Early or delayed puberty in children

Who should consider this test

  • Women with fertility concerns or menstrual irregularities
  • Men with low testosterone or decreased libido
  • Women investigating menopause or perimenopause
  • Those being evaluated for PCOS
  • Children with unusual pubertal development

Before your appointment

For fertility evaluation, take this test on day 3 of your menstrual cycle (or between days 2-5). Should not be done during or shortly after antibiotic treatment. Bring valid ID. If you take a supplement containing biotin (often sold for hair and nails), pause it for two days before the test, as high doses can distort the result.

  • Bring photo ID to the sampling location.
  • You do not need a doctor's referral — your referral is issued when you order.
  • Tell the staff which test you have ordered if they ask.

How it works

  1. 1

    Order your test

    Choose your test and pay online. Your lab referral is created straight away.

  2. 2

    Give your sample

    Visit any of our partner sampling locations. No appointment needed at most of them.

  3. 3

    The lab analyses it

    Your sample is analysed at an accredited Swedish laboratory.

  4. 4

    Get your results

    Your values appear in your account with reference ranges and an explanation of each marker.

Good to know

What does an LH surge mean?

The LH surge at mid-cycle (about 24-36 hours before ovulation) triggers egg release. Tracking LH helps pinpoint your most fertile window.

How do LH and FSH work together?

Both come from the pituitary gland and tag-team to regulate reproduction. Their ratio can help diagnose conditions like PCOS.

Can hormonal contraceptives affect LH results?

Yes. Hormonal contraceptives suppress natural hormone fluctuations, so LH results may not be accurate while you're taking them.