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Hormones

LH Test

LH is a pituitary hormone that plays a central role in reproductive health for both men and women. As part of a comprehensive hormonal assessment, monitoring LH can help evaluate pituitary and gonadal function.

Doctor's Assessment Included

Reference Ranges

See the value that applies to you:

Choose male or female — this range differs by sex.

Enter your age — this range changes with age.

This range also depends on context such as cycle phase or sample material; the highlighted rows apply to your group.

Your reference range
U/L
1 95,6 U/L
Reference ranges by group, in U/L
Male 1,7–8,6 U/L
1,7 8,6
Female · Follicular 2,4–12,6 U/L
2,4 12,6
Female · Ovulatory 14–95,6 U/L
14 95,6
Female · Luteal 1–11,4 U/L
1 11,4
Female · Postmenopausal 7,7–58,5 U/L
7,7 58,5
1 95,6 U/L

Package-insert value: 5th-95th percentile per subgroup (n = 322 men; 316 follicular; 56 ovulation; 280 luteal; 132 postmenopausal). A hormone reference value is assay-specific; these values apply to the Roche Elecsys method.

Source: Roche Diagnostics Reference population: Roche reference cohort (Elecsys LH package insert)

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Check your own value

LH (Luteinizing Hormone): what this test measures

This test measures the concentration of luteinizing hormone in your blood. LH is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and works together with FSH to regulate the reproductive system, including gonadal steroid production and gamete maturation.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone): why this value matters

Monitoring LH provides insight into pituitary-gonadal communication, which is fundamental to hormonal health. This marker supports a proactive approach to understanding and maintaining your reproductive hormone balance.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone): how the blood test works

Referral
No GP referral needed. After the order we arrange the referral through ZorgDomein, within one business day; orders after 17:00 or at the weekend start on the next business day. ZorgDomein emails a barcode, and that barcode is what the draw site needs.
The draw
A blood draw from a vein in the arm, at a partner laboratory's draw site. No home kit, no finger prick.
Which test
on its own €26,- Menopause · €99,- · Hormones Women · €139,- · Whoop · €499,- · Whoop Heart Health · €629,-
Where
650+ draw sites run by independent laboratories across the Netherlands. Draw sites

LH (Luteinizing Hormone): how to prepare

  1. Do you have a cycle? Pick the right day

    Required

    If you have a menstrual cycle, count the first day of your period as day 1 and have the draw on day 2 to 5. On hormonal contraception, or without a cycle, any day works.

  • Water is always fine. Drink as usual beforehand, it makes the draw easier.
  • Take your usual medication, unless your own doctor told you otherwise.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone): when is testing worthwhile?

Testing may be recommended when investigating fertility concerns, irregular menstrual cycles, suspected pituitary disorders, or symptoms of hormonal imbalance. Your healthcare provider will advise on the optimal day of your cycle for testing.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone): symptoms of a high or low value

Low Levels

Some people with low LH may experience absent or irregular menstrual periods, decreased libido, fatigue, or difficulty conceiving. In men, low LH may be associated with reduced testosterone production.

High Levels

Elevated LH levels may be associated with polycystic ovary syndrome in women, primary gonadal failure, or menopause. In men, high LH could suggest primary testicular dysfunction.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone): what to do about an abnormal value

Male

If Low

Low LH may indicate pituitary dysfunction or secondary hypogonadism. Consider comprehensive endocrine evaluation.

If High

Elevated LH may indicate primary testicular failure. Consult with an endocrinologist for testosterone assessment.

Female

If Low

Low LH may indicate pituitary dysfunction or hypothalamic amenorrhea. Consider evaluation for eating disorders, excessive exercise, or stress.

If High

High LH may indicate PCOS or menopause. If in reproductive age with irregular cycles, consider PCOS evaluation.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone): lifestyle and this value

Maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, and ensuring adequate sleep may support balanced LH levels. Extreme exercise or very low body fat can sometimes disrupt pituitary hormone production. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone): frequently asked questions

What role does LH play in ovulation?

LH triggers ovulation by causing the dominant follicle to release a mature egg. The LH surge typically occurs about 24-36 hours before ovulation and is often used to predict fertile windows.

Why might LH levels be high after menopause?

After menopause, the ovaries no longer respond to LH. The pituitary gland produces more LH in an attempt to stimulate the ovaries, resulting in elevated levels.

Can stress affect LH levels?

Yes, significant physical or emotional stress may suppress LH production by affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. This can sometimes lead to menstrual irregularities or reduced fertility.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone): sources

  1. Roche Diagnostics. Elecsys LH, Method Sheet 11732234500 V 27.0, 2024-09 (CE). Material 11732234122 (cobas e 411 / e 601 / e 602). Verwachte waarden: 5e-95e percentiel. (retrieved 2026) elabdoc-prod.roche.com

Test Products

This marker is included in the following test panels.

Whoop

Whoop

A 45-biomarker comprehensive health panel inspired by WHOOP Advanced Labs — a deep look at metabolism, cardiovascular risk, hormones, liver, kidney and inflammation.

SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) LDL Cholesterol Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) Free Testosterone FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) Total Testosterone Bicarbonate Calcium Chloride Ferritin Iron (Serum) Magnesium Potassium Sodium Transferrin CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Homocysteine Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) HDL Cholesterol Total Cholesterol Albumin HOMA-IR ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Bilirubin (Total) Total Protein Urea (BUN) Creatinine Vitamin D (25-OH) eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Insulin (Fasting) Leukocyte Differential Transferrin Saturation Lipoprotein(a) Triglycerides Basic Blood Count Bilirubin (Direct) Bilirubin (Indirect) Cholesterol/HDL Ratio Non-HDL Cholesterol LDL/HDL Ratio
€499,-
Whoop

Whoop Heart Health

A 46-biomarker heart health panel inspired by the WHOOP Heart Health Panel — an advanced look at cholesterol, lipoproteins, inflammation and kidney function.

Complete Blood Count (CBC) ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Albumin Total Protein Bilirubin (Total) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) Total Cholesterol LDL Cholesterol HDL Cholesterol Triglycerides Lipoprotein(a) Urea (BUN) Creatinine eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Calcium Bicarbonate Chloride Sodium Potassium Magnesium Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) Total Testosterone Free Testosterone TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) Insulin (Fasting) HOMA-IR CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Homocysteine Ferritin Iron (Serum) Transferrin Transferrin Saturation Vitamin D (25-OH) Cystatin C Uric Acid Bilirubin (Direct) Bilirubin (Indirect) Cholesterol/HDL Ratio Non-HDL Cholesterol LDL/HDL Ratio
€629,-

Medical reviewer

Medical standards

Dr. Naimi oversees the medical standards behind our content and assessments.

Medical policy
CIBG Ministerie van Volksgezondheid,
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LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

€26,-