What is the Luteinising Hormone Test?

The Luteinising Hormone (LH) test measures the level of LH in the blood, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a central role in reproductive function. LH works closely with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to regulate ovarian and testicular activity.

In women, LH triggers ovulation and supports progesterone production after ovulation. In men, LH stimulates testosterone production by the testes. Measuring LH helps assess how effectively the brain is communicating with the reproductive organs.

This test is commonly used in fertility assessments, menstrual disorder investigations and endocrine evaluations.

Why do I need a test for Luteinising Hormone?

You may need this test if you are experiencing fertility issues, irregular menstrual cycles or symptoms of hormonal imbalance. Abnormal LH levels can indicate problems with ovulation, pituitary function or gonadal health.

Testing LH also helps distinguish between primary reproductive organ disorders and conditions affecting the pituitary or hypothalamus.

Symptoms and scenarios where testing is recommended:

• Difficulty conceiving
• Irregular or absent periods
• Suspected ovulation problems
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) assessment
• Symptoms of low testosterone
• Delayed or early puberty
• Suspected pituitary disorders
• Fertility or hormonal investigations

Benefits of the Luteinising Hormone Test

• Supports fertility assessment
  Helps evaluate ovulation and reproductive timing.
• Assesses pituitary gland function
  Indicates hormonal signalling from the brain.
• Identifies ovulatory disorders
  Useful in PCOS and cycle irregularities.
• Evaluates testosterone regulation in men
  Supports assessment of male reproductive health.
• Guides further hormone testing
  Helps determine next diagnostic steps.
• Assists in puberty evaluation
  Useful in delayed or precocious puberty.
• Supports endocrine diagnosis
  Helps differentiate central vs peripheral causes.
• Simple and reliable blood test
  Requires only a standard blood sample.

Step-by-Step: How Testing Works

Choose your preferred testing method

You can attend one of our UK partner clinics or arrange a home or hotel visit with a mobile phlebotomist.

Option 1 – In-Clinic Blood Draw

1. Select your nearest UK clinic and book an appointment.
2. A clinician or phlebotomist collects a venous blood sample.
3. The sample is analysed for luteinising hormone levels.
4. Results are delivered securely online.

Option 2 – Home or Hotel Phlebotomy (+£60)

1. Book a UK-wide home or hotel visit at a convenient time.
2. A trained phlebotomist collects your blood sample on-site.
3. The sample is transported to the laboratory.
4. Results are uploaded digitally without the need to travel.

Your Results Explained

Low Levels

Low luteinising hormone levels may indicate pituitary or hypothalamic dysfunction.
This can affect ovulation in women and testosterone production in men.
UK reference ranges vary by sex, age and menstrual cycle phase.

Normal Levels

Normal LH levels suggest appropriate hormonal signalling between the brain and reproductive organs.
This supports normal ovulation or testosterone production.

High Levels

Elevated LH levels may indicate ovarian insufficiency, testicular failure or PCOS.
High levels may also be seen during the mid-cycle ovulatory surge in women.