LH (Luteinizing Hormone) Test
Charting a Path to
Hormone Balance
With Luteinizing
Hormone Test
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) test is
a blood test that measures the level of LH; which is a hormone produced by the
anterior pituitary gland in the brain, in the bloodstream. The test is often
carried out to assess and determine various gynaecological conditions in
females such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), amenorrhea, and
infertility. LH plays an important role
in the regulation of the menstrual cycle in women and the production of
testosterone in men. In men, LH test is often carried out to evaluate the
functioning of testes and diagnose conditions such as hypogonadism and
infertility.
Overview of the Key Aspects of LH Test:
Importance of LH Test:
In women, LH test helps predict
ovulation and a surge in the LH levels triggers the release of a mature egg
from the ovaries. Abnormal LH levels can also indicate menstrual
irregularities. High levels of LH can be indicative of conditions such as PCOS
while low levels can be linked to hypothalamic or pituitary issues. In
addition, LH test can be used as a guide for deciding treatment measures such
as levels of LH play an important role in determining the timing of procedures
like in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and artificial insemination. In adult males,
the normal range of LH is between 1.5 to 9.3 IU/L. In adult females, the range
of LH varies; during follicular phase normal LH levels are usually around 1-20
IU/L while during ovulation the levels can go above 20 IU/L.
Procedure:
●
There are no specific preparations needed before test
however it is important for the patient to follow any instructions given by the
healthcare provider.
●
Patients are advised to wear loose fitting clothing
with sleeves that can be easily rolled up.
● Patients will be asked to sit in a relaxed manner and a
trained nurse or phlebotomist will clean the area from where the blood is to be
collected with an antiseptic solution.
●
A tourniquet will be tied to the arm of the patient and
a needle will be inserted into the vein in the arm.
●
The blood sample will be drawn into specific tubes
labelled with accurate patient data.
●
The needle is then removed and a bandage will be
applied to the site of venipuncture to stop from further bleeding or infection.
●
The blood samples will then be sent to the laboratory
for analysis of LH levels.
● The results are usually available in a few days and the
healthcare provider will interpret them taking into consideration clinical
history and reason for the test of the patient.
●
Healthcare providers will then decide if additional
tests are needed or if treatment should be taken.
Benefits:
●
Relatively painless, quick, and safe procedure
●
Results of this test can help women with fertility
treatments to increase their chances of becoming pregnant
●
Helps in accurate assessment of infertility in both men
and women
●
Aids in diagnosis of gynaecological and hormonal
disorders
●
Provides accurate guidance for assistive reproductive
techniques
●
Helps in monitoring treatment effectiveness in patients
undergoing hormone replacement therapy
Precautions to be taken for LH Test:
Patients must inform their
healthcare provider if they are taking any medications or supplements as some
drugs can affect the levels of LH. In women, timing of the test is crucial so
patients must consult their healthcare providers on when to schedule the test
for accurate measurement. Patients must also remain calm and relaxed during the
test as stress levels can affect the levels of LH in the blood. Patients need
to consult with their healthcare providers for any specific precautions or
recommendations they might need to follow for the LH test.
