LH (Lutenizing Hormone)
Abbreviation
LH
Preferred Specimen
Serum
Minimum Volume
0.5mL
Alternative Specimens
None
Collection Instructions
Routine Venipuncture
Transport Container
Draw tube or plastic pour off tube
Transport Temperature
Frozen
Stability
If sample is not being tested same day of draw, separate and freeze at -20C
Methodology
CLIA (Chemiluminescent Immunoassay)
Reference Ranges
Men:
- 2.8-6.8 mIU/mL
Women:
- Follicular phase: 1.9-9.2 mIU/mL Periovulatory phase: 6.1-49.1 mIU/mL
- Luteal phase: 1.3-10.8 mIU/mL
Postmenopausal:
- Without hormone therapy 15.4-53.3 mIU/mL
- Under hormone therapy 0.7-52.7 mIU/mL
Clinical Significance
Determination of LH and FSH plays an important role in the detection of dysfunctions of the pituitary-ovarian axis, clinically manifested by amenorrhoea, oligomenorrhoea, anovulatoric cycles and menorrhagia. LH serum concentration is also used as an indicator of ovulation in in vitro fertilization. In men, used for the differentiation between primary and secondary hypogonadism. In children and juveniles, LH and FSH determinations are indicated in either precocious or delayed puberty.