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Hormones

LH Test

LH is a key reproductive hormone that triggers ovulation and supports the menstrual cycle. Monitoring LH can provide valuable insight into your cycle regularity, fertility potential, and overall hormonal balance.

Doctor's Assessment Included

Reference Ranges

Reference ranges by group, in U/L
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

For women, LH is essential for ovulation and cycle regulation. Understanding your LH levels can help assess conditions like PCOS, support fertility planning, and provide context for menopause transitions.

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
Fertility Assessment · €139,- · Hormones Women · €139,- · IVF Blood Test (Women) · €425,- · IVF Blood Test Complete (Women) · €495,-
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

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

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Test Products

This marker is included in the following test panels.

Fertility

IVF Blood Test (Women)

Complete female IVF intake panel: ovarian reserve, thyroid, infectious screening, immunity serology, blood group and CBC.

TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Prolactin AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) Estradiol (E2) FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) Chlamydia IgG HIV 1/2 Antibody + p24 Antigen Syphilis Screening Blood Type + Rh Hepatitis B Core Antibody Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Hepatitis C Antibody Rubella IgG Toxoplasmosis IgG Varicella Zoster D-Dimer Basic Blood Count
€425,-
Fertility

IVF Blood Test Complete (Women)

Everything in the IVF panel plus full thyroid, preconception nutrients, progesterone and CMV immunity.

TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Prolactin AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) Estradiol (E2) FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) Free T4 (Thyroxine) Folate (Folic Acid) Vitamin B12 Ferritin Progesterone Vitamin D (25-OH) Chlamydia IgG HIV 1/2 Antibody + p24 Antigen Syphilis Screening Blood Type + Rh TPO Antibodies CMV IgG Hepatitis B Core Antibody Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Hepatitis C Antibody Rubella IgG Toxoplasmosis IgG Varicella Zoster D-Dimer Basic Blood Count
€495,-

Medical reviewer

Medical standards

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

Medical policy
CIBG Ministerie van Volksgezondheid,
Welzijn en Sport Official BIG registration BIG 49928676701 Opens in a new tab

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

€26,-