Health Information
Luteinizing Hormone
Why It Is Done
A luteinizing hormone (LH) test may be done to:
- Help find the cause for a couple's inability to
become pregnant (infertility). LH testing is commonly used to help evaluate:
- A woman's egg supply (ovarian reserve).
- A man's sperm count.
- Help evaluate menstrual problems, such as irregular or absent menstrual periods (amenorrhea). This can help determine if the woman has gone through Reference menopause Opens New Window.
- Determine if a child is going through early Reference puberty Opens New Window (also called precocious puberty). Puberty is early when it starts in girls younger than age 9 and in boys younger than age 10.
- Determine why sexual features or organs are not developing when they should (delayed puberty).
- Determine (usually with a urine sample) when a woman is ovulating. Home urine tests for ovulation are available.
- Monitor a woman's response to medicines given to stimulate ovulation.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference May 18, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Femi Olatunbosun, MB, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
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