Know Your Blood Parameters: Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

1. Parameter Name

   Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

   
   

2. Test Type

   Blood

   
   

3. Normal Range

   Women (Follicular phase): 1.9 – 12.5 IU/L

   Women (Mid-cycle peak): 8.7 – 76.3 IU/L

   Women (Luteal phase): 0.5 – 16.9 IU/L

   Men: 1.8 – 8.6 IU/L

   
   

4. High Levels Indicate

   Menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), primary gonadal failure.

   
   

5. Low Levels Indicate

   Pituitary or hypothalamic dysfunction, secondary hypogonadism.

   
   

6. Why It's Tested

   To assess fertility issues, menstrual irregularities, and diagnose pituitary or gonadal disorders.

   
   

7. Associated Symptoms (if abnormal)

   High: Irregular or absent menstruation, infertility.

   Low: Delayed puberty, decreased libido, infertility.

   
   

8. What To Do If Abnormal

   Correlate with FSH, estradiol/testosterone; consult endocrinologist for further evaluation.

   
   

9. Common Conditions Related

   PCOS, menopause, hypogonadism, pituitary tumors.

   
   

10. Nutrition or Lifestyle Connection

    Balanced diet, maintaining healthy weight, managing stress can help regulate cycles.

    
    

11. References (APA Format)

Melmed, S. et al. (2016). Williams Textbook of Endocrinology (13th ed.). Elsevier.

MedlinePlus. (2023). Luteinizing Hormone (LH). https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/luteinizing-hormone-lh/