LH-Luteinizing Hormone

This test is done for women, when you are having difficulty getting pregnant or are having irregular or heavy menstrual periods; when you are tracking ovulation during your menstrual cycle. For men, when your partner cannot get pregnant or you have a low sperm count, low muscle mass or decreased sex drive. It can also be done when your doctor thinks that you have symptoms of a pituitary disorder or hypothalamic disorder. Sometimes, it is also useful when a doctor suspects that a child has delayed or earlier than expected sexual maturation. The LH test determines the amount of luteinizing hormone in the blood. The pituitary gland situated underneath the brain releases this hormone. LH plays a vital role in sexual development and functioning. It plays a vital role in the functioning of the reproductive system of both men and women. In women, the pituitary releases Luteinizing Hormone (LH) in the blood during the menstrual cycle. This hormone helps the ovary to release a mature egg. This process is called ovulation. In men, Luteinizing Hormone helps the testicles make testosterone, a hormone essential for sperm production. Children have low levels of LH during early childhood. The hormone levels begin to rise 1-2 years before the start of puberty. In adolescent girls, LH signals the ovaries to make estrogen, whereas, in boys, it signals the testes to produce testosterone. Fluctuations in the level of LH in the blood can lead to a variety of health-related problems. For example, higher than expected or lower than average levels of LH can lead to concerns like infertility, menstrual irregularities, early or late puberty in children and low sex drive in men. Luteinizing Hormone works closely with another hormone called the Follicular Stimulating Hormone (FSH) to regulate sexual functions. So, the LH test done is usually along with an FSH test. These tests help determine various things depending on your gender and age. In women, an LH test can help find the cause of infertility, menstrual irregularities, and time of ovulation. In men, this test helps to detect the cause for low sperm count, low sex drive, and the cause of infertility. In children, this test helps to diagnose early or delayed puberty. Infertility rates are on the rise worldwide. The infertility rate in India is between 3.9 to 16.8% (according to WHO). An LH test helps to determine the cause of infertility in both men and women. The average age of puberty in Indian girls has declined (according to a study in 2014). LH test helps to diagnose precocious (early) puberty in girls.