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LH test measures the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) in blood samples. The luteinizing hormone is primarily a female hormone but it is also necessary for male health. LH test is prescribed by the doctor to diagnose pituitary gland problems or to analyze infertility problems. LH hormone stimulates the synthesis of other hormones: progesterone and estrogen in women and testosterone in men. Labwork360 provides LH test in Houston and all other categories of medical diagnostic tests, and mobile phlebotomy services for them.
The pituitary gland synthesizes the LH in the body. The pituitary gland regulates several important functions in the body and it is also called the master gland. Its size is that of a pea and it is present just behind the nose. The other name for the LH hormone is interstitial cell-stimulating hormone and lutropin.
Luteinizing hormone helps stimulate the synthesis of estrogen by the ovaries, whereas in men it stimulates the synthesis of testosterone.
Several problems could be caused by LH deficiency such as infertility and delayed or early puberty in children.
Luteinizing hormone functions together with the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to perform its functions. This is the reason the LH test is often prescribed along with the FSH test.
Untreated LH deficiency may cause hypogonadism that increases the risk of medical conditions related to low estrogen count in females, and low testosterone in males, including bone features and osteoporosis.
The LH test is often carried out along with the FSH test. If FSH and LH levels both turn out to be low in the tests, then this problem indicates secondary ovarian failure. Ovarian failure results from other health problems in the body. In many cases, it could be due to abnormal activity in the brain's regions that synthesize hormones, such as the pituitary gland.
Women with low LH levels are often prescribed estrogen replacement therapy or are referred to reproductive endocrinology. Gonadotropin treatment is also for raising LH levels and it is a type of fertility treatment.
The medications for this treatment contain both follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and LH. After the patient receives these injections, these hormones work in conjunction with each other and synthesize and develop many follicles for ovulation.
There are methods to increase LH with medical assistance or naturally.
Sufficient exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate quantities of vitamin C, vitamin B12, and zinc can increase the synthesis of testosterone.
Following are the signs of a pituitary gland problem:
Reduced appetite
Weakness
Weight loss
Fatigue
There also are other reasons to consider having an LH test that vary depending on age and gender.
The interpretation of the results of the LH test depends on the gender and age of the tested individual. High LH levels before 9 years of age in girls, or before 10 years of age in boys could be symptoms of brain injury or a central nervous system disorder.
Low levels of follicle-stimulating hormone or low LH in children could be a symptom of delayed puberty. Delayed puberty could be caused by Turner syndrome in girls, an eating disorder, a hormone deficiency, Klinefelter’s syndrome in boys, or an infection.
The normal range for LH in women is in the 5 to 25 IU/L range. The normal range for LH levels is different after the menopause stage and it is between 14.2 to 52.3 IU/L. Moreover, the standard for normal LH range can differ among labs, so consult with the doctor to know the meaning of the results of the test.
For men, the normal range of LH is 1.8 to 8.6 IU/L, whereas children generally have low LH levels.
High LH levels suggest the following problems:
Ovary health problems: High LH levels could mean stopped ovulation. In women, it implies an ovary disorder. In older women, it means the onset of perimenopause or the menopausal stage.
High LH levels could signify polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a frequent hormone disorder that affects women before menopause. This disorder is also one of the main reasons for infertility.
In women, low LH levels could be because of:
Pituitary gland disorders
Stress
Malnutrition
Eating disorders
Low LH levels in men can be due to the hypothalamus or a pituitary gland disorder. Hypothalamus is a region of the brain that regulates the pituitary gland and other significant functions in the body. In men, high levels of LH along with low quantities of testosterone can mean the testicles are not responding to the signal of LH to synthesize testosterone. High LH levels in men could mean:
Infection, radiation, chemotherapy, or alcohol abuse
Klinefelter’s syndrome,
Long-term intake of high doses of GnRH analogs for prostate cancer and anabolic steroids used by athletes can reduce LH or FSH levels.
The LH test also diagnoses Klinefelter’s syndrome. This health problem only affects men and it has a genetic basis. It occurs when a male child is born with one extra X chromosome. LH levels in the blood turn high in this syndrome and it is often undiagnosed until adulthood. This syndrome adversely impacts the synthesis of the testosterone hormone. Moreover, this syndrome can cause other signs such as:
Reduced facial and body hair
Reduced muscle mass
It is important to note that not everyone has the same symptoms and signs of Klinefelter syndrome. Many individuals with this syndrome have only mild or a few symptoms only. It is also possible that this syndrome is never diagnosed. The signs of this problem also differ by age. Klinefelter’s syndrome can show symptoms in all age groups, babies, boys, and teenagers.
Labwork360 provides LH test in Houston at its laboratories. Alternatively, if you are unable to visit the lab, the mobile phlebotomy service of Labwork360 enables you to order sample collection at your home. For more information about diagnostic tests, consult with us on our helpline.