Luteinizing Hormone: Why It Is Done


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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 whether the woman has gone through menopause.
  • Determine whether a child is going through early puberty (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.


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Last updated: June 06, 2007
Author: Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Reviewed By: Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine, Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors: Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

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