Test Code 1120
Test Details
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
LH is one of the gonadotropins of the anterior pituitary gland that works with FSH to induce ovulation of mature follicles and secretion of estrogen by the ovary. LH is also involved with the formation of the corpus luteum. In the male LH stimulates the development of the interstitial cells of the testes and their secretion of testosterone.
Methodology
Immunoassay – Sandwich principle
Patient Preparation
None
Preferred Specimen
1.0 mL serum (0.5 mL minimum) collected in serum separator tube (SST / Tiger Top)
Alternate Specimen
Dried Blood collected on an AdvanceDx 100 card
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (ship on frozen cold packs)
Stability
Refrigerated: 14 days
Lab Values
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Female
| Age/Phase | Optimal |
| <5 yrs | Not Established |
| 5 – 9 yrs | <0.3 – 3.1 mlU/mL |
| 10 – 12 yrs | <0.3 – 11.9 mlU/mL |
| 13 – 16 yrs | 0.5 – 41.7 mlU/mL |
| Folliculaar | 2.4 – 12.6 mlU/mL |
| Ovulation | 14.0 – 95.6 mlU/mL |
| Luteal | 1.0 – 11.4 mlU/mL |
| Postmenopause | 7.7 – 58.5 mlU/mL |
Male
| Age | Optimal |
| <5 yrs | Not Established |
| 5 – 9 yrs | 0.3 – 1.4 mlU/mL |
| 10 – 12 yrs | 0.3 – 7.8 mlU/mL |
| 13 – 16 yrs | 1.3 – 9.8 mlU/mL |
| >16 yrs | 1.7 – 8.6 mlU/mL |
Clinical Significance
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
- LH is used to assess for dysfunctions within the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal system1-4
- LH in conjunction with FSH is utilized for the following indications:1-4
- Menopausal syndrome
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Testosterone deficiency
- Amenorrhea (causes)
- Congenital diseases with chromosomal aberrations
- High doses of biotin (> 5 mg/day) may interfere with assay results. Patient assumed to be refraining from biotin supplementation for at least 3 days prior to blood draw.
References:
- Bhasin S, Cunningham GR, Hayes FJ, et al. Testosterone therapy in men with androgen deficiency syndromes: Endocrine Society clinical practice guidelines. J Clin Endorcinol Metab. 2010;95(6):2536-2559.
- Santen RJ, Allred DC, Ardoin SP, et al. Postmenopausal hormone therapy: an Endocrine Society scientific statement. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010;95(7 Suppl 1):s1-s66.
- Kopper NW, Gudeman J, Thompson DJ. Transdermal hormone therapy in postmenopausal women: a review of the metabolic eff ects and drug delivery technologies. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2008;2:193-202.
- Goodman N, Cobin RH. Reproductive disorders. In: Camacho PM, Gharib H, Sizemore GW, eds. Evidence-Based Endocrinology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 2012:190-228.
Treatment Options
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
- Identify etiology of elevated or decreased LH levels with physical assessment and additional diagnostic tests as indicated.
- Treatment is based on the etiology of abnormal hormone levels.
