Luteinizing Hormone
Abbreviation: LH
Panel: Hormone Tests · All hormones tests
Typical adult reference range
| Conventional units | Male 1.7–8.6; Female 2.4–12.6 (follicular) IU/L |
| SI units | Male 1.7–8.6; Female 2.4–12.6 (follicular) IU/L |
Ranges vary between laboratories and methods — compare your result with the range printed on your own report.
What a high or low result can mean
High luteinizing hormone: high values can be seen in primary ovarian or testicular failure, after menopause, and at the mid-cycle surge.
Low luteinizing hormone: low values may occur with pituitary or hypothalamic disorders.
These are associations, not a diagnosis: the same result can have several causes, and your clinician interprets it with the rest of your results and history.
Good to know
Female levels vary across the menstrual cycle, with a sharp mid-cycle peak.