LH levels: what's normal, high and low
A pituitary hormone that triggers ovulation in women and testosterone production in men. Cycle-dependent in women.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
LH is measured with a standard blood draw; no fasting is needed. A typical reference range is 1.70 – 8.60 mIU/mL (male, age 18+; more bands below). At TestWell it's $36.99 all-in as LH (Luteinizing Hormone), results in 1–3 business days, drawn at Quest or Labcorp. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis.
- Units
- mIU/mL / IU/L
- Sample
- Blood draw
- Fasting
- Not required
- Results
- 1–3 business days
- Price
- $36.99
- Labs
- Quest or Labcorp · BioReference in NY/NJ
LH Reference Range
These are the typical adult reference ranges used by major US labs. Your report will include the specific range used by the lab that processed your sample.
| Population | Range |
|---|---|
| Male, age 18+ | 1.70 – 8.60 mIU/mL |
| Female, age 18+, varies by cycle phase | 1.90 – 12.5 mIU/mL |
Reference ranges are educational. Always interpret your result with the specific range printed on your lab report and discuss anything outside the range with a clinician.
Have a result in hand? analyze it with your AI assistant using these reviewed ranges, or run it through our explainer. Tools: look up another marker's range · convert lab units
What your LH result may mean
In women, often reflects menopause or PCOS. In men, can reflect testicular issues.
What a high LH means: causes, symptoms, next steps ↓Educational only — not a diagnosis. Many factors can influence a single result. Discuss anything that concerns you with a healthcare provider.
What does a high LH mean?
High LH is expected briefly at ovulation and permanently after menopause. Outside those, an LH higher than FSH in a woman with irregular cycles is a classic (though not required) PCOS finding; high LH with high FSH indicates ovarian insufficiency. In men, high LH means the testes are failing to respond (primary hypogonadism).
Common causes of a high LH
- Mid-cycle ovulation surge
- Menopause or primary ovarian insufficiency
- PCOS (LH:FSH ratio often >2)
- Men: primary testicular failure
- Rare: pituitary tumors
Ordered from most to least common.
Symptoms that can go with it
- Irregular periods, acne, hair growth (PCOS)
- Hot flashes, absent periods (ovarian insufficiency)
What clinicians usually check next
- FSH, estradiol, testosterone and DHEA-S on cycle days 2–5
- Pelvic ultrasound when PCOS is suspected
- Men: testosterone, semen analysis
Follow-up tests at TestWell: FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) ($29.99), Estradiol (E2) ($35.99).
Does a high LH:FSH ratio prove PCOS?
No — it supports the diagnosis but isn't required or specific. PCOS is diagnosed on cycle history, androgen signs or levels, and ultrasound.
Educational only — not a diagnosis. A single result outside the range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician.
What does a low LH mean?
Low LH mirrors low FSH: the pituitary or hypothalamus isn't driving the gonads. Hormonal contraception, low body weight, eating disorders, heavy exercise, stress, high prolactin, opioids, anabolic steroids and pituitary disease are the causes. Testosterone therapy suppresses LH in men, which is why it's checked before therapy starts.
Common causes of a low LH
- Hormonal contraception, testosterone therapy, anabolic steroids
- Low body weight, eating disorders, over-exercise
- High prolactin, hypothyroidism
- Pituitary disorders, opioids, glucocorticoids
Ordered from most to least common.
Symptoms that can go with it
- Absent periods or low testosterone symptoms
- Infertility
What clinicians usually check next
- FSH, estradiol/testosterone, prolactin, TSH
- Pituitary evaluation when unexplained
Follow-up tests at TestWell: TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ($26.99), TSH + Free T4 ($27.99), FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) ($29.99), Estradiol (E2) ($35.99), Prolactin ($39.99).
Why is LH checked before starting testosterone?
Because testosterone therapy suppresses LH and FSH, making the cause of low testosterone impossible to determine afterward — and impairing fertility.
Educational only — not a diagnosis. A single result outside the range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician.
How do you get a LH test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. LH is available on its own or inside these panels — panels cost less per marker when you want the fuller picture.
| Option | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| LH (Luteinizing Hormone) | This marker only | $36.99 |
| Women's Fertility Essentials | 5 tests | $119.99 |
| TRT Quarterly Panel | 11 tests | $179.00 |
| Menopause Assessment Panel | 8 tests | $179.99 |
| Female HRT Quarterly Monitoring Panel | 12 tests | $179.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for LH: which lab should you pick?
Both are CLIA-certified national labs and the result is clinically equivalent, so pick whichever location is closer. Your report will print that lab's own reference range, which can differ slightly from the table above.
| Lab | Available | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $36.99 |
| Labcorp | Yes | $36.99 |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | Yes | $33.99 |
Need help choosing a location? Use the lab finder to see draw sites near your ZIP.
Related Hormones biomarkers
Markers commonly tested alongside LH.
Frequently asked
What does a high LH mean?
High LH is expected briefly at ovulation and permanently after menopause. Outside those, an LH higher than FSH in a woman with irregular cycles is a classic (though not required) PCOS finding; high LH with high FSH indicates ovarian insufficiency. In men, high LH means the testes are failing to respond (primary hypogonadism).
Does a high LH:FSH ratio prove PCOS?
No — it supports the diagnosis but isn't required or specific. PCOS is diagnosed on cycle history, androgen signs or levels, and ultrasound.
What does a low LH mean?
Low LH mirrors low FSH: the pituitary or hypothalamus isn't driving the gonads. Hormonal contraception, low body weight, eating disorders, heavy exercise, stress, high prolactin, opioids, anabolic steroids and pituitary disease are the causes. Testosterone therapy suppresses LH in men, which is why it's checked before therapy starts.
Why is LH checked before starting testosterone?
Because testosterone therapy suppresses LH and FSH, making the cause of low testosterone impossible to determine afterward — and impairing fertility.
Do I need a doctor's order to test my lh?
No. TestWell's licensed physician network reviews and approves your order — usually within minutes. You can place an order online without an in-person visit or a referral from your own doctor.
How long does it take to get LH results?
Most LH results are available in 1–3 business days after your specimen arrives at the lab. You'll get an email the moment your results are ready, with everything viewable in your TestWell portal.
How much does a LH test cost?
Our LH (Luteinizing Hormone) starts at $36.99. That's the all-in price — no copays, no insurance hoops, no surprise bills. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
Do I need to fast before my LH test?
Fasting is not required for the LH test. You can have your blood drawn any time of day.
Which lab will process my LH test?
Your test will be processed by Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, or BioReference depending on which is closest to you and which lab carries the test. All three are CLIA-certified and trusted by hospitals nationwide. You'll choose your lab during checkout from 4,000+ locations.
What can throw off a LH result?
Cycle day, oral contraceptives and estrogen and antidepressants and antipsychotics can change a LH result without anything being wrong. Cycle day can shift LH — draw on cycle days 2–5 for baseline. Oral contraceptives and estrogen can lower LH — Cycle-day hormone testing is not meaningful on the pill or with a hormonal IUD/implant. Antidepressants and antipsychotics can lower LH — irregular cycles, low libido or low testosterone on these medications: check prolactin alongside the sex hormones. Each is explained on our physician-reviewed "Before your test" pages; when one applies, remove it and retest.
Ready to test your lh?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $36.99.