LH (Luteinizing Hormone) Test in Kolkata | Home Collection & NABL-Certified Results

Apollo Diagnostics | NABL-Certified Lab | No Fasting Required | Digital Reports on WhatsApp

What is an LH (Luteinizing Hormone) Test?

The LH (Luteinizing Hormone) test measures the level of this vital gonadotropin produced by the pituitary gland. LH acts as a primary chemical messenger for the reproductive system. In women, a sharp rise in LH — known as the LH surge — is the specific signal that triggers the release of an egg from the ovary. In men, LH stimulates the testes to produce testosterone. An LH test is a fundamental diagnostic step for anyone investigating fertility concerns, menstrual irregularities or pituitary gland function.

⚠ Important: Timing within your menstrual cycle is critical for this test. For a baseline reading, blood is drawn on Day 2 or Day 3 of the menstrual cycle. To detect the ovulation surge, the test is done mid-cycle (Day 12–14). Inform your phlebotomist of the exact day of your cycle and any hormone medications or birth control you are taking. No fasting is required.

The Importance of LH for Reproductive Health

Luteinizing hormone works in tandem with FSH to ensure the reproductive system operates correctly:

• Ovulation Tracking — Helps pinpoint the most fertile window for women trying to conceive by detecting the LH surge
• Fertility Assessment — Evaluates ovarian reserve in women and sperm production capacity in men
• Diagnosing PCOS — An elevated LH to FSH ratio (above 2:1) is a hallmark finding in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
• Pituitary & Hypothalamic Health — Helps determine if a hormonal problem originates in the brain or the reproductive organs
• Puberty Monitoring — Vital for assessing children experiencing early or significantly delayed puberty

Normal LH Reference Ranges

Phase / Category	Normal LH Range
Women – Follicular Phase (Day 1–14)	1.9 – 12.5 IU/L
Women – LH Surge (Ovulation)	8.7 – 76.3 IU/L
Women – Luteal Phase (Day 15–28)	0.5 – 16.9 IU/L
Women – Post-menopausal	15.9 – 54.0 IU/L
Adult Men	1.7 – 8.6 IU/L
Prepubertal Children	Below 0.5 IU/L

Always provide the day of your menstrual cycle to your doctor for accurate interpretation of LH results.

LH and FSH — Understanding the Ratio

The LH:FSH ratio is as important as the individual values:

• Normal ratio — LH and FSH are roughly equal on Day 2–3 of the cycle (ratio close to 1:1)
• LH:FSH ratio above 2:1 or 3:1 — strongly suggests PCOS, especially when combined with elevated testosterone and irregular periods
• High LH with low FSH — can indicate premature ovarian insufficiency or hypothalamic dysfunction
• Both LH and FSH very low — suggests hypogonadotropic hypogonadism — a pituitary or hypothalamic problem rather than an ovarian problem
• Both LH and FSH very high (in women) — suggests primary ovarian failure or menopause

When is an LH Test Recommended?

Your doctor may recommend an LH test if you:

• Are trying to conceive and want to track ovulation
• Have irregular, infrequent or absent menstrual periods
• Have been diagnosed with or suspected of having PCOS
• Are experiencing infertility — male or female
• Are undergoing fertility treatment (IVF or IUI monitoring)
• Have symptoms of early or premature menopause
• Are a child with early or delayed puberty
• Have symptoms of pituitary gland dysfunction
• Are a man with low testosterone or low sperm count

What Conditions Does LH Help Diagnose?

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Anovulation (failure to ovulate)
• Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
• Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (pituitary/hypothalamic cause)
• Male hypogonadism and infertility
• Precocious or delayed puberty
• Menopause and perimenopause assessment
• Pituitary adenoma (tumor)
• Kallmann syndrome

LH Test Price in Kolkata

LH (Luteinizing Hormone) Test Price: ₹670
No fasting required  |  Day 2–3 or mid-cycle timing critical  |  Free home collection above ₹2,000

Tests Commonly Ordered Alongside LH

• FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) — always ordered alongside LH to calculate the LH:FSH ratio and assess ovarian reserve
• Estradiol (E2) — oestrogen level on Day 2–3 completes the baseline fertility panel
• AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone) — most sensitive marker of ovarian reserve, ordered alongside LH and FSH
• Prolactin — elevated prolactin suppresses LH and can cause irregular cycles and infertility
• Testosterone — ordered alongside LH when PCOS or male hypogonadism is suspected
• Thyroid Profile (TSH) — thyroid disorders can disrupt LH and the menstrual cycle
• Progesterone — ordered mid-cycle or Day 21 to confirm ovulation alongside LH

Home Collection for LH Test in Kolkata

Apollo Diagnostics provides home blood sample collection for LH tests across North and Central Kolkata. Please mention the day of your menstrual cycle when booking so our team can confirm the optimal collection timing. Samples are processed using CLIA technology at our NABL-certified central laboratory.

• Home collection available: 7:00 AM – 2:30 PM Daily
• No fasting required — book any time
• Please mention cycle day when booking
• Free home collection on orders above ₹2,000
• Digital reports delivered to WhatsApp within 24 hours

📞 Book LH Test via WhatsApp — +91 8660434628

Quick Links

→ Apollo Diagnostics Nagerbazar → Full List of Individual Tests → Book Home Collection → Full Body Checkup Packages

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the LH test used for?

The LH test measures Luteinizing Hormone produced by the pituitary gland. It is used to track ovulation, assess fertility in men and women, diagnose PCOS, evaluate puberty disorders, investigate irregular or absent periods and assess pituitary and hypothalamic function.

Q2. What is the normal LH level on Day 2 or Day 3?

A normal baseline LH level on Day 2–3 of the menstrual cycle is 1.9–12.5 IU/L. An LH level significantly higher than FSH on Day 2–3 — giving an LH:FSH ratio above 2:1 — suggests PCOS. Your doctor will always interpret LH alongside FSH and other hormone values.

Q3. Does the LH test require fasting?

No. The LH test does not require fasting. However timing within the menstrual cycle is critical. For a baseline fertility assessment blood is drawn on Day 2–3 of the cycle. To detect the ovulation surge the test is done mid-cycle around Day 12–14. Always inform your doctor of the exact cycle day.

Q4. What is the LH test price at Apollo Diagnostics Kolkata?

The LH (Luteinizing Hormone) test price at Apollo Diagnostics is ₹670. We use CLIA technology for accurate hormonal measurement. Home collection is available free on orders above ₹2,000.

Q5. What is the LH surge and how does it relate to ovulation?

The LH surge is a dramatic temporary spike in LH levels that occurs approximately 24–36 hours before ovulation. This surge is what triggers the follicle to release the mature egg. Detecting the LH surge through blood or urine testing is the most reliable way to identify the fertile window. A blood LH test during mid-cycle can confirm whether the surge has occurred and when ovulation is imminent.

Q6. What does a high LH level mean in women?

A high LH relative to FSH on Day 2–3 (ratio above 2:1) suggests PCOS. Very high LH along with high FSH in a woman of reproductive age suggests premature ovarian insufficiency or menopause. A mid-cycle LH spike is normal and indicates the ovulation surge. The interpretation depends on when in the cycle the test was taken.

Q7. What does a high LH mean in men?

High LH in men usually indicates primary hypogonadism — a problem with the testes rather than the pituitary. The pituitary produces more LH to try to stimulate a failing testis. Low LH in men with low testosterone suggests secondary hypogonadism — a pituitary or hypothalamic problem. This distinction guides treatment decisions.

Q8. Is home collection available for LH test in Kolkata?

Yes. Apollo Diagnostics provides home blood sample collection for LH tests across Dum Dum, South Dum Dum, Nagerbazar, Satgachi, Baguiati, Lake Town, Bangur, Kaikhali, Sealdah, Entally, Phoolbagan, Tangra and surrounding areas. Please mention your cycle day when booking. Book by calling or WhatsApping +91 8660434628.

Q9. How long does it take to get LH test results?

LH test results are typically available within 24 hours of sample collection. Reports are delivered digitally to your WhatsApp or email.

Q10. Which centre processes my LH sample in Kolkata?

All samples collected across North and Central Kolkata are processed at Apollo Diagnostics Nagerbazar — Nandarani Apartment, 8A Narasingha Avenue, Nagerbazar, Dum Dum, Kolkata 700074. Our lab is NABL-certified and ISO-certified, using CLIA technology for hormone testing.