LH blood test
A signal from the pituitary gland that tells the testes to make testosterone.
- Typical range (adult men)
- 1.7–8.6 mIU/mL
- Panel
- Hormones
- Also called
- Luteinising hormone
Reference ranges vary between labs; use the range on your own report. Results need to be read by a doctor alongside your symptoms and other tests.
Why it’s tested
Shows whether low testosterone starts in the brain or the testes, and whether natural signalling is suppressed or recovering.
What can raise it
- The testes not responding (primary hypogonadism)
- Recovery after suppression
What can lower it
- Suppression by outside testosterone, anabolic steroids or SARMs
- Pituitary problems
Getting an accurate result
- Test in the morning, especially for hormones, which run highest early in the day.
- Stay hydrated, and test at the same lab and time of day each time so results compare fairly.
Compounds that affect LH
Monitored with these, based on their known properties:
- Testosterone Cypionate
- Testosterone Enanthate
- Testosterone Propionate
- Deca-Durabolin (Nandrolone Decanoate)
- NPP (Nandrolone Phenylpropionate)
- Trenbolone Acetate
- Trenbolone Enanthate
- Equipoise (Boldenone Undecylenate)
- Masteron (Drostanolone Propionate)
- Masteron Enanthate (Drostanolone Enanthate)
- Primobolan (Methenolone Enanthate)
- Dianabol (Methandrostenolone)
Other hormones tests
Questions
What is a normal LH level?
A typical adult male reference range is 1.7–8.6 mIU/mL. Ranges differ for women, by age and between labs, so compare with the range printed on your report.
What does high LH mean?
Common reasons include the testes not responding (primary hypogonadism) and recovery after suppression. One result outside the range isn't a diagnosis: a doctor will look at it with your other markers and history.
What does low LH mean?
Common reasons include suppression by outside testosterone, anabolic steroids or SARMs and pituitary problems.