LH and FSH tests
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
LH (luteinising hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) are two hormones made by the pituitary gland in the brain. These hormones help control the reproductive system. An LH and FSH test measures the level of these hormones in your blood. It is often used to check how well the ovaries or testicles are working, and to help diagnose fertility problems, early or late puberty, and other hormone-related conditions.
Key facts
- LH and FSH are known as gonadotropins – they tell the ovaries or testicles to produce sex hormones and release eggs or sperm.
- The levels of these hormones change during a woman's menstrual cycle, so the timing of the test can matter.
- High or low levels can point to problems with the pituitary gland, the hypothalamus, or the reproductive organs themselves.
Yes, LH and FSH tests are very common blood tests. They are a standard part of fertility evaluations and are also used in children who are not going through puberty at the expected time.
The tests are used for people of all ages, but most often for women who are having trouble getting pregnant, men with low sperm counts, children who start puberty too early or too late, and adults with symptoms of menopause or low testosterone.