BLOOD TEST · SMART CARE POLYCLINIC, DEIRA
LH explained
The hormone that triggers ovulation, read with FSH in PCOS and fertility checks.
Order it on its own, or build your own blood test profile — 4 or more tests save up to 30–50%.
What the LH test measures
LH comes from the pituitary gland. In women a surge mid-cycle releases the egg; in men it tells the testes to make testosterone. Read alongside FSH, it helps explain irregular cycles and fertility problems.
What the result tells you
LH higher than FSH
Seen in many women with PCOS, though not all, so it supports rather than makes the diagnosis.
Both high
Points to the ovaries or testes responding less, as around menopause.
Both low
Can point to the pituitary, stress, low body weight or heavy exercise.
How to prepare
- Fasting
- Not required
- Best time
- Women: day 2 or 3 of the cycle, in the morning
What can move the result
A result outside the usual range does not on its own mean something is wrong. These are the everyday explanations a doctor considers first.
Packages that include it
Frequently asked questions
LH comes from the pituitary gland. In women a surge mid-cycle releases the egg; in men it tells the testes to make testosterone. Read alongside FSH, it helps explain irregular cycles and fertility problems. LH higher than FSH: Seen in many women with PCOS, though not all, so it supports rather than makes the diagnosis.
Fasting: Not required. Best time: Women: day 2 or 3 of the cycle, in the morning.
Commonly: the day of the cycle; hormonal contraception; menopause; stress and low body weight. A single result is not a diagnosis. Values are read against the laboratory's own reference range and alongside your history, your symptoms and the rest of the panel — which is why every package includes a doctor to go through them with you.
At Smart Care Polyclinic, 29 Doha Centre, Al Maktoum Rd, Deira, Dubai. It is included in the PCOS Package, the Fertility Assessment Package, the Hormonal Panel — Female, the Hormonal Panel — Male, the PCOS Panel, or it can be ordered on its own. Walk in during opening hours or call +971 (0)4 379 3562.
Sources
Written from current guidance and reviewed 18 October 2026.
- Luteinizing hormone (LH) levels testMedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Polycystic ovary syndromeEndocrine Society