Hormones & markers · In plain English

LH (luteinising hormone)

A pituitary hormone involved in egg release and in signalling testosterone production in the testes. An LH rise can occur before ovulation.

Also searched as: luteinizing hormone, LH surge

Why you might see this term

Blood tests help investigate hormonal patterns; urine ovulation predictor kits look for an LH rise for a different purpose.

What to keep in mind

A positive urine LH test suggests a surge, but does not prove that an egg was released. An LH-to-FSH ratio alone does not diagnose PCOS.

Sources & further reading

Prepared by ProFertility · Updated 23 October 2026.

Educational information based on the linked sources. This explanation is not an individual diagnosis or a treatment recommendation. A term appearing here does not mean the test is necessary or included in a particular kit.

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