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LH and FSH (Gonadotrophins)

Chemical Pathology

Notes

Synthesis and release of pituitary hormones luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is under the control of gonadotrophin releasing hormone from the hypothalamus, and modulated by circulating gonadal steroids. These tests are therefore used routinely to assess the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis.

LH and FSH are indicated for the investigation/management of:-

  • Fertility problems
  • Menstrual irregularities (oligo/amenorrhoea in younger women)
  • Suspected pituitary gland disorders
  • Delayed or precocious puberty

LH and FSH are NOT routinely recommended for diagnosing menopause. The diagnosis in women over 45 years of age with typical menopuase symptoms is clinical. Further investigation is only warrented if there are any atypical symptoms.

  • FSH is of no value in women taking combined oestrogen and progestogen contraception or high dose progestogen.
  • In women younger than 45 years, FSH levels may be helpful if premature menopause is suspected. If not on hormonal contraception then raised FSH levels in 2 bloods samples collected 4-6 weeks apart support the diagnosis (refer to NICE guideline [NG23] Menopause: diagnosis and management.

LH:FSH ratios are often raised (>2.5) in samples collected days 1-5 of the menstrual cycle in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOs) but can be normal. The diagnosis can be made if 2 out of 3 of the following criteria hold and other causes of menstrual disturbance and hyperandrogenisation have been excluded:

NICE PCOS Diagnostic criteria

  • Infrequent or anovulation (usually shows as infrequent or no menstruation)
  • Clinical or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenisation (check testosterone + SHBG)
  • Polycystic ovaries on ultrasonography

Sample requirements

  • If patient on high dose biotin therapy (>5mg/day) collect sample at least 8 hours after the last dose.

For adults, blood taken into a 5mL gold top gel tube (or rust top for the Acute Unit)

Gold top with cap

For children, blood taken into a 3.5mL rust top tube

3.5ml rust top tube

For neonates, blood taken into a 0.8mL minicollect lithium heparin tube

Minicollect lithium heparin tube

Please list the tests of particular interest so that some priority can be given to analysis if plasma volumes are small.

Storage/transport

Send at ambient temperature to the laboratory, If unavoidable, samples can be stored refrigerated overnight.

Required information

Include relevant clinical details, including day of cycle, menstrual history, fertility problems, any signs of hyperandrogenisation or virilisation (rate of onset of this is significant), hypogonadism, suspected pituitary problem.

Turnaround times

The assays are run throughout the day and night. The in-lab turnaround time is less than 24 hours.

Reference ranges

Gender/Age Phase of cycle LH (IU/L) FSH (IU/L)
Adult female Follicular phase 1 – 12 1 – 9
Ovulatory phase 16 – 104 6 – 26
Luteal phase 1 – 12 1 – 9
Post-menopausal 16 – 66 30 – 118
Adult male 1 – 8 1 – 7
Pre-pubertal
< 6 months old 1 – 10* 1 – 4*
6 months – 10 years old <1 – 5* <1 – 3*

*Interpretation of LH and FSH results in children should be discussed with a Paediatric Endocrinologist

LH levels are reported as IU/L using the 2nd International Standard (NIBSC) 80/552.

FSH levels are reported as IU/L using the 2nd IRP WHO reference standard 78/549.

Further information

Lab Tests Online-LH

Lab Tests Online-FSH

Endobible Polycystic ovary syndrome

Endobible hypogonadism.

NICE guideline [NG23] Menopause: diagnosis and management

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