Locations Main Campus: Chesterfield, MO 63017   |   Locations
314-434-1500 314-434-1500   |   Contact Us

Multimedia Encyclopedia


 
E-mail Form
Email Results

 
 
Print-Friendly
Bookmarks
bookmarks-menu

LH response to GnRH blood test

Luteinizing hormone response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone

 

LH response to GnRH is a blood test to help determine if your pituitary gland can correctly respond to gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). LH stands for luteinizing hormone.

How the Test is Performed

 

A blood sample is taken , and then you are given a shot of GnRH. After a specified time, more blood samples are taken so that LH can be measured.

 

How to Prepare for the Test

 

No special preparation is necessary.

 

How the Test will Feel

 

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or a slight bruise. This soon goes away.

 

Why the Test is Performed

 

GnRH is a hormone made by the hypothalamus gland. LH is made by the pituitary gland. GnRH causes (stimulates) the pituitary gland to release LH.

This test is used to tell the difference between primary and secondary hypogonadism . Hypogonadism is a condition in which the sex glands make little or no hormones. In men, the sex glands (gonads) are the testes. In women, the sex glands are the ovaries.

Depending on the type of hypogonadism:

  • Primary hypogonadism starts in the testicle or ovary
  • Secondary hypogonadism starts in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland

This test may be also be done to check:

  • Low testosterone level in men
  • Low estradiol level in women

 

Normal Results

 

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

 

What Abnormal Results Mean

 

An increased LH response suggests a problem in the ovaries or testes.

A reduced LH response suggests a problem with the hypothalamus gland or pituitary gland.

Abnormal results may also be due to:

  • Pituitary gland problems, such as release of too much hormone ( hyperprolactinemia )
  • Large pituitary tumors
  • Decrease in hormones made by the endocrine glands
  • Too much iron in the body ( hemochromatosis )
  • Eating disorders, such as anorexia
  • Recent significant weight loss, such as after bariatric surgery
  • Delayed or absent puberty (Kallmann syndrome)
  • Lack of periods in women ( amenorrhea )
  • Obesity

 

Risks

 

Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Other risks related to having blood drawn are rare, but may include:

  • Excessive bleeding
  • Fainting or feeling lightheaded
  • Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
  • Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

 

 

References

Borawski D, Bluth MH. Reproductive function and pregnancy. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods . 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 25.

Gruber HA, Farag AF. Evaluation of endocrine function. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods . 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 24.

Haisenleder DJ, marshall JC. Gonadotropins. In: Jameson JL, De Groot LJ, de Kretser DM, et al, eds. Endocrinology: Adult and Pediatric . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 116.

 

        A Closer Look

         

          Talking to your MD

           

            Self Care

             

              Tests for LH response to GnRH blood test

               

               

              Review Date: 9/26/2015

              Reviewed By: Daniel N. Sacks MD, FACOG, obstetrics & gynecology in private practice, West Palm Beach, FL. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

              The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

               
               
               

               

               

              A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.



              Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.