"Clinical Significance
FSH and LH - FSH and LH are secreted by the anterior pituitary in response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GNRH) secreted by the hypothalamus. In both males and females, FSH and LH secretion is regulated by a balance of positive and negative feedback mechanisms involving the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, the reproductive organs, and the pituitary and sex steroid hormones. FSH and LH play a critical role in maintaining the normal function of the male and female reproductive systems. Abnormal FSH levels with corresponding increased or decreased levels of LH, estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone are associated with a number of pathological conditions. Increased FSH levels are associated with menopause and primary ovarian hypofunction in females and primary hypogonadism in males. Decreased levels of FSH are associated with primary ovarian hyper-function in females and primary hypergonadism in males. Normal or decreased levels of FSH are associated with polycystic ovary disease in females. In males, LH is also called interstitial cell-stimulating hormone (ICSH). Abnormal LH levels with corresponding increased or decreased levels of FSH, estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone are associated with a number of pathological conditions. Increased LH levels are associated with menopause, primary ovarian hypofunction, and polycystic ovary disease in females and primary hypo-gonadism in males. Decreased LH levels are associated with primary ovarian hyperfunction in females and primary hyper-gonadism in males.

Preferred Specimen(s)
2 mL serum

Minimum Volume
1 mL

Collection Instructions
Note: For pre-pubertal children, test code 36176-FSH and LH, Pediatrics assay is recommended

Transport Container
Serum Separator Tube (SST®)

Transport Temperature
Room temperature

Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days

Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)

Reference Range(s)
FSH
Male    1.6-8.0    mIU/mL
Female          
  Follicular Phase    2.5-10.2    mIU/mL
  Mid-Cycle Peak    3.1-17.7    mIU/mL
  Luteal Phase    1.5- 9.1    mIU/mL
  Postmenopausal      23.0-116.3     mIU/mLChildren (<18 years old): FSH reference ranges established on post-pubertal patient population. Reference range not established for pre-pubertal patients using this assay. For pre-pubertal patients, the Quest Diagnostics FSH, Pediatrics assay is recommended (test code 36087).

LH
Male          
18-59 Years    1.5-9.3    mIU/mL
≥60 Years    1.6-15.2    mIU/mL
Female          
  Follicular Phase    1.9-12.5    mIU/mL
  Mid-Cycle Peak    8.7-76.3    mIU/mL
  Luteal Phase    0.5-16.9    mIU/mL
  Postmenopausal    10.0-54.7    mIU/mLChildren (<18 years old): LH reference ranges established on post-pubertal patient population. Reference range not established for pre-pubertal patients using this assay. For pre-pubertal patients, the Quest Diagnostics LH, Pediatrics assay is recommended (test code 36086).