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LH urine test (home test )

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Pituitary hormones

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LH urine test (home test )

Definition:

This urine test detects LH levels above a certain threshold.

Alternative Names:
Luteinizing hormone urine test (home test); Ovulation prediction test; Urinary immunoradiometric assays (IRMA)

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How the test is performed:

Urine is collected. A sample of the urine is then applied to the test kit. The first urine of the day should not be used for this test.

Why the test is performed:

The test is done to determine the time of ovulation and is also used to adjust doses of certain medications.

The anterior pituitary gland secretes hormones called gonadotropins (LH is one of these), which stimulate the ovary to prepare a follicle to release an egg. Once the follicle has matured, a dramatic rise in LH levels (known as the "LH surge") signals the ovary to release the egg (this is ovulation). Ovulation typically occurs 10-12 hours after the peak of the LH surge.

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