Test ID: B-204 | Sample Type: Dried Blood Spot | Test Method: ECLIA — electrochemiluminescence immunoassay | Results: 3–5 Working Days | Laboratory: ZRT Laboratory – CLIA Certified | Report: Specialist Doctor Comment Included | Suitable For: Adults | Collect Sample At Home: No Clinic Visit Required
LH & FSH Fertility Test (B-204)
Understand the Hormonal Signals Behind Your Reproductive Health
Irregular periods, difficulty conceiving or symptoms of low testosterone can leave you searching for answers. The LH & FSH Fertility Test measures two important hormones involved in reproductive function, helping you understand whether changes in hormonal signalling deserve further investigation.
Luteinising Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) carry messages from the pituitary gland to the ovaries in women and the testes in men. Together, they help regulate ovulation, ovarian hormone production, testosterone production and sperm development.
This convenient at-home finger-prick blood spot test measures both hormones using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) technology. Your results include laboratory interpretation to help you discuss the findings and your next steps with a healthcare practitioner.
What Does This Test Measure?
| Hormone | In Women | In Men |
|---|---|---|
| LH — Luteinising Hormone | Supports ovarian hormone production and triggers ovulation through the mid-cycle LH surge. | Stimulates the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone. |
| FSH — Follicle-Stimulating Hormone | Stimulates ovarian follicle development and supports egg maturation. | Acts on the Sertoli cells in the testes to support sperm production. |
Measuring both hormones provides focused information about communication between the pituitary gland and the reproductive organs.
For Women: Explore Menstrual Changes and Fertility Concerns
Who Should Consider This Test?
LH and FSH testing may be useful if you:
- Have irregular, infrequent or absent periods.
- Are experiencing difficulty conceiving.
- Want a baseline assessment of reproductive hormone signalling.
- Have concerns about ovarian function.
- Have symptoms suggesting PCOS, particularly menstrual changes alongside acne or excess facial or body hair.
- Are experiencing menstrual changes, hot flushes or night sweats that may relate to changes in ovarian function.
- Have been advised to check LH and FSH before or during fertility treatment.
How Can This Test Help?
| Your Concern | What LH and FSH Can Help Explore |
|---|---|
| Irregular or absent periods | Whether pituitary signals to the ovaries are elevated, reduced or following a pattern that warrants further assessment. |
| Difficulty conceiving | Hormonal factors affecting ovarian stimulation and reproductive function. |
| Concerns about ovarian reserve | Early-cycle FSH provides information about ovarian responsiveness; AMH and oestradiol can add useful context. |
| Possible PCOS | LH and FSH contribute to the wider assessment alongside symptoms, androgen measurements and other investigations. |
| Possible early menopause or reduced ovarian function | Elevated FSH, interpreted with age, symptoms and menstrual history, can support further investigation. |
| Fertility treatment planning | Baseline hormone information that your fertility practitioner can use alongside other assessments. |
Understanding FSH Results in Women
FSH stimulates follicles within the ovaries to develop. During early-cycle testing:
- Higher FSH may indicate that the ovaries need stronger stimulation, which can occur with reduced ovarian reserve or declining ovarian function.
- Lower FSH may reflect reduced hypothalamic or pituitary signalling, or suppression associated with hormone treatment.
FSH is best interpreted alongside your collection day and, where appropriate, oestradiol and AMH. It does not measure egg quality.
Understanding LH Results in Women
LH supports ovarian hormone production and rises sharply before ovulation.
- Higher LH may occur during the normal mid-cycle surge, in some PCOS patterns or with reduced ovarian function.
- Lower LH may reflect reduced reproductive signalling or the effects of hormone treatment.
The collection day matters: an LH level expected around ovulation may have a different meaning early in the cycle. The LH-to-FSH ratio alone does not diagnose PCOS.
For Men: Investigate Hormonal Factors Affecting Testosterone and Fertility
Who Should Consider This Test?
LH and FSH testing may be useful if you:
- Have a low testosterone result and want to investigate the hormonal signals behind it.
- Experience low libido, erectile difficulties or other symptoms prompting a testosterone assessment.
- Have a low sperm count or abnormal semen analysis.
- Are experiencing difficulty conceiving with a partner.
- Are being investigated for hypogonadism or testicular dysfunction.
- Have been advised to assess pituitary–testicular hormone signalling.
How Can This Test Help?
| Your Concern | What LH and FSH Can Help Explore |
|---|---|
| Low testosterone | LH helps your practitioner assess whether the testes are receiving an appropriate signal to produce testosterone. |
| Low libido or erectile difficulties | Adds information about reproductive signalling when considered alongside testosterone and other relevant tests. |
| Low sperm count | FSH can provide information about the hormonal regulation of sperm production. |
| Possible testicular dysfunction | Elevated gonadotrophins may indicate reduced testicular responsiveness. |
| Possible pituitary or hypothalamic involvement | Low or inappropriately normal LH and FSH, particularly with low testosterone, can prompt assessment of central hormone signalling. |
Understanding LH Results in Men
LH stimulates testosterone production in the testes.
- Higher LH with low testosterone can suggest that the pituitary is sending a strong signal but the testes are not responding adequately.
- Low or inappropriately normal LH with low testosterone can suggest reduced signalling from the hypothalamus or pituitary.
This panel does not measure testosterone. If low testosterone is your main concern, interpreting LH alongside a testosterone measurement is particularly useful.
Understanding FSH Results in Men
FSH supports sperm production.
- Higher FSH may indicate impaired sperm-producing function in the testes.
- Lower FSH may reflect reduced pituitary signalling or suppression associated with testosterone or anabolic steroid use.
LH and FSH help investigate hormonal contributors to male reproductive problems. A semen analysis is needed to measure sperm count, movement and other semen parameters.
LH and FSH Reference Ranges
The following ranges are published by ZRT for dried blood spot testing. Always use the reference ranges shown on your own laboratory report, particularly if you use hormone treatment.
FSH Reference Ranges
Unit: U/L
| Sex / Reproductive Stage | Reference Range |
|---|---|
| Women — premenopausal, follicular phase | 3.5–12.5 |
| Women — premenopausal, luteal phase | 1.7–7.7 |
| Women — postmenopausal | 25.8–134.8 |
| Men — adult | 1.5–12.4 |
LH Reference Ranges
Unit: mIU/mL
| Sex / Reproductive Stage | Reference Range |
|---|---|
| Women — premenopausal, follicular phase | 2.4–12.6 |
| Women — premenopausal, luteal phase | 1.0–11.4 |
| Women — postmenopausal | 7.7–58.5 |
| Men — adult | 1.7–8.6 |
These female ranges do not describe the mid-cycle LH surge. Results must be matched to the stage at which the sample was collected.
When Should You Collect Your Sample?
Women With Regular Periods — Baseline Testing
For baseline LH and FSH assessment, collect during the early follicular phase, on Days 2–4 while menstrual flow continues.
- Day 1 is the first day of full menstrual bleeding, not spotting.
- If your menstrual bleeding is short, the laboratory recommends Day 2.
Early-cycle collection helps assess the pituitary signals involved in recruiting follicles before the larger hormonal changes surrounding ovulation.
Women Having Luteal-Phase Testing
If your practitioner requests luteal-phase LH and FSH measurements, the laboratory provides these collection windows:
| Usual Cycle Length | Collection Window |
|---|---|
| 23–26 days | Day 17, 18 or 19 |
| 27–30 days | Day 21, 22 or 23 |
| 31–34 days | Day 25, 26 or 27 |
| Longer or shorter cycles | Approximately 5–7 days before the next expected period |
If you track ovulation, the laboratory’s guide recommends aiming for approximately seven days after ovulation for luteal testing.
A single LH/FSH sample does not confirm that ovulation has occurred. If that is your main question, an appropriately timed progesterone-containing panel may be more suitable.
Women With Irregular or Infrequent Periods
The laboratory permits collection on any non-bleeding day when cycles are infrequent or unpredictable. Record your cycle history and last period on the requisition form.
If you no longer have periods, collection does not need to follow a menstrual-cycle schedule. Follow any timing advice from your practitioner.
Men
Men can collect on any day of the month, following the kit’s preparation instructions and any guidance relating to hormone treatment.
Time of Day — Women and Men
The supplied fertility kit instructions advise collecting the blood spot sample within one hour of waking.
How It Works
- Order your kit. Receive the collection materials and instructions at home.
- Choose your collection day. Follow the relevant guidance for your circumstances.
- Collect your sample. Complete a simple finger-prick dried blood spot collection.
- Return your sample. Post the dried card and paperwork to ZRT Laboratory using the supplied return instructions.
- Receive your report by email. Results are usually available within 3–5 working days of laboratory receipt, subject to sample suitability and completed paperwork.
What You Receive
- An at-home dried blood spot collection kit.
- Laboratory measurement of LH and FSH.
- Results displayed with the applicable reference ranges.
- Written interpretation from a PhD-qualified hormone specialist, as included in the reporting service.
- Information to support discussion of your next steps with a healthcare practitioner.
- Laboratory analysis included in the purchase price.
The cost of posting your sample to the laboratory is your responsibility.
Why We Use ZRT Laboratory
ZRT Laboratory is a CLIA-certified diagnostic laboratory based in the USA, specialising in hormone and wellness testing.
Its dried blood spot testing allows you to collect a sample at home while receiving laboratory measurements and interpretive commentary. For B-204, LH and FSH are measured using ECLIA immunoassay technology.
B-204 Sample Collection Instructions
Read the Full Fertility Sample Collection Instructions
1. Check Medicines and Hormone Use
Record all medicines, supplements and hormones on your requisition form, including testosterone, fertility medicines and contraception.
Continue prescribed treatment unless your prescriber directs otherwise.
The laboratory does not recommend this fertility kit for users of hormonal contraceptive pills, contraceptive patches, vaginal rings, injections or implants. Testing is permitted with a progestin IUD; record its use.
2. Prepare Three Days Before Collection
Follow the laboratory’s instructions to avoid:
- Biotin / vitamin B7, including hair and nail supplements.
- Anti-ageing or anti-wrinkle facial creams.
If biotin is prescribed, speak to your prescriber before withholding it.
3. Follow the Guidance for Hormone Treatment
| Treatment | Laboratory Preparation Guidance |
|---|---|
| Topical, swallowed, troche or sublingual hormones | Continue treatment. The instructions advise allowing at least 12 hours between an evening dose and morning collection. Oral progesterone may be taken at bedtime. |
| Topical hormones | Use gloves or an applicator for at least two days before collection. Avoid applying hormones to the face, lips or neck. |
| Non-contraceptive hormone patches, rings, pellets or injections | The instructions advise collection midway between doses. Ask your prescriber about timing where the treatment has no clear dosing interval. |
| Hydrocortisone, prednisone or other glucocorticoids | Ask your healthcare practitioner about appropriate collection timing. |
For topical hormone users, change sheets, pillowcases and towels the night before collection and avoid surfaces that may contain hormone residue.
4. Collect Within One Hour of Waking
Stay well hydrated without drinking excessive amounts immediately before collection.
- Write your name, collection date and time on the card.
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water, then dry them with a clean towel.
- Warm your hands to encourage circulation.
- Open the card and fold the cover away from the collection paper. Avoid touching the filter paper.
- Position the card on a clean, flat surface below waist level.
- Choose the middle or ring finger of your non-dominant hand.
- Clean the finger with the alcohol pad and allow it to air dry.
- Use the lancet as instructed and wipe away the first drop with sterile gauze.
- Keep your hand below your waist and gently encourage blood flow without excessive squeezing.
- Allow one large drop to fall onto the centre of each circle.
- Apply a dressing when finished.
5. Check Your Blood Spots
Each spot should:
- Fill as much of the printed circle as possible.
- Soak through so blood is visible on the back.
- Contain one drop without overlapping layers.
- Aim to fill all circles where possible. Several good-sized spots are preferable to many small or poorly formed spots.
6. Dry the Card
Leave the card open to air dry for at least four hours.
Once completely dry, close the cover and keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight until shipment. Do not package the card while damp.
7. Complete the Paperwork
Complete the requisition form fully, including:
- Collection date and time.
- Menstrual-cycle information, where applicable.
- Current medicines and supplements.
- Hormone treatments and dosing details.
- Relevant symptoms and medical information requested on the form.
8. Package and Post
Place the dried card and completed paperwork inside the kit box. Close it securely and place it in the return packaging.
Send promptly, following the return instructions provided. The laboratory fee is included in your purchase; return postage is your responsibility.
If shipping is delayed beyond 24 hours, freeze the dried sample inside its sample bag, as directed by the laboratory. Samples must reach the laboratory within 30 days of collection to avoid rejection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Both Women and Men Use This Test?
Yes. LH and FSH regulate reproductive function in both sexes. In women, they help assess ovarian signalling; in men, they help assess the hormonal signals involved in testosterone and sperm production.
Does This Test Measure Testosterone?
No. B-204 measures LH and FSH only. For men investigating low testosterone, a testosterone measurement provides important additional information.
Can It Diagnose PCOS?
LH and FSH can contribute to a PCOS assessment, but diagnosis also considers symptoms, androgen levels and other relevant findings. The LH-to-FSH ratio is not a standalone diagnostic test.
Can It Confirm Ovulation?
This is a single-sample hormone assessment rather than an ovulation-tracking test. Appropriately timed progesterone testing is more useful for establishing whether ovulation has recently occurred.
Does It Measure Sperm Count?
No. It assesses hormones involved in sperm production. A semen analysis measures sperm count, movement and other semen characteristics.
Does It Assess Ovarian Reserve?
Early-cycle FSH can contribute to an ovarian reserve assessment. AMH and oestradiol provide additional information. These measurements do not directly assess egg quality or independently predict natural conception.
Does the Price Include Laboratory Testing?
Yes. The laboratory analysis fee is included. You pay the cost of posting your sample to the laboratory.
How Long Is the Kit Valid?
Use the kit within 12 months of purchase, following any earlier expiry date printed on the supplied materials. Once collected, the sample must follow the laboratory’s separate storage and return deadlines.
What Should I Do With My Results?
Use your report to discuss the findings alongside your symptoms and medical history. Depending on the results, the next step may involve testosterone testing, AMH or oestradiol measurement, progesterone testing, semen analysis or another targeted investigation.
Take a clearer next step in understanding your reproductive health with the LH & FSH Fertility Test — convenient at-home collection for women and men.