LH/FSH Ratio (Luteinizing Hormone & Follicle Stimulating Hormone Ratio) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About LH/FSH Ratio (Luteinizing Hormone & Follicle Stimulating Hormone Ratio) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | LH:FSH Ratio, Gonadotropin Ratio, Luteinising Hormone/Follicle Stimulating Hormone Ratio |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required; a morning sample is often recommended |
| Report Time | Within 24 to 48 hours |
| Recommended For | Males and females of all ages; commonly ordered for women of reproductive age |
| Price | Starting at ₹500 |
What Is an LH/FSH Ratio Test?
The LH/FSH ratio test measures two hormones produced by the pituitary gland — Luteinising Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) — and calculates the ratio between them. This ratio gives doctors a clearer picture of reproductive health than either hormone alone. Also called the Luteinizing Hormone & Follicle Stimulating Hormone ratio test or Gonadotropin Ratio, it is performed on a small blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm.
What Does an LH/FSH Ratio Test Measure?
The LH/FSH ratio test analyses three closely related values from a single blood sample. Here is what each one tells your doctor:
| Component | What It Is |
|---|---|
| Luteinising Hormone (LH) | A hormone from the pituitary gland that drives reproductive function in both men and women |
| Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) | A hormone that regulates the menstrual cycle and stimulates egg development in the ovaries |
| LH:FSH Ratio | A calculated comparison of the two hormone levels, used to identify hormonal imbalances |
Why Is an LH/FSH Ratio Test Done?
Doctors order the LH/FSH ratio test when they need to investigate symptoms linked to reproductive or hormonal health.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms often prompt a doctor to request this test:
- Irregular or absent menstrual periods
- Difficulty conceiving
- Excessive facial or body hair (hirsutism)
- Persistent acne
- Unexplained weight changes
- Low libido
- Erectile dysfunction in men
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The Luteinizing Hormone & Follicle Stimulating Hormone ratio test can assist in identifying a range of conditions:
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), where the ovaries stop functioning before age 40
- Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, a condition caused by problems with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus
- Primary hypogonadism in men
- Menopause and perimenopause
- Central precocious puberty (unusually early puberty)
- Delayed puberty in teenagers
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation for the LH/FSH ratio test is straightforward. The steps below will help ensure accurate results.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required for this test. LH and FSH levels are not affected by food intake.
For women, timing matters. Blood is best collected during the early follicular phase, typically days 2 to 4 of the menstrual cycle, when hormone levels reflect a reliable baseline. If other tests are ordered alongside this one, check with your doctor whether fasting is needed for those.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few simple steps can help improve the accuracy of your results:
- Tell your doctor about all medications you take, including hormonal contraceptives, birth control pills, or anticonvulsants
- Avoid strenuous exercise in the 24 hours before your test
- Try to keep stress levels low before the appointment
- Wear a loose-sleeved top for easy access to your arm during the blood draw
Step-by-Step Procedure
- A trained phlebotomist (blood collection specialist) will ask you to sit comfortably and extend your arm.
- The area near your elbow will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
- An elastic band is placed around your upper arm to make the vein visible.
- A small needle is gently inserted into the vein, and blood is drawn into a collection tube.
- The needle is removed, and light pressure is applied with a cotton swab to stop any bleeding.
- The sample is labelled and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
- The day of your menstrual cycle at the time of testing
- Medications such as hormonal contraceptives, clomiphene, digoxin, or anticonvulsants
- High stress levels or recent strenuous physical activity
- Being significantly underweight
- Natural circadian (time-of-day) fluctuations in hormone secretion
Understanding Your LH/FSH Ratio Test Results
Your results should always be reviewed with your doctor, who will consider them alongside your symptoms, medical history, and other tests. The tables below show general reference ranges for LH and FSH, along with the normal ratio.
| Parameter | Normal Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| FSH (Women, Follicular phase) | 2.8 to 14.4 | mIU/mL |
| FSH (Women, Midcycle) | 5.8 to 21 | mIU/mL |
| FSH (Women, Luteal phase) | 1.0 to 9.0 | mIU/mL |
| FSH (Postmenopausal women) | 21.7 to 153 | mIU/mL |
| LH (Women, Follicular phase) | 1.1 to 11.6 | mIU/mL |
| LH (Women, Midcycle) | 17 to 77 | mIU/mL |
| LH (Women, Luteal phase) | 1.0 to 14.7 | mIU/mL |
| LH (Postmenopausal women) | 11.3 to 39.8 | mIU/mL |
| LH (Adult males, 18 to 59 years) | 1.5 to 9.3 | mIU/mL |
| LH:FSH Ratio (Normal) | 1:1 to 2:1 | Ratio |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Hormone levels shift considerably across different life stages and cycle phases. Understanding this context helps your doctor interpret results correctly.
During the menstrual cycle, LH and FSH levels are roughly equal from days 1 to 10. Around days 12 to 14, LH surges sharply at ovulation while FSH rises only moderately. After menopause, FSH often rises significantly more than LH. Certain medications, including anticonvulsants, clomiphene, digoxin, and birth control pills, can also shift LH levels and affect the ratio.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Keeping your hormones in balance is supported by everyday lifestyle choices:
- Aim for a healthy body weight through balanced nutrition and regular moderate exercise
- Practise stress management through activities such as yoga, meditation, or adequate rest
- Prioritise consistent, good-quality sleep each night
Lupin Diagnostics LH/FSH Ratio Test Price and Home Collection
The LH/FSH ratio test is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at ₹500, with home collection available across cities.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹1000 |
| Bangalore | ₹900 |
| Chennai | ₹850 |
| Hyderabad | ₹1000 |
| Kolkata | ₹1000 |
| Pune | ₹950 |
| Ahmednagar | ₹950 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home collection for the LH/FSH ratio test across multiple cities, so you can have your sample collected at a time that suits you. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by trained technologists. Your digital report is delivered via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The LH/FSH ratio test compares two pituitary hormones to assess reproductive and hormonal health. Doctors commonly order it to investigate irregular periods, infertility, PCOS, and related conditions in both men and women.
A normal ratio typically falls between 1:1 and 2:1. In women without hormonal disorders, the ratio during the follicular phase is usually close to 1:1. Your doctor will interpret your specific result in context.
A ratio of 2:1 or higher is often associated with PCOS. This imbalance can interfere with ovulation. However, a high ratio alone is not sufficient for a PCOS diagnosis; your doctor will consider other findings alongside the ratio.
Days 2 to 3 of your menstrual cycle are generally recommended. At this point in the early follicular phase, LH and FSH levels are at their natural baseline, giving the most reliable reading.
Yes. In men, FSH drives sperm production, and LH stimulates testosterone output in the testes. Low levels of either hormone can affect sperm quality, so this test is useful when investigating male infertility or hormonal concerns.
No. A normal ratio does not exclude PCOS. Many women with PCOS have ratios within the normal range, so this test is used alongside other assessments, such as an ultrasound and additional hormone tests, for a complete picture.
Results for the Luteinizing Hormone & Follicle Stimulating Hormone ratio test are typically available within 24 to 48 hours of sample collection. Lupin Diagnostics delivers reports digitally via email or WhatsApp.
LH/FSH Ratio (Luteinizing Hormone & Follicle Stimulating Hormone Ratio) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
