LH response to GnRH is a blood test to indirectly determine the pituitary gland's ability to appropriately respond to gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), a hormone produced in the hypothalamus.

Luteinizing hormone response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone

A blood sample is drawn prior to an injection of GnRH. After a specified time, other blood samples are drawn so that LH can be measured.

Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.

Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm.

Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.

No special preparation is necessary.

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

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

• 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 evaluate low testosterone levels in men or low estradiol levels in women.

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LH response to GnRH Results

Review Date: 07/29/2009
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)