Table of Contents
- Overview
- Results
- Risks
- Prevention
- Images
Do not drink large amounts of fluids before using the test.
Ask your doctor if you need to stop taking certain drugs before using this test.
Drugs that can decrease LH measurements include estrogens, progesterone and testosterone. Estrogens and progesterone may be found in birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy.
The drug clomiphene citrate (Clomid) can increase LH levels. This drug is used to help trigger ovulation. Women taking this drug should wait three days after stopping the medicine before checking their LH levels.
How the test will feel
The test involves normal urination. There is no pain or discomfort.
Why the test is performed
This test is most often done to determine when a women will ovulate. When trying to make a baby, many couples plan intercourse around ovulation, the time when the woman's ovaries release an egg. For women with a 28 day menstrual cycle, this release normally occurs between days 11 – 14. See:
If you have an irregular menstrual cycle and are not sure when or if you are ovulating, an ovulation prediction kit can help.
The ovulation home test may also be used to determine if you need to adjust doses of certain medications.
Images
Review Date: 06/02/2011
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of
Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of
Medicine; and 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)
