What is LH Profile?
LH profile is a linear graph marking the dynamics of LH concentration from each urine test.
Luteinizing hormone, also known as LH, is an important indicator hormone of ovulation. Tracking LH concentration and one’s LH dynamics is crucial in timing ovulation and finding one’s best fertile window.
Why is it important?
For most ovulating cycles, there must be a sudden increase in LH, also known as the LH surge, for the ovary to release an egg. However, the amplitude, timing, and configuration are unique to each woman. Eveline’s patented Mobile Analysis, Auto Record, and Charting help track and monitor our unique cycles, serving as a navigator in pinpointing one’s best fertile window to get pregnant faster.
Disclaimer
Despite this article being based on research and studies, it should not be seen as medical advice or diagnosis. If there are medical-related questions or concerns, it would be best to consult with a professional doctor or specialist.
Is My LH Profile Normal?
In studies of LH profiles, it is clear that even for women with regular cycles and ovulations, the LH profile configurations, timing, and dynamics could vary drastically interpersonally. In research on 40 women, the average LH concentration before the day of ovulation was 44.6mIU/ml, but it can range from 6.5mIU/ml to 101mIU/ml. Another study observed that the mean women’s LH surges increased 7.7-fold, while ranging from 2.5-fold to 14.8-fold.
Despite the fact that we can get an average and define a “normal” range from statistics, hormones don’t operate the same on different people. Not having hormone levels like most people doesn’t necessarily mean that the cycle is abnormal or anovulatory. But being aware of one’s differences and dynamics is much more valuable to understand our own body, especially during the stages of pregnancy preparation. Not only does this help with finding the best time for conception, but the understanding and data record become clear insights for professional customized suggestions if needed.
Eveline Tip for Testing
Research shows that the best predicting LH concentration for at-home urinary tests is 25~30mIU/ml, corresponding to the Eveline APP. On most days, the test results are usually “Low,” but when it reads “High” or “Peak,” it means the LH concentration is at the signal level.
Is it possible that a woman couldn’t get a “High” or “Peak” during her cycle because her LH secretion is overall lower than the signal level?
What about getting multiple “High” and “Peak” results? Could there be someone whose LH levels are higher than average?
As we see the variation from studies, it is all possible.
This is why you shouldn’t be expecting only a “go” or “no-go” answer from an OPK test, but also your own LH profile, understanding your cycle, changes, and having a reference to consult with professionals.
Different LH Profiles and Characteristics
Based on research findings, about 39.1% of women have a rapid LH surge, 52.2% have a gradual surge, and 8.7% have no LH surge or have deviant values. We have distinguished the different LH surge onsets, durations, and concentration fluctuations into three main categories: Normal, Subnormal, and Abnormal.
Normal
This kind of LH surge occurs within one day during the entire cycle and then drops back to the baseline. It can also be called:
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Single-peaked Profile
A singular and rapid LH surge. The best fertile window is within 48 hours of the Eveline “High” test result.
Subnormal
This type of LH surge is gradual, and the onset to end of LH can last 2 to 6 days. In this category, the fluctuation of LH concentration can be subdivided into three types of LH profiles: Plateau, Double-Peaked, and Multiple Peak:
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Plateau Profile
The LH concentration remains relatively high after onset for several days. The best fertile window is from the first Eveline “High” or “Peak” test results until 24 hours after the last “Peak” results.
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Double-Peaked Profile
The duration of the LH surge is between 2 to 4 days, and there are two rises and falls in a single cycle. The best fertile window is from the first Eveline “High” or “Peak” test results until 24 hours after the last “Peak” results.
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Multiple-Peaked Profile
The LH surge lasts more than 5 days, with more than two fluctuations. The best fertile window is from the first Eveline “High” or “Peak” test results until 24 hours after the last “Peak” results.
If we exclude deviant LH configurations and anovulatory cycles, one study collected 281 ovulated LH profiles and found that 48% were normal surges, and 52% were subnormal surges, gaining more insights into each LH profile:
- Single-Peaked Profile ─ 48%
- Plateau Profile─ 11%
- Double-Peaked Profile ─ 33%
- Multiple-Peaked Profile ─ 8%
Reminder
After testing “High” or “Peak” results with Eveline, you can also measure for a few more times and days to observe your dynamics throughout your cycle. If you do not find your “High” or “Peak” results within the estimated fertile window, it may be a case of early or delayed ovulation. You could start to test a few days in advance or increase your tests.
Abnormal
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Low LH Profile with little changes
The LH concentration is quite low and might not be getting any “High” or “Peak” results in an entire cycle. Though there are ovulatory cycles like this that can find relative surges to predict ovulation. However, women usually won’t be able to ovulate if the LH is too low. It would be best to consult a professional if having trouble pinpointing the fertile window.
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High LH Profile with little changes
The LH concentration is rather high and may be getting multiple “High” or “Peak” results. In this case, there are ovulatory cycles like this that can find relative surges to pinpoint fertile windows. However, this reflects high secretion of LH, which may be the result of a hormone disorder, like PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). It would be best to consult a professional if having trouble pinpointing the fertile window.
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Irregular Profile
The LH concentration fluctuates throughout the entire cycle, making it difficult to characterize it into any types mentioned. Having deviant values may be linked to hormone disorders, it would be best to consult a professional if having trouble pinpointing the fertile window.
