High LH levels - Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

[AnnieDelores]

I've just had my bloods done for a routine test because my partner and I are being referred for fertility assessments. His morphology is really low - just 3%. But I've just been told my Lutenizing Hormone levels are high during days 1 to 5 of my cycle. I'm told that's associated with PCOS but I don't have any symptoms of PCOS. I'm not overweight, don't have acne or thinning hair or excess body hair. My cycles vary between 29 and 31 days. Very odd.

Obviously I'm concerned that both of us might have problems. I did conceive in October but miscarried at 6.5 weeks so I'm very confused.

I've done an ovulation test over the past two nights (days 11 and 12) and both showed a faint line which would indicate raised LH levels but no surge yet.

Does anyone have more experience of this and can help me out of my confusion? I have to wait until my next period and repeat the blood test apparently.

Yours befuddledly..........

Annie

Hi Annie

I have PCOS and researched it like crazy after I got my diagnosis. Raised LH can be an indication of PCOS, but is not enough to diagnose it. Was it compared against your FSH? This is important. You need other hormones done - raised testosterone is characteristic of PCOS (but having said that, some PCOS ladies have normal hormones) - and it's worth getting your mid-luteal phase progesterone to check for ovulation. The other diagnostic test you need is an ultrasound scan of your ovaries to see if they look polycystic.

There's no way to tell, from the information you've shared, whether you have PCOS or not - so no wonder you feel confused! If you're worried about it you need further investigation. It is quite possible to be normal weight (I am, quite skinny actually) with PCOS, and also not to have any other symptoms. It is even possible to have regular cycles with PCOS (I used to have a 30-odd day cycle, so was stunned when I got my diagnosis).

The faint line on the ov test doesn't really tell you anything - all women sometimes have faint lines on those as LH fluctuates a lot.

If you are ovulating regularly you can certainly conceive, even if you do have PCOS. It varies a lot in severity and symptoms. So I'd say the fact that you conceived recently despite the male factor issues is a good sign. Very sorry for your loss though and hope the next one sticks.

Thanks for that....I can see that I'm going to have to be patient. I had more bloods done today for the following:

Rubella
Chlamydia
Hep B and C
HIV
Syphilis
TSH
Full blood count
Serum Ferritin

I have to go back for progesterone but it will have to be on day 24 because I'm in Ireland on holiday - hope that's not too late?

I also have to repeat the LH test but I think they said Testosterone and FSH were normal.

What a minefield! Do you have to lick up a fuss to get an ultrasound scan? My GP seems very relaxed. Perhaps I should see what I can do on my private health insurance!

Hi @AnnieDelores I know this is a super old test just wondering whether you could provide an update? I also have high LH on day 3 and might have PCOS. Recently had a miscarriage & heartbroken.

Was the MC last cycle? It may be left over HCG from that? Sorry for your loss though. I had an early loss in March 2022, still heartbroken (and still here - I tell myself every cycle it will be my last if it doesn't work, yet still haven't been able to jump off the waggon...)

I have pcos

My day 3 - 5 bloods ..

Lh was 7.5