When analyzing your LH test, the test is positive if the test line is as strong as the control line (or stronger).
LH is always present in the body; that is why you can often see a light second band on the strip when testing. With that said, if the test line isn't as strong as the control line, the test is negative.
Please check the manufacturer's information for how to read the test result if you are using another brand of LH tests.
Below, you will find examples of positive and negative Natural Cycles LH test results.
The three tests at the top of the picture marked LH- are negative. The test line (left) is weak and not as strong as the control line (right). You can log this as a negative LH test in the app and test again later in the day (at least 2 hours later).
The last test, at the bottom of the picture, marked LH+, is positive. The test line (left) is as strong as the control line (right). You can add this as a positive LH test in the app.
What if I have a negative and positive LH test on the same day?
If you get a negative and positive LH test on the same day, you can log the positive LH test to let the algorithm know that you have had an LH peak.
What if I only get negative LH tests?
A negative LH test does not mean that you're not fertile, nor that ovulation will not occur – this is important to remember. It only means that no LH surge was detected at the time of the test. Because the LH peak happens in such a short window, it is normal if you tend to get negative LH results or struggle with getting positive LH tests. This is highly individual, and depending on your body and medical history, the LH peak may be harder to catch for you than for others. To ensure that you don’t miss your LH peak, it is recommended to limit the intake of fluids for a couple of hours before testing (to prevent the LH from diluting).
Ovulation can still occur at some point even if you've only gotten negative tests. Remember to continue logging your temperature every day, and the algorithm will still place your ovulation should your temperatures indicate ovulation occurred in the cycle.
Please click into these links to understand why you should test for LH, and how to do an LH test.