Which hormone is integral to the ovulatory process?

Luteinizing hormone (LH) plays a critical role in the ovulatory process. It is released by the anterior pituitary gland and is responsible for triggering ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovary. An increase in LH levels occurs during the menstrual cycle and leads to the final maturation of the ovarian follicle and the subsequent release of the egg.

Prior to ovulation, estrogen levels rise, which stimulates the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to release LH. The surge in LH is what ultimately induces the ovary to release the mature egg, completing the ovulation process. This is why LH is referred to as an integral hormone in ovulation.

Other hormones, such as progesterone and estrogen, have their own important roles in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy but do not directly trigger the release of the egg. Progesterone prepares the uterus for potential implantation of a fertilized egg, and estrogen is involved in the development of the follicle and the thickening of the uterine lining but is not solely responsible for triggering ovulation. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) supports the growth of ovarian follicles but does not initiate ovulation itself.