Which hormone triggers ovulation and the formation of the corpus luteum?

Which hormone triggers ovulation and the formation of the corpus luteum?

• A. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
• B. Luteinizing hormone (LH)
• C. Progesterone
• D. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)

Answer: (B)

Luteinizing hormone (LH) is the hormone that triggers ovulation and the subsequent formation of the corpus luteum. During the menstrual cycle, a surge in LH levels occurs, which leads to the release of a mature egg from the ovarian follicle, a process known as ovulation. Following ovulation, the remnants of the follicle undergo changes to form the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone. This hormone is crucial for maintaining the uterine lining in preparation for a potential pregnancy.

In contrast, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) primarily stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles, but it is LH that is specifically responsible for triggering ovulation. Progesterone, while important in the latter stages of the menstrual cycle, does not play a direct role in the triggering of ovulation. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is responsible for the release of both FSH and LH from the pituitary gland, but it does not directly trigger ovulation or the formation of the corpus luteum itself. Thus, LH is the key hormone that directly initiates these processes.