Which hormone causes ovulation and stimulates the production of estrogen and progesterone?

Luteinizing hormone (LH) plays a crucial role in the reproductive system, particularly in the female menstrual cycle. It is primarily known for triggering ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovary. This hormone is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland and acts on the ovarian follicles, leading to the final maturation of the egg and its release.

In addition to inducing ovulation, LH also stimulates the production of estrogen and progesterone by the ovaries. Once ovulation occurs, the remnants of the ruptured follicle transform into a structure called the corpus luteum, which secretes these hormones. Estrogen is vital for the regulation of the menstrual cycle and the development of secondary sexual characteristics, while progesterone prepares the uterine lining for potential implantation of a fertilized egg.

Understanding the function of LH is essential in the context of the endocrine system and reproductive health, as it coordinates critical events within the menstrual cycle.