Which hormone plays a critical role in ovulation?

• A. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
• B. Insulin
• C. Luteinizing hormone (LH)
• D. Thyroid hormone

Answer: (C)

Luteinizing hormone (LH) is the critical hormone involved in ovulation. During the menstrual cycle, LH is responsible for triggering the final maturation of ovarian follicles and the subsequent release of an egg from the ovary, a process known as ovulation. This surge in LH is essential and occurs around the midpoint of the cycle, known as the LH surge, which is what initiates ovulation.

While follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is also important in the early stages of follicular development, it does not directly cause ovulation. Insulin plays a role in metabolism and glucose regulation but is not directly involved in the ovulation process. Thyroid hormone influences metabolism and developmental processes but does not specifically regulate the ovulation process. Therefore, the role of LH in directly inducing ovulation makes it the key hormone in this context.