Which hormone surge triggers ovulation?

The surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) is crucial for triggering ovulation. During the menstrual cycle, as a developing follicle matures, estrogen levels rise, leading to a positive feedback loop that causes a significant increase in LH. This LH surge is what initiates the process of ovulation, which is the release of a mature egg from the ovary.

Understanding the role of LH in this context is essential. After the surge, LH not only facilitates ovulation but also plays a role in the subsequent formation of the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone to prepare the endometrium for potential implantation. While estrogen and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are important in the earlier phases of follicle development and the stimulation of ovarian function, it is LH that ultimately acts as the trigger for the release of the egg. Thus, the information highlights the specific and critical role that LH surge plays in the ovulatory process.