Which medication is commonly used to induce ovulation by blocking feedback inhibition on the hypothalamus?

Clomiphene citrate, commonly known as Clomid, is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that is widely used to induce ovulation in women experiencing infertility due to anovulation. Its mechanism of action involves blocking estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus, which decreases the negative feedback inhibition that estrogen exerts on gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion.

By disrupting this feedback loop, Clomiphene citrate increases the release of GnRH, which subsequently stimulates the pituitary gland to produce higher levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). This surge in FSH and LH promotes the maturation of ovarian follicles and ultimately leads to ovulation.

In contrast, the other medications listed do not have this specific action on inducing ovulation through the hypothalamic feedback mechanism. Leuprolide, for instance, is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist that is typically used in the management of hormone-dependent conditions and does not induce ovulation in this manner. Medroxyprogesterone acetate is a progestin that does not induce ovulation but rather is used to regulate menstrual cycles or treat conditions like amenorrhea. Metformin is primarily