Which hormone surge triggers ovulation during the natural menstrual cycle?

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Multiple Choice

Which hormone surge triggers ovulation during the natural menstrual cycle?

Explanation:
Ovulation is initiated by a surge of luteinizing hormone from the anterior pituitary. As the dominant follicle grows, estrogen levels rise and, at mid-cycle, exert positive feedback that triggers a sharp LH rise. This LH surge causes the follicle to rupture and release the oocyte, while the remaining follicular cells transform into the corpus luteum. FSH supports follicle growth earlier in the cycle but isn’t the trigger for ovulation. GnRH stimulates the release of both FSH and LH, but it’s the LH surge itself that drives ovulation. Prolactin influences lactation and can suppress GnRH when elevated, so it doesn’t trigger ovulation.

Ovulation is initiated by a surge of luteinizing hormone from the anterior pituitary. As the dominant follicle grows, estrogen levels rise and, at mid-cycle, exert positive feedback that triggers a sharp LH rise. This LH surge causes the follicle to rupture and release the oocyte, while the remaining follicular cells transform into the corpus luteum. FSH supports follicle growth earlier in the cycle but isn’t the trigger for ovulation. GnRH stimulates the release of both FSH and LH, but it’s the LH surge itself that drives ovulation. Prolactin influences lactation and can suppress GnRH when elevated, so it doesn’t trigger ovulation.

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