A newly wed 23-year-old woman and her 28-yearold husband are evaluated for infertility. They have
Been unable to conceive a child despite regular
Intercourse for the past 12 months. The first step
Of this couple's infertility workup is to determine
Whether ovulation occurs regularly. Which of the
Following hormones is directly responsible for
Ovulation?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Luteinizing hormone (LH) is directly responsible for triggering ovulation by causing the mature ovarian follicle to release an egg.  Although the early maturation of an ovarian follicle depends on the presence of FSH, ovulation is induced by a surge of LH. Although estrogens usually have a negative feedback effect on LH and FSH secretion, the LH surge seems to be a response to elevated estrogen levels. In concert with FSH, LH induces rapid follicular swelling. LH also acts directly on the granulosa cells, causing them to decrease estrogen production, as well as initiating production of small amounts of progesterone. These changes lead to ovulation.

A Newly Wed 23-Year-Old Woman and Her 28-Yearold Husband Are