Which hormone reaches its peak during ovulation?

Concept

Ovulation is triggered by a rapid mid-cycle surge of luteinizing hormone (LH).

Rising estrogen from the dominant follicle creates positive feedback on the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, producing the LH surge; FSH rises more modestly.

Application

The hormone that reaches the characteristic sharp peak associated with ovulation is luteinizing hormone (LH).

Contrast

• Progesterone rises mainly after ovulation because it is secreted by the corpus luteum.

• Estrogen rises before ovulation and helps initiate positive feedback, but it is not the characteristic ovulatory surge asked here.

• FSH also shows a smaller mid-cycle rise and supports follicular maturation, but its rise is less pronounced.

Therefore, the best answer among the given choices is LH.