What phase of the menstrual cycle involves LH, estrogen, and FSH hormones?

• A. Menstruation
• B. Proliferative phase
• C. Ovulation
• D. Secretory phase

Answer: (C)

Ovulation is driven by an LH surge that occurs mid-cycle, triggered by rising estrogen from the maturing follicle. FSH supports follicle growth, so it remains present, but the defining event is the LH surge that causes the dominant follicle to rupture and release the oocyte. Early in the cycle, FSH stimulates follicle development and estrogen production; as estrogen peaks, it provides positive feedback that triggers the LH surge. While high estrogen also promotes the proliferative endometrium, the key feature of this time is the LH-driven ovulation itself. After ovulation, progesterone from the corpus luteum leads into the secretory phase, and if implantation doesn’t occur, hormone levels fall and menstruation can begin.