What hormone stimulates the ovaries to produce eggs in women?

The hormone that stimulates the ovaries to produce eggs in women is follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This hormone plays a critical role in the female reproductive system by acting on the ovaries to promote the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles. Each follicle contains an egg, and FSH is essential for the initial stages of follicular development.

During the menstrual cycle, FSH levels fluctuate, with a peak occurring at the beginning of the follicular phase, which is when several follicles begin to grow. This growth continues until one follicle becomes dominant and is released during ovulation. The release of FSH is regulated by the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, making it crucial for female fertility and reproductive health.

In contrast, luteinizing hormone also plays a significant role in the reproductive process, particularly in triggering ovulation, but it does not primarily stimulate the production of eggs. Progesterone is mainly involved in preparing the uterus for potential implantation of a fertilized egg and maintaining pregnancy, while estrogen is primarily involved in regulating the menstrual cycle and developing secondary sexual characteristics but does not stimulate egg production directly.