Which hormone stimulates estrogen secretion and egg maturation?

Luteinizing hormone (LH) plays a key role in the female reproductive system, particularly in regulating the menstrual cycle and ovulation. LH is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and is responsible for triggering ovulation as well as the secretion of estrogen from the ovaries.

During the menstrual cycle, as the follicles in the ovaries develop, they produce increasing amounts of estrogen. The presence of LH is critical in supporting this process as it stimulates the ovaries to produce more estrogen, facilitating the maturation of the ovarian follicles. Moreover, LH surges lead to the release of a mature egg from the ovary, which is a vital part of ovulation.

FSH, while also produced by the anterior pituitary gland, primarily stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles and promotes estrogen production, but it does not directly stimulate estrogen secretion nor trigger the release of the egg as LH does. Prolactin is primarily involved in milk production, and testosterone is mainly associated with male reproductive functions, making them irrelevant in the context of stimulating estrogen secretion and egg maturation in females.