Which hormone is primarily responsible for the maturation of the ovarian follicles?

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) plays a crucial role in the maturation of ovarian follicles. It is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland and is essential for the growth and development of ovarian follicles in the early stages of the menstrual cycle. FSH stimulates the granulosal cells within the follicles to proliferate and produce estrogen as the follicles develop.

During the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, FSH levels rise and promote the maturation of several ovarian follicles, supporting their growth and preparation for potential ovulation. As these follicles develop, they produce increasing amounts of estrogen, which in turn contributes to the feedback mechanisms that regulate the secretion of FSH and luteinizing hormone (LH).

Understanding the significance of FSH is essential for grasping female reproductive physiology and the complex hormonal interactions that govern the ovarian cycle. The roles of luteinizing hormone, estrogen, and progesterone, while important in their own right, are more related to different aspects of the reproductive process, such as ovulation (LH) or maintaining the luteal phase (progesterone). Therefore, it is FSH that is primarily responsible for the maturation of ovarian follicles.