Which of the Following is the Stimulus for the Secretion

Question

Which of the following is the stimulus for the secretion of FSH and LH in the female?
A) Elevated plasma levels of androgens
B) Low plasma levels of estrogen and progesterone
C) Elevated ovarian hormones
D) Increased plasma levels of hCG

Accepted Answer

Low levels of estrogen and progesterone (due to low activity of the ovaries) stimulate the hypothalamus to release gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which in turn stimulates the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from the anterior pituitary gland. This starts the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.