Which hormone is known to cause mature follicles to rupture in females?

Luteinising hormone (LH) plays a critical role in the reproductive system of females, particularly during the menstrual cycle. This hormone is responsible for triggering the final maturation of ovarian follicles and the subsequent release of an egg, a process known as ovulation. When the levels of LH surge, it leads to the rupture of mature follicles, allowing the ovum to be released into the fallopian tube.

This function is part of a complex hormonal interplay that also involves follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and oestrogen, but it is specifically LH that initiates the ovulatory phase of the cycle. Understanding the unique role of LH helps clarify its significance in reproductive health and the menstrual cycle.