Which hormone is essential in both male and female reproduction?

• A. Luteinizing Hormone
• B. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone
• C. Prolactin
• D. Oxytocin

Answer: (A)

Luteinizing hormone is essential because it drives the two pivotal events that enable reproduction in both sexes. In males, LH stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone, which supports sperm production and the development of male characteristics. In females, LH triggers ovulation and promotes the formation and function of the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone to maintain the luteal phase and potential pregnancy. This shared role—producing testosterone in men and initiating ovulation plus progesterone support in women—makes LH the key hormone for reproduction across both sexes. Prolactin, oxytocin, and follicle-stimulating hormone have important reproductive or lactation roles, but they do not coordinate the essential events of ovulation and testosterone-driven spermatogenesis in both genders.