In females, FSH primarily stimulates which processes?

• A. Follicular development and estrogen production
• B. Ovulation and progesterone production
• C. Spermatogenesis and testosterone production
• D. Luteinization and testosterone production

Answer: (A)

FSH primarily drives growth of ovarian follicles and estrogen production in females. It binds to receptors on granulosa cells of developing follicles, stimulating their proliferation and function. This includes increasing aromatase activity, which converts androgens from the theca cells into estrogens, mainly estradiol. The rising estrogen supports follicular maturation and prepares the endometrium, while also providing feedback to regulate FSH and LH release. Ovulation and progesterone production are governed mainly by LH and the corpus luteum, not by FSH. Sperm development and testosterone production are male-associated processes, so they don’t reflect FSH’s primary female role.