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How do the hypothalamus and pituitary gland control the ovaries?

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Diagram of the menstrual cycle showing hormone levels, follicle development, and endometrial changes across 28 days. It highlights menstruation, ovulation, and the follicular and luteal phases, with labeled curves for estrogen, progesterone, FSH, and LH. — menstruation Cyclical changes during a woman's normal ovulatory menstrual cycle.

The hypothalamus and pituitary gland regulate the ovaries through a complex, cyclical feedback system known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.12

Hypothalamic Control: The hypothalamus initiates the process by secreting pulses of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). This pulsatile secretion is essential for activating the pituitary gland.13
Pituitary Response: In response to GnRH, the pituitary gland releases two primary gonadotropins: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).41
Ovarian Regulation: These hormones travel to the ovaries to control follicular development and ovulation. FSH promotes the growth of ovarian follicles, while LH triggers ovulation and the subsequent formation of the corpus luteum.4215
Feedback Loop: The ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone, which exert feedback on the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. This interaction regulates the levels of FSH and LH, ensuring the cycle continues or is suppressed as needed.12