During the follicular phase (first half of female cycle), follicles in the ovary begin developing under the<u> influence of </u><u>FSH.</u> <em>The follicle that acquires more FSH receptors will become </em><em>dominant</em> and will produce more estrogen and inhibin hormone than the others. Inhibin will reduce FSH level and as a result the other follicles will fail to keep growing. At this stage the dominant follicle will become FSH independent.
Estrogen produced by the dominant follicle will stimulate LH secretion. After approximately 24-36 hours from when LH reaches its peak level, the dominant follicle releases an ovocyte. <em>This event is called ovulation.</em>
