During menstrual cycle the hormone responsible for ovulation is:

The correct answer is Option (2) → Luteinizing hormone

During the menstrual cycle, LH and FSH rise slowly in the follicular phase. Both reach a peak in the middle of the cycle, about the 14th day. The rapid rise of LH to its maximum is called the LH surge. It makes the Graafian follicle burst and release the ovum. This is ovulation.

(1) Follicle stimulating hormone — Incorrect. FSH makes the follicle grow, but it is the LH surge that causes the follicle to rupture.

(2) Luteinizing hormone — Correct. Luteinizing hormone is LH, a gonadotropin of the anterior pituitary. The LH surge causes ovulation. After this, LH also turns the empty follicle into the corpus luteum.

(3) Cortisol — Incorrect. It is an adrenal hormone and does not control ovulation.

(4) Relaxin — Incorrect. It is made by the ovary only in the later phase of pregnancy.

NCERT Extract:
Menstrual Cycle – “… The secretion of gonadotropins (LH and FSH) increases gradually during the follicular phase, and stimulates follicular development as well as secretion of estrogens by the growing follicles. Both LH and FSH attain a peak level in the middle of cycle (about 14th day). Rapid secretion of LH leading to its maximum level during the mid-cycle called LH surge induces rupture of Graafian follicle and thereby the release of ovum (ovulation).”