Which of the following hormones are active during the ovulatory phase of menstrual cycle in a normal human female ?

The correct options are FSH and LH, LH and Estrogen, and FSH and Estrogen.

To understand why these hormone pairs are active during the ovulatory phase of the human menstrual cycle, let us look at the hormonal changes that occur during this phase:
1. Estrogen: Prior to ovulation (around day 14 of a standard 28-day cycle), the rapidly growing ovarian follicles secrete increasing amounts of estrogen. The concentration of estrogen peaks just before ovulation, which triggers a positive feedback loop on the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.
2. Luteinizing Hormone (LH): The high level of estrogen stimulates a rapid, massive release of LH from the anterior pituitary gland, a phenomenon known as the LH surge. This surge is the direct trigger that causes the mature Graafian follicle to rupture and release the ovum (ovulation).
3. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Concurrently with the LH surge, there is also a prominent peak in FSH levels, assisting in follicular maturation and ovulation.

Thus, during the ovulatory phase, FSH, LH, and Estrogen are all highly active and present in elevated levels in the bloodstream. Consequently, pairings of these hormones (FSH and LH, LH and Estrogen, and FSH and Estrogen) are all active during this period.

In contrast, Progesterone levels remain very low during ovulation. Progesterone is only secreted in large amounts during the subsequent luteal phase by the corpus luteum to prepare the uterine lining for potential implantation. Therefore, any option containing progesterone is not active in the ovulatory phase.