Final answer:
FSH, produced by the pituitary gland, is responsible for egg cell maturation, and together with LH, stimulated by GnRH, leads to the production of estrogens, which are crucial for the maturation of the female reproductive system during puberty.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hormone that stimulates the maturation of the female reproductive system is follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), alongside luteinizing hormone (LH). Both hormones are produced by the pituitary gland and are critical for female reproductive health. FSH is specifically responsible for the maturation of egg cells (ova) within the ovarian follicles. Meanwhile, LH plays a role in ovulation as well as in the production of the sex hormones estrogens and progesterone, which contribute to the regulation of the menstrual cycle and the development of secondary sexual characteristics.
During puberty, these pituitary hormones are prompted by the hypothalamic hormone gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) to stimulate the ovaries to produce increasing levels of estrogens. Estrogens, such as estradiol, support the growth and maturation of the female's internal reproductive organs, breasts, and pubic hair, marking the development of the reproductive system from its immature state to full functionality.