What hormones do the ovaries produce?

The ovaries play a crucial role in the female reproductive system by producing key hormones that regulate various bodily functions. Among these hormones, estrogen and progesterone are the primary ones produced by the ovaries.

Estrogen is essential for the development of female secondary sexual characteristics, regulation of the menstrual cycle, and maintaining pregnancy. It contributes to the thickening of the endometrium during the menstrual cycle, preparing the uterus for potential implantation of a fertilized egg.

Progesterone is primarily involved in preparing the uterus for an embryo after ovulation. It maintains the endometrial lining, ensuring it is suitable for implantation, and helps sustain early pregnancy if fertilization occurs. Additionally, progesterone plays a role in regulating the menstrual cycle alongside estrogen.

The other hormone options listed are produced by different glands or serve different functions. For instance, insulin and glucagon are produced by the pancreas and are crucial for glucose metabolism, while adrenaline and cortisol are hormones secreted by the adrenal glands, mainly involved in the body’s stress response. Testosterone, although present in females, is primarily produced by the ovaries in smaller amounts and is not the dominant hormone associated with ovarian function. Therefore, estrogen and progesterone are directly linked to the functions and roles of the