What hormone is produced by the ovaries?

The hormone produced by the ovaries is estrogen, which plays a crucial role in the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics. Estrogen is responsible for the growth of ovarian follicles and the thickening of the uterine lining during the menstrual cycle, making it essential for fertility and reproductive health.

While the ovaries also produce progesterone, which is important for maintaining pregnancy and regulating the menstrual cycle, estrogen remains the primary hormone associated with the ovaries in terms of overall female development and reproductive function. Other hormones listed, like testosterone and cortisol, are produced by different glands—testosterone is predominantly produced by the testes in males but is also found in females in smaller amounts, while cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands and is involved primarily in stress response and metabolism. Thus, estrogen is specifically linked to the functions and activities of the ovaries.