What are the primary functions of the hormones that the ovaries produce?

What are the primary functions of the hormones that the ovaries produce?

• A. Sexual behavior and maintenance of pregnancy.
• B. To give a deeper voice and more defined muscles.
• C. To maintain weight and pregnancy.
• D. To give secondary male characteristics and maintain weight gain.

Answer: (A)

Ovarian hormones—estrogen and progesterone—chiefly regulate reproductive functions. They promote the development of female reproductive organs and secondary sexual characteristics, regulate the menstrual (or estrous) cycle, and prepare the uterus for implantation while supporting pregnancy. Estrogen can influence sexual receptivity or behavior in many species, and progesterone is essential for maintaining pregnancy once it occurs. The other options describe effects driven by male hormones or general weight regulation, not the primary roles of ovarian hormones. So describing sexual behavior and maintenance of pregnancy best captures what the ovaries’ hormones do.

Ovarian hormones—estrogen and progesterone—chiefly regulate reproductive functions. They promote the development of female reproductive organs and secondary sexual characteristics, regulate the menstrual (or estrous) cycle, and prepare the uterus for implantation while supporting pregnancy. Estrogen can influence sexual receptivity or behavior in many species, and progesterone is essential for maintaining pregnancy once it occurs. The other options describe effects driven by male hormones or general weight regulation, not the primary roles of ovarian hormones. So describing sexual behavior and maintenance of pregnancy best captures what the ovaries’ hormones do.