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How do ovaries contribute to female sexual development during puberty?

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Detailed cross-sectional illustration of a human ovary showing the stages of follicle development, ovulation, and corpus luteum formation, with labeled structures including primordial, primary, secondary, and mature follicles, a ruptured follicle releasing an ovum, and corpus luteum and albicans. An inset at the bottom shows the ovary's location in the female reproductive system. — ovary The steps of ovulation, beginning with a dormant primordial follicle that grows and matures and is eventually released from the ovary into the fallopian tube.

During puberty, the ovaries transition from a quiescent state to active endocrine glands, playing a critical role in female sexual development. This process is initiated by the pulsatile secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone from the hypothalamus, which stimulates the pituitary gland to release follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).12

In response to these gonadotropins, the ovaries increase their production of estrogens. These hormones are essential for:1

Development of secondary sex characteristics: Estrogens stimulate physical changes such as breast development and the rounding of the hips.13
Follicular maturation: The hormones drive the maturation of ovarian follicles, which contain immature eggs, eventually leading to the cyclic activity characteristic of adult reproductive function.142

While the ovaries primarily produce estrogens, they also secrete androgens, which serve as necessary precursors for estrogen synthesis. This hormonal activity marks the onset of a girl's reproductive life, typically occurring between the ages of 8 and 14.251