Which hormones are produced by the ovaries during the menstrual cycle?

During the menstrual cycle, the ovaries function as endocrine glands, producing several key hormones that regulate reproductive processes.1

The primary hormones produced by the ovaries include:

• Estrogens: These are the major ovarian hormones, specifically estradiol and estrone. During the follicular phase, maturing follicles secrete increasing amounts of estradiol.21
• Progesterone: Produced in small amounts before ovulation, the corpus luteum secretes large quantities of progesterone during the luteal phase to prepare the uterus for potential pregnancy.21
• Androgens: Interstitial cells within the ovary, particularly those in the theca, produce androgens, which serve as precursors that are converted into estrogens within the granulosa cells.2

These hormonal fluctuations are essential for follicular development, the timing of ovulation, and the preparation of the uterine lining. When fertilization does not occur, the decline in estrogen and progesterone levels triggers the shedding of the endometrium, known as menstruation.21