Ovarian hormones include estrogen, progesterone, relaxin, and inhibin.
Functions:
1. Estrogen:
• Stimulates secondary sexual characteristic development during puberty.
• Regulates the menstrual cycle, promoting uterine lining growth.
• Maintains bone density and cardiovascular health.
2. Progesterone:
• Prepares and sustains the endometrium for potential pregnancy.
• Coordinates with estrogen for menstrual cycle regulation.
• Supports early pregnancy by preventing uterine muscle contraction.
3. Relaxin:
• Influences the female reproductive system during pregnancy.
• Aids in implantation, uterine and pelvic expansion, and inhibits contractions.
4. Inhibin:
• Regulates the production of FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) in the pituitary gland.
• Helps control the menstrual cycle and ovarian follicle development.