Which hormone is primarily produced by the ovaries?

Estrogen is the primary hormone produced by the ovaries and plays a crucial role in the female reproductive system. It is responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast development and menstrual cycle regulation. During the menstrual cycle, estrogen levels fluctuate, contributing significantly to the growth and maintenance of the uterine lining in preparation for potential pregnancy.

Although the ovaries also produce progesterone, which is important for maintaining pregnancy, estrogen has a broader range of effects on various body systems and is often considered the primary female sex hormone. Testosterone, on the other hand, is primarily produced in the testes in males, and epinephrine is produced by the adrenal glands, making them less relevant to the question about ovarian hormone production.