Which hormone is primarily responsible for the development of the endometrium?

The hormone primarily responsible for the development of the endometrium is progesterone. After ovulation, progesterone is released from the corpus luteum, which forms in the ovary. This hormone plays a crucial role in preparing the endometrium, the inner lining of the uterus, for potential implantation of a fertilized egg.

Progesterone acts to thicken the endometrium and creates a nutrient-rich environment, essential for supporting an early pregnancy if fertilization occurs. It also helps to maintain the endometrial lining throughout the early stages of pregnancy by inhibiting further ovulation and menstruation.

In contrast, other hormones, such as estrogen, do play significant roles during the menstrual cycle, but they are primarily involved in the initial growth and proliferation of the endometrium during the follicular phase. Post-ovulation, it is progesterone that ultimately maintains and supports the endometrial environment necessary for implantation and early pregnancy.