Hormones of the Ovary

The ovary produces two hormones during the menstrual cycle,

estrogen and progesterone

— is produced throughout the menstrual cycle

Estrogen

estrogen is initially produced by the — during the first part of the menstrual cycle

theca internal cells of the secondary follicles

during the first part of the menstural cycle estrogen initiates the

proliferation and thickening of the endometrium by encouraging the growth and expansion of the spiral arteries and glands within the functional layer of the endometrium

Estrogen has many other important functions, such as the

regeneration of the endometrium after menses and the induction of salt and water retention

estrogen also stimulates

contractile motions within the uterine myometrium and the fallopian tubes

During the second half of the menstrual cycle, following ovulation, — is produced by the corpus luteum of the ovary

progesterone

Progesterone is responsible for —

maintaining the thickness of the endometrium and inducing its secretory activity as the endometrium prepares for the possible implantation of a pregnancy

The hypothalamus releases GnRH, which influences the —. The anterior pituitary gland produces FSH and LH, which influence the —. The ovary produces estrogen and progesterone, which influence the —

anterior pituitary gland; ovary; endometrium

Hormones of the ovary influence the endometrium