What hormone is classified as an ovarian hormone?

Progesterone is an ovarian hormone primarily produced by the corpus luteum in the ovaries following ovulation. Its main role in the menstrual cycle is to prepare the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) for potential implantation of a fertilized egg. If implantation occurs, progesterone supports early pregnancy; if not, its levels drop, leading to menstruation. This hormone is vital for regulating the menstrual cycle and maintaining early pregnancy.

Testosterone is primarily produced in the testes in males but is also present in females at lower levels; however, it is not considered an ovarian hormone. Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands and is involved in stress response and metabolism, but it is not produced by the ovaries. Prolactin, while important for lactation and breast development, is produced by the anterior pituitary gland, not the ovaries. Thus, progesterone stands out as the hormone specifically classified as an ovarian hormone, functioning primarily within the reproductive system.