Q.After ovulation, the ruptured follicle in ovary is converted to a structure called ______.

Ovary Hormones: Estrogen and Progesterone

Think of the ovary as a chemical factory that runs on a monthly schedule. Its two main products — estrogen and progesterone — are the hormones that build and then maintain the female reproductive system, much like a construction crew that first builds a house and then keeps it ready for occupancy.

The Intuition: Builder vs. Caretaker

Estrogen is the builder hormone. During the first half of the menstrual cycle (the follicular phase), estrogen levels rise and do the following:

• Rebuild the uterine lining (endometrium) that was shed during menstruation
• Develop and maintain female secondary sexual characters at puberty — breast growth, widening of hips, fat distribution, and voice modulation
• Thicken the vaginal lining and make cervical mucus thin and watery (to help sperm swim)

Progesterone is the caretaker hormone. After ovulation, the ruptured follicle turns into the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone. Its job is to:

• Stabilise and thicken the endometrium so it can support a possible pregnancy
• Make cervical mucus thick and sticky (to block further sperm entry)
• Suppress uterine contractions so the embryo isn't expelled
• Raise basal body temperature slightly

If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates, progesterone and estrogen levels drop sharply, and the uterine lining sheds — that is menstruation.

The Precise Statement

The ovaries secrete two principal steroid hormones:

Estrogen is produced by the developing ovarian follicle (specifically the granulosa and theca interna cells). It is responsible for:

• Growth and maturation of the female reproductive tract (uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, vagina)
• Development of secondary sexual characters at puberty
• Proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle (days 6–14): rebuilding the endometrium
• Positive feedback on LH secretion that triggers ovulation (at high concentration)

Progesterone is produced primarily by the corpus luteum after ovulation. It is responsible for:

• Secretory phase of the menstrual cycle (days 15–28): making the endometrium secretory and vascular
• Maintaining pregnancy if implantation occurs
• Inhibiting LH and FSH secretion (negative feedback) to prevent further ovulation during pregnancy …