Question

Which among the following hormones is produced in females only during pregnancy?

• A. Estrogen
• B. Progesterone
• C. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
• D. All of these

Answer 1

The correct option is C Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

Estrogen hormone is secreted by the follicles of the ovary.
Progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum of the ovary.
Both estrogen and progesterone are produced by the females after the attainment of puberty and this continues all through her reproductive phase.

Estrogen plays a vital role in the development of secondary sexual characters in females and also oogenesis.
Progesterone maintains endometrium of the uterus.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is secreted by the placenta. Placenta is the organ that connects the growing foetus with the uterine wall of the mother. Hence hCG is produced only during pregnancy as placenta is formed only when the female is pregnant.
Placenta provides nourishment, helps in respiration and excretion. Apart from this it is an endocrine tissue that produces hormones like hCG, hPL, estrogen and progesterone.

Hence from the options given, the hormone produced only during pregnancy is hCG.