What is the primary hormone responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics in females?

• A. Testosterone
• B. Estrogen
• C. Progesterone
• D. Luteinizing hormone

Answer: (B)

The primary hormone responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics in females is estrogen. Estrogen plays a crucial role in the development of breast tissue, the regulation of the menstrual cycle, and the overall maintenance of female reproductive health. It is essential for the development of characteristics such as wider hips, breast development, and the distribution of body fat that is characteristic of females during puberty.

Testosterone, while often associated with male secondary sexual characteristics, is also present in females but in much lower amounts. It does contribute to some aspects of the female physiology but is not the primary hormone involved in the development of female secondary sexual characteristics.

Progesterone functions mainly in the regulation of the menstrual cycle and maintaining pregnancy, rather than in the establishment of physical traits associated with secondary sexual characteristics.

Luteinizing hormone is important in regulating the menstrual cycle and ovulation but does not directly cause the development of secondary sexual characteristics. Therefore, estrogen stands out as the hormone that primarily drives these changes in female physiology during puberty.