Final answer:
The hormones of the female sexual cycle secreted by mature ovaries include estrogens and progesterone, which are crucial for the menstrual cycle and preparation for pregnancy. FSH and LH from the pituitary gland also play integral roles in these cycles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ovaries of the sexually mature female secrete key hormones that play a crucial role in the regulation of the menstrual cycle and in preparation of the body for pregnancy. The primary hormones involved are estrogens (estradiol, estriol, and estrone) and progesterone. These hormones are responsible for the development and maturation of the female reproductive system, regulation of the menstrual cycle, and preparation of the uterine lining for pregnancy.
FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (Luteinizing hormone), produced in the pituitary gland, orchestrate the start and progression of the ovarian cycle, leading to ovulation. During the initial stages of the ovarian cycle, FSH stimulates the development of follicles, while inhibin, released by growing follicles, regulates FSH levels to ensure a balance. After ovulation occurs, the corpus luteum, which is the remnant of the follicle, secretes high amounts of progesterone and some estradiol, further supporting the potential for pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn't occur, the levels of these hormones fall, initiating menstruation.