Final answer:
Estrogens are primarily produced in the ovaries (option A) before menopause, and in reduced amounts by the adrenal glands during menopause. During early pregnancy, the placenta also produces estrogens.
Step-by-step explanation:
Estrogens are produced primarily in the ovaries of pre-menopausal women. These hormones, which include estradiol, estriol, and estrone, are crucial for sexual development, regulation of the menstrual cycle, and many other physiological functions.
During menopause, however, the ovaries' production of estrogens diminishes significantly. At this stage, a lesser but still important amount of estrogens is produced by the adrenal glands, specifically in the zona reticularis where androgens like DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) are also produced.
In addition to the ovaries' production of estrogens, during the initial stages of pregnancy, the placenta takes over the role of producing these hormones along with progesterone to maintain the pregnancy.