Which one of the following hormones is responsible for the development of female sexual characters ?

Estrogen is the primary female sex hormone responsible for the development of female secondary sexual characteristics. During puberty, estrogen triggers physical changes such as breast development, the flaring of the hips, and the regulation of the menstrual cycle. While progesterone also plays a vital role in the female reproductive system, its primary functions are assisting in endometrial regrowth and preparing the body for pregnancy rather than the initial development of sexual characteristics. Other hormones mentioned, such as prolactin and oxytocin, are primarily involved in lactation and childbirth (parturition) respectively. Estrogen is mainly produced in the ovaries and is essential for distinguishing female physical traits from male traits during the maturation process [1].

Sources

1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: How do Organisms Reproduce? > 7.3.3 (b) Female Reproductive System > p. 123