estrogen

/ˈɛstrədʒən/

/ˈɛstʃrədʒɪn/

Other forms: estrogens

Estrogen is a hormone that occurs naturally in humans and is also used in medications and treatments. Men and women both have a balance of estrogen and testosterone.

People who are biologically female, with XX chromosomes, typically have a high level of estrogen and a lower level of testosterone once they reach puberty. It's the opposite in biological males. These sex hormones are responsible for the physical changes associated with the reproductive system. Estrogen is used in medications and therapeutic treatments too.

Definitions of estrogen

1. noun

   a general term for female steroid sex hormones that are secreted by the ovary and responsible for typical female sexual characteristics
   synonyms: oestrogen

   types:

   DES, diethylstilbestrol, diethylstilboestrol, stilbestrol, stilboestrol

   a potent estrogen used in medicine and in feed for livestock and poultry

   estradiol, oestradiol

   the most powerful female hormone that occurs naturally; synthesized and used to treat estrogen deficiency and breast cancer

   estriol, oestriol

   a naturally occurring estrogenic hormone; a synthetic form is used to treat estrogen deficiency

   Estronol, estrone, oestrone, theelin

   a naturally occurring weak estrogenic hormone secreted by the mammalian ovary; synthesized (trade name Estronol) and used to treat estrogen deficiency

   hexestrol

   estrogen compound used to treat menstrual irregularities and menopausal symptoms and to prevent pregnancy

   mestranol

   a synthetic form of estrogen used in combination with a progestin in oral contraceptives

   type of:

   sex hormone, steroid, steroid hormone

   any hormone affecting the development and growth of sex organs