estrogen

[es-truh-juh n] /ˈɛs trə dʒən/

noun, Biochemistry

any of several major female sex hormones produced primarily by the ovarian follicles of female mammals, capable of inducing estrus, developing and maintaining secondary female sex characteristics, and preparing the uterus for the reception of a fertilized egg: used, especially in synthetic form, as a component of oral contraceptives, in certain cancer treatments, and in other therapies.

Origin

1925-30; estr(us) + -o- + -gen

Related forms

antiestrogen, noun

Examples from the web for estrogen

There is a high level of variability and differential ratios in levels of estrogen and progesterones in birth control pills.
But it's going to do some things that estrogen doesn't do.
We got word this week that estrogen therapy, which was bad, is good again.
Such effects are more pronounced in females than males, as males start out with estrogen but lose the hormone as they develop.
The estrogen patch saved my sanity and returned my life to normal.
It is well known that the hormones estrogen and testosterone, produced in the ovaries and testes, help to regulate bone growth.
Since estrogen by itself can also increase the chance of uterine cancer, many doctors have switched their.
After treatment and an increase in weight, estrogen levels are usually restored and periods resume.
For decades, the standard therapy for hot flashes has been the hormone estrogen.
estrogen and progesterone start out at their lowest levels.

British Dictionary definitions for estrogen

estrogen

/ˈɛstrədʒən; ˈiːstrə-/

noun

the usual US spelling of oestrogen

Derived Forms

estrogenic (ˌɛstrəˈdʒɛnɪk; ˌiːstrə-) adjective
estrogenically, adverb

oestrogen

/ˈiːstrədʒən; ˈɛstrə-/

noun

any of several steroid hormones, that are secreted chiefly by the ovaries and placenta, that induce oestrus, stimulate changes in the female reproductive organs during the oestrous cycle, and promote development of female secondary sexual characteristics

Derived Forms

oestrogenic (ˌiːstrəˈdʒɛnɪk; ˌɛstrə-), (US) estrogenic (ˌɛstrəˈdʒɛnɪk; ˌiːstrə-) adjective
oestrogenically, (US) estrogenically, adverb

Word Origin

C20: from oestrus + -gen

Word Origin and History for estrogen

coined 1927 from estrus + -gen. So called for the hormone's ability to produce estrus.

estrogen in Medicine

estrogen es·tro·gen or oes·tro·gen (ěs'trə-jən)
n.
Any of several natural or synthetic substances formed by the ovary, placenta, testis, and certain plants, that stimulate the female secondary sex characteristics, exert systemic effects such as the growth and maturation of long bones, and are used to treat disorders due to estrogen deficiency and to ameliorate cancers of the breast and prostate. Also called estrin.

estrogen in Science

estrogen

(ěs'trə-jən)
Any of a group of steroid hormones that primarily regulate the growth, development, and function of the female reproductive system. The main sources of estrogen in the body are the ovaries and the placenta. Estrogen-like compounds are also formed by certain plants.

estrogen in Culture

estrogen [(es-truh-juhn)]

A group of hormones, secreted mainly by the ovaries, that influence the female reproductive system in many ways, notably in preparing the body for ovulation and in the development of female secondary sex characteristics.