estrogen

American  

[es-truh-juhn] / ˈɛs trə dʒən /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. any of several major sex hormones produced primarily by the ovarian follicles of 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.

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estrogen British  

/ ˌɛstrəˈdʒɛnɪk, ˈɛstrədʒən, ˌiːstrə-, ˈiːstrə- /

noun

1. the usual US spelling of oestrogen

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estrogen Scientific  

/ ĕs′trə-jən /

1. 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.

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estrogen Cultural  

1. 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.

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Other Word Forms

• antiestrogen noun
• estrogenic adjective
• estrogenically adverb

Etymology

Origin of estrogen

First recorded in 1925–30; estr(us) + -o- + -gen

Example Sentences

New research suggests this expansion may be partly influenced by levels of estrogen before birth, with an unexpected indicator found in the length of our fingers.

From Science Daily

The demand for medical patches that deliver steady doses of estrogen is soaring as women of a certain age seek relief from symptoms of menopause and perimenopause.

From The Wall Street Journal

One of the biggest preventable risk factors for endometrial cancer is being overweight or obese, since excess body fat increases levels of estrogen – a hormone that can stimulate cancer cell growth.

From Science Daily

Hamilton points to research on female athletes that found higher rates of ligament injuries at certain points in the cycle, likely linked to estrogen’s effects on connective tissue.

From Los Angeles Times

He said she “received puberty-delaying medication and gender-affirming estrogen that allowed her to undergo a hormonal puberty typical of a girl.”

From Los Angeles Times